Sure we’ve heard about you before, but we think it’s time for Tone Deaf to get to know you a little better. Slip in to something comfortable while we put on some music, pour us a couple of drinks and turn the lights down low. So, tell us about yourselves…Who are you – who who? We really wanna know….
Who are you and what do you do in your act?
I am Caitlin Park. I write the songs, arrange them, record them and produce them. When the songs are played live – I sing the songs and play guitars with loop pedals and sample pads.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
I guess my parents’ record collection was my very early lesson in songwriting – and probably for many other songwriters also. People and bands like Neil Young’s Harvest, Paul Simon’s Gracelands, Carole King’s Tapestry, Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms, The Band’s The Last Waltz, Van Morrison’s Veedon Fleece – These were all records that played constantly in my house growing up. And yes, I have snatched them away from my parents’ grasps on occasion, some I own still. These albums all come from songwriters who worked very hard and pined over their craft, and these albums (especially) show the songwriters at their best, I believe.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Charge Group, Efterkland, Brother Ali, The Firekites, The Books, Clinic, Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers, Machine Translations, Beyonce and Black Moth Super Rainbow.
‘Home taping is killing the music business was the catch-cry of the record industry in the 1970s, but it managed to survive until now. What do you think is the difference between mates taping copies of friend’s records back in the 80s and 90s and file sharing now?
Big Difference. Making a mix tape is a slow, arduous process, one that needs much love and care. And you put as much effort in creating it as the listener puts in acknowledging what you have captured. I guess the biggest difference for me is when you file share (which is something you can do in an instant to millions of people at once) you miss the idea that a record, or music in general, is supposed to be listened to as a whole. When you make a mix tape for a friend that is captured, with care, depending on what you have put before and after the song, but with file sharing you lose the personal nature of a song and what record, or songwriter/or band it belongs to. It looses it speciality.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What was the first gig you went to? Where was it and what was the venue?
The first gig I went to was Homebake in Sydney’s Domain, I was 13.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
I never download music for free unless it is from Triple J Unearthed or the artist has sent a link for free download. Otherwise, I buy music online from Bandcamp and itunes – you can find my music, including my debut album at both of these places.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
Cat Power.
Have you ever been arrested?
No.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
No, just a whiskey will do me fine, thank you.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
You can request and request, you will never get what you really want! No, thus far I have never requested a rider – I guess if you don’t expect one, if it is offered it is a pleasant surprise. Venues should give out more riders for sure.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Paul Kelly – There is something about that man that’s a bit cheeky and I would love get close enough to see it. He is a tremendous songwriter and a great performer.
Right, let’s get really intimate. Tell us what releases you have that we can listen to with the lights down low, or even better, where we can see you play in person next.
My debut album Milk Annual has just been released and you can definitely listen to it with the lights down low – much better than listening to it in the 7/11 with the fluorescent lights turned up high.
And to launch the album, I am playing:
Brisbane, Black Bear Lodge – 16th September
Sydney, Fbi Social (Kings X Hotel) – 22nd September
Melbourne, The Toff In Town – 29th September
