Start Listening To: Folk Bitch Trio
A raw and unfiltered dive into the world of Folk Bitch Trio.
Folk Bitch Trio are your new favourite band from Melbourne, Australia. Known for their raw, unfiltered approach to music and a band name that reflects their unapologetic spirit. Their latest single, "God's A Different Sword," showcases their gorgeous harmonies and deep connection to their local environment. In this candid Q&A, we delve into the origins of their music, the evolution of their collaboration, and what it’s like to share stages with iconic acts. They also reflect on the influences that shape their sound, the creative process behind their harmonies, and the exciting new projects on the horizon.
For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
We are Folk Bitch Trio, we are from Naarm/Melbourne, Australia and the music we make is a little bit folk, a tiny bit alt-indie-rock, confessional, three part harmony.
Your name, Folk Bitch Trio, is certainly attention-grabbing. Can you tell us the story behind it and how it reflects your music and personalities?
I suppose the story is kind of that there isn’t a story, it just names the thing it is, it is quite stupid and unserious and encapsulates the nature of the project because we as three people are a lot like that too. We never sat down and shopped a band name, nor a plan, the music is the important thing and the name just came with it.
We love your new single "God's A Different Sword" can you tell us more about how this song was produced?
Thank you for loving it! This song was produced by us and Tom Healy, on tape. We really wanted to capture an optimistic life affirming vibe. I guess it was produced with a focus on making it sound like us, which feels like what we achieved.
The video for "God's A Different Sword" captures moments from your hometown of Naarm/Melbourne. How important is your local environment to your creative process?
Very! All our songs and creative ideas more or less are born within like a 1km radius of the suburb Northcote. Our home is very dear to us, we always speak of High St, Northcote no matter where we are in the world. It’s just like that Joni Mitchell quote about how being a songwriter is like being a bee collecting pollen, it feels like going on tour and being away from your home is inspiring, but once you get back and sit down that’s where creativity manifests.
You've mentioned that your collaboration began somewhat unseriously between friends. How has your dynamic evolved as you've moved from casual collaboration to sharing stages with acts like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard?
It’s pretty insane, we have certainly had to step up a bit in terms of how seriously we take this. We mention a lot how we didn’t really have a plan and that is very true, we are just three friends who enjoy singing together. But to have the music embraced enough to allow us to do the things we’ve done so far has been a real surreal honour and so special to share it with each other.
Phoebe Bridgers described your sound as "Boygenius if it was from the 40's or something." How do you feel about that comparison, and what influences shape your music?
Still remember when this triple j article came out, it was a really crazy moment. To have someone as idolised in the Indie world as Phoebe say this was very special. Our influences are definitely all over the place, and at times unhinged, but we love Wilco, Gillian Welch, Neil Young, Lucinda Williams and Aldous Harding. The list goes on…
Your harmonies and songwriting have been praised for their sensitivity and thoughtfulness. How do you approach the process of writing and arranging your songs as a trio?
The approach usually involves us, at home, singing until something feels right and falls into place. We have started collaborating more on the writing contributions to each other's songs, but it’s also still a special thing that we have 3 separate songwriting voices, and that often the songs are written individually and then when we arrange them together they take on a whole new meaning.
"God’s A Different Sword" was produced during a quick stop in Auckland while supporting Ben Howard. How does being on the road influence your songwriting and recording processes?
Being on the road can be really inspiring, you often have so much time to think and you’re seeing new things. Recording away from home is always really fun too, the idea of taking a song far away from where it was born and recording it always gives it new life and makes it feel like a real song.
With your world tour, you’ll be playing everywhere from intimate venues to large festivals. How do you adapt your performances to different types of audiences and spaces?
Honestly, the show is always pretty similar. I suppose sometimes we’re vastly more comfortable, and so our banter might be more unhinged, but more or less we want it to always be the same thing, and try to create the same level of intimacy no matter where we’re playing. It’s always funny and a bit weird when we’re on a huge stage and really far apart from each other. It’s always comforting when we’re so close together we almost hit each other with our guitars.
Your collaboration with Tom Healy on the new single seems to have brought something special to the track. What was it like working with him, and how did he influence the final product?
Working with Tom was very special! He’s a really skilled musician and producer and brings real consideration, curiosity and fun to the studio. He worked with us really carefully to understand what we wanted from the song, how we wanted it to sound. He definitely helped us create the life affirming vibe we wanted to capture with the single.
What do you love right now?
Loving the early spring weather of Melbourne, going to the pub with our friends, the new MJ Lendermen singles, the new Clairo album, the fast approaching tour we’re about to go on!
What do you hate right now?
Hating the cost of living, inflation making a coffee like $7, our collective FOMO for not being at Joni Mitchell at the Hollywood Bowl in October…
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?
Soul Journey by Gillian Welch will always feel like being a kid, but understanding the songs as an adult is special. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic by The Sundays was a huge growing up. It’s such a classic feel-good 90s album that is a necessary springtime listen.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Folk Bitch Trio in the next year? Are there any new projects or directions you’re particularly excited about?
There is so much to be excited about. We are always embarking on new endeavours. The music we are set to release in the coming year we are quite proud of, so we’re very excited for what’s to come. You simply must not take your eyes off us.
