Musician Harry Thynne Reflects on The Last Few Years and his Upcoming Projects
We recently caught up with Aussie musician Harry Thynne, to find out what he has been up to over the last few years and the latest projects he is working on. Here is what he had to say:
Hi Harry, how has everything been going for you since we last spoke?
Well, the world is bouncing back! I mean, some parts are moving faster than others, but it’s been a pretty big relief to see that, despite all the uncertainty. People are really pushing to steer the ship in a positive direction. In my world I’d say that the touring side of things has been slower to pick up in the same way. Certainly, the top dogs like Live Nation are still pushing hard, but for many mid-teer venues and artists it’s been harder to find the footing.
There’s been a much greater focus put back into creating the art again. Lots of studio work — which I love too. I’ve also been spending a little more time working in Australia with other artists there, which has been a change since the pandemic kind of petered out. I have also been really blessed to see the number of artists and producers I’ve been working with in the US grow massively. One of the good fortunes of drummers is that we’re in shorter supply compared to other musicians. My focus is always with America. It’s been where the lion’s share of my work has been done and released, and I consider it my creative home in so many ways.
Have you been playing many shows in LA/Australia?
I’m always performing in some capacity. Local shows and touring in California is always a breadwinner. Australia is little different because of the sheer size of the place combined with the small population relative to The States. Basically, touring is a harder prospect there given the huge distances between shows and smaller population centers. But folks still love live music and roll up. In LA, I have seen a general shift in nightlife since 2022.
Obviously coming out of rough years of the pandemic changed people and changed their habits too. A general wariness and a sort of silent malaise is around. I hadn’t seen that before. That said there are always exceptions. We did an amazing show in Venice with Andy Clockwise in front of about two thousand people, and everyone was all about it. It was a real joy to see life back in the crowds again. Playing out in the desert was interesting at that time too. A lot of the more regional crowds in isolated areas just kinda hunkered down but really turned it up when we would roll into town.
What are your plans for the new year, music wise?
This year I have three new-ish projects I’m working on. One involving a great artist who is also quite an acclaimed actor. I’m not really able to go into too many details about that at this stage for legal reasons I think? It’s a different pace when a huge production studio like AMC is in the mix. But it’s been a long haul compositional work which I hope to bring to light in the new year. I am also really proud of some work I’ve done with August Brown, who is most notable for his Music Journalism with the LA times. But he’s an amazing artist in his own right and he has a debut release coming up which we are all stoked about.
I also have my own project with another great Drummer — Joe Gould. He is most known for his work with The Crooked Fiddle band whose work is produced by the late Steve Albini (Nirvana, PJ Harvey, The Pixies). We have literally dozens of sessions we are working into a new release which I’m very excited about. Otherwise, I am just excited for more work in the studio with the various producers and artists old and new that I’ve been working with. There’s a lot of great music coming up for sure.
Is there a project you would love to work on that you’ve always wanted to explore?
I’ve really enjoyed composing for film. And I think I’d like to explore more in that world. There are tons of creators making videos online now with the explosion of AI tools. There really is so much going on and often times the music/sound design can seem like an afterthought. I’d really like to see what I could do in the mew space.
What are some of the artists/music you’ve been listening to lately?
Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats — Nell’ Ora Blu
https://open.spotify.com/album/4mMJ2XtEqZLSkfQ0eiFTsr?si=THU8br64R6yb-ksO4BMR3Q
I got into this group a couple years back and it’s been great to hear how their sound has evolved. I really loved the more celtic approach to this album.
Chappell Roan — Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess/GoodLuck Babe
I feel like it would have been impossible to get through 2024 without connecting with Chappel Roan at some point. I have always had a soft spot for good pop music. Elegance in simplicity is impressive to me. And I really enjoyed her work a lot.
P.H.F — Naturalised in Violence
https://open.spotify.com/album/2hGDEPgLbX5TBwxRsgex1r?si=9v8TYszOSxKNhcG6eglZ-A
I am a relatively late arrival to this Kiwi’s work but it’s just so great. Every album before their latest is awesome too. I strongly recommend it all.
Health — Selected Works/Rat Wars
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FfjnGXMhxSsJTuGLWBDth?si=hxX_dTLVTPSDiiPAzwq8TQ
Been a fan (and I’m lucky to say a mate) of these guys for years. Got to see them on tour this year and catch up after the show. They’re so awesome live. Health are one of those niche acts that everyone also kinda knows somehow and loves in some weird way. They deliver every time. I always find inspiration from their music.
What do you like to do in your down time to stay sane in a challenging industry like music?
Sleep and Gym. Painting and Cooking.
What is your best piece of advice for up-and-coming artists/musicians that you have learned over the years?
Stay Sane. And by “Sane” I mean YOUR definition of “Sane”. Everything is always in flux and if you give yourself a reason to give up in the face of all the uncertainty, it will drive you crazy. If you focus on the challenges and cynicism that can come with them, it will drive you crazy. So stay sane — focus on what you make. What you can control. That will keep your head set toward what actually makes you happy. Forget Social Media and fake expectations. The whole path is designed to knock you off course. So stay sane at all costs and keep going. Small increments are not backward steps even if they feel like it sometimes.
