Getting to know Tam Vantage
Melbourne-based Tam Vantage (AKA Tam Matlakowski) has just dropped his longplayer, “Life in High Definition”. We asked him to tell us more about himself:
I am a songwriter, lyricist and multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne. I have played music since the age of seven; beginning with classical piano and branching out into vocals, guitars, drums, bass and synthesizers. My music is a mix of Art-Rock, Jangle-Pop and Psychedelia; akin to The Church, Sonic Youth or David Bowie. It is an eclectic, fluid and unpredictable outlet. I went solo after the demise of my first band, Pop Singles; having also spent time in the bands Nervous and The Stevens. I have recently released my debut solo album and I am touring it nationally with my band ‘T.V.’ which consists of Chris Korczynski on Lead Guitar, Rowan Docherty on Bass, and Jack Molloy on Drums.
Life in High Definition is an album about human interaction and where technology has dropped us off in the digital age. It explores social status, ego and detachment on one hand; love, vulnerability and independence on the other. Musically, there are chiming guitars, lonely minor key sojourns and lush, optimistic string arrangements, whilst lyrically; there are character portraits, love songs and an element of social deconstruction. There is an unresolved conflict between irony and beauty. It was recorded over two years by producer Simon Grounds (Bird Blobs, Bushwalking, Laura Jean) and features guest performances by local music-making folk (including members of Twerps, Teeth & Tongue and St Helens).
My upcoming gigs will be a mixture of pure, high energy indie rock and lush, refined jangle-pop. The album tour will feature shows in Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and at the new Panacea Festival in Tatong. Check the Lost & Lonesome website or the T.V. Facebook page for details.
I spend too much time interacting with robots and aliens.
Melbourne is heaven for musicians and a home for the rest.
It might surprise people to learn that life does not exist in high definition.
In 2016, I’m going to record a second album with my band T.V. alongside producer John Lee (Lost Animal, Pikelet, The Ocean Party)
You can buy the album here and catch him at the following places:
CANBERRA – Thursday Nov 5
The Phoenix w/ Bobby Kill + The Newsletters + Passive Smoke
SYDNEY – Friday Nov 6
The Vic on Enmore w/ The Newsletters + Twinrova
MELBOURNE – Saturday Nov 14
The Tote w/ Hollow Everdaze + Monnone Alone + Popolice
PANACEA FESTIVAL – Nov 20-22
Interview by Bobby Townsend.
