I’ve written before how enamored I am with Australian group Hiatus Kaiyote, and when the opportunity came up to have them in the studio I jumped at the chance. Due to the fact that the fundraiser was still ongoing and we couldn’t use our usual performance space, we weren’t able to accommodate all the usual audio requirements, but that actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 
Since they knew ahead of time that they wouldn’t be able to present their “usual” sound, the band worked out a more stripped down performance style, that according to them, was the first time they were playing like this. The group performed 4 songs, 3 of which, “Mobius Streak,” “Malika,” and “Lace Skull” are featured on their EP Tawk Tomahawk, as well as a song that is as of yet unreleased, “Borderline With My Atoms.” This stripped down approach produces a very different sound than fans might be used to but as singer/guitarist Nai Palm mentions in the interview it allows you to hear the music in a different light and take note of elements in the songs that you might not have noticed with the full production (It was only after I mixing together everything later that I realized I missed an opportunity to talk to Nai about the influence of Jeff Buckley on her singing style, something that really comes through on the performance of “Lace Skull” here that I hadn’t picked up on originally). In the interview we talk about how the group came together, how they feel about their sound and the reception they’ve gotten back home in Australia and worldwide, and they provide some insights into their processes of making music, a bit of background to their song “Nakamarra” and also discuss the work that is yet to come. Big thanks go out to Angela Barkan, Scott Barkham and Brian Kelly for their help getting everything together behind the scenes, as well as Mark Maxwell of KPFK for the splendid sound. Wherever you are, if you get the chance to see Hiatus Kaiyote, don’t sleep on it, there is some serious talent on display here and we were lucky to have them in and honor us with this unique performance.