6There’s often a lot of vague confusion when you mention THE DEVOTED FEW. The name is familiar, you’re sure you’ve heard at least one of their songs on the radio but you’re just not sure which one... It’s hard to keep up because there are always so many new kids on the block. Occasionally there are standouts from the crowd that hit the big time quickly, but then there are the bands who plug away on the Australian airwaves for years, slowly revealing their lasting talent.
The Devoted Few are no newcomers to the game. With four years since their last album release, Baby, You’re a Vampire is the latest offering, with most songs from the album being written while frontman Ben Fletcher was on tour with another lovely Australian artist, Sarah Blasko. “There’s a lot of waiting around when you’re on tour and a lot of instruments around so it just happened over time,” explains Fletcher.
In 2005 the band firmly cemented themselves on the scene with the release of their hit Sleep Less on the Schematic Tracks EP, with other Australian artists remixing their tracks. The band took a different route with this album from previous releases and decided to produce independently. The results are clear with Baby... confirming the sextuplet’s talent, brimming with brooding lyrics and melodies to drown your ears with delicate intricacies. “We wanted to own the album because we’d seen a bunch of other bands do the same thing and it seemed to be really productive,” Fletcher reveals. “Because we owned it we could do whatever we wanted with it and take as long as we liked. It made for a better product because we were happy.”
“There’s less and less opportunity for a band to just release an album and expect sales,” Fletcher concedes. “Having the radio play we did with the last album and even this one has helped a lot with touring. If you don’t have triple j supporting you, you’re in a lot of trouble. I’m waiting for the day that we make an album and say it’s not for them.”
And what is it like writing an album for a six-piece band? “I write and produce for the band, so it comes from one place, but it never ends up that way. [The other members] take the demos and turn them into songs. It’s very collaborative in that way.” Touring with so many people and equipment sounds as though it would require some serious negotiating. “It can be a bit cramped. Last time we were in Canberra we played at Transit Bar and the stage was pretty small... I had to play my guitar in a straight upright position the whole set just so I didn’t hit anyone.” This time they’re touring with Canadian lasses Pony Up! before settling down to prepare for a nationwide tour. Be sure to keep an ear out for an album you won’t regret listening to, and a band you’re sure to be hearing a lot more from in the future.
The ANU Bar will play host to The Devoted Few and Pony Up! on Wednesday June 17. Doors open at 8:30pm. Tickets through Ticketek.
