Selene Messinis: “Each ISM tune can be a journey in many different worlds all at once”

We all composed three tunes each for the album, having the other members in mind. There are a lot of different moods because we have different compositional styles. Maddie writes a lot of quirky, frantic compositions, still heavily rhythmically driven, with lots of space for free improvisation and Isaac would write more traditional jazz tunes with beautiful melodies. I care so much about rhythm and keeping time and groove, that in my compositions theres usually a lot of business in rhythmic patterns and ideas with very simple melodies.

Tamara Kuldin: ‘I love being a storyteller!’

” I think my stage persona is just a more magnified version of myself. It’s important for me that the audience feel connected and involved. I don’t just want to sing ‘at’ them. I like having a bit of a chat…and yes, sometimes the chatter does get a little cheeky, but I don’t think the audience mind! If the audience are at ease, relaxed and happy…then so am I! It’s also about the songs. Each song has a story…I love being the storyteller.”

ade ishs & Chelsea Allen: “The ishs/ Allen Project are recording the kind of music that makes people happy”

“Performance aspects aside, this album will definitely seek to explore some different compositional structures. ade and I have toyed with – and talked about – the idea of through-composed work and song forms that aren’t of the typical “head-solo-head” structure. Those elements are now coming out in our co-writing, certainly.”

Sean Foran: “In the studio recording for ‘Frame of Reference’ we played the whole thing completely live”

“I recorded ‘Frame of Reference’ in London over two days with the band coming together for the first time at the session. I’d never really worked in that way before, so it certainly brought some new pressures to the whole thing, but also gave the recording a great intensity and focus.”

Adrian Jackson: “We continue to take risks at Wangaratta”

“I feel lucky to have wandered into the position of doing a job that I enjoy and find rewarding, and to do it for so many years. The highlight has probably been having the chance to work with so many musicians who I hold in such high regard ; to propose or develop projects with them ; and then to see it all come together onstage, to be met with such generous approval by the audience.”