Q&A: Banoffee
AUSSIE POP ARTIST BANOFFEE IS NOT ONE TO BE FUCKED WITH - she’s even got a song called “Fuckwit” in case you don’t believe it. It’s one of 14 songs off of her debut album Look at Us Now Dad, which deconstructs the messy web of family and struggles, weaving them into something akin to closure. Armed with innovative visuals and a sound that is alien and edgy with an infectious beat, Look at Us Now Dad demands attention, which it is sure to get. Read below as Banoffee walked us through this milestone—influences, visuals and everything in between.
Luna: Congrats on your new album “Look At Us Now Dad!” I’m sure that must feel awesome to have out. Can you share a favorite memory from the creative process for the album?
Banoffee: A fond memory I have is of when I first wrote “Tennis Fan.” I was in Miami with my friend Ceci G (who also has worked on the record) when I wrote it we ran along the sand with it playing on my speaker phone. I think we both knew it was a special track then.
Luna: Which track from “Look At Us Now Dad” means the most to you and why?
Banoffee: “Look At Us Now Dad” is the title track and means the most to me because it really sets my mind at ease in a way that is timeless. It acknowledges my past, my struggles, my family history and all that has made my life challenging at times, and celebrates those moments as important parts of my growth.
Luna: Who are some main musical influences that shaped the sound of the record?
Banoffee: I wasn’t listening to anything except the record when I made it. I like to keep my ears closed to outside influences when I make music. But I will say I was feeling the production of lil peep at the time, of Laurie Anderson, and Kanye’s vocal production. The artists I worked with also had great influence: Sophie, Empress of, ceci G, HTML Flowers, Cupcakke and Umru.
Luna: On the production end, which track are you most proud of? Were there any elements you experimented with?
Banoffee: Production-wise I really love the outcome of “Contagious.” That song went through so many changes and the final product is something I’m particularly proud of. It used to be a piano ballad and went through a lot of experimentation to get to where it is now.
Luna: On the flip end, are there any artists or individuals that inspire the visual side of things?
Banoffee: The cover was very much a gut instinct to be honest. But the work of Phebe Schmidt makes it what it is. She’s an incredible photographer. Julian Bouchan shot the single covers and had a lot of input into how they turned out. Julian is wonderful to work with, his ideas are always worth trying; he sees things way before I can imagine them.
Luna: I love the video for “Tennis Fan” - the production is crazy. Can you talk a bit more about that process, from coming up with the idea to the actual filming?
Banoffee: Quinn Wilson directed this with me. It was so much fun to make. We came up with a treatment that was pretty different to the end product. We had very limited funds but because of those limitations we ended up being more creative and making something really cool. The bubble scene is shot inside an actual bubble made by inflatable artist Jesse Seeger, and a lot of it was shot in Quinn’s basement! Quinn and I knew we wanted it to be a performance video with many adornments and odd moments. Quinn’s experimentation with different mediums made the film extra special to me.
Luna: What role do you play with your visuals? (Ex are you creative directing?)
Banoffee: Yes always. I creative direct everything I do and am quite strict and protective about who I let in.
Luna: Are there any creative outlets outside of music you’d like to explore?
Banoffee: I love writing perhaps one day I’ll do more essay type work.
Luna: Is there anything in particular you want people to take away from your music?
Banoffee: Not really, I don’t want to guide them in any way. I want people to create their own stories and take it how they will.
Luna: Broad question so take it however you like - what intentions do you have for 2020?
Banoffee: In 2020 I intend to survive the pandemic. I intend to find ways for these restrictions to enhance my creativity and hopefully help me restructure my work in a way that is accessible no matter what the climate. I also want to make another album.
