Little May is gaining international acclaim for their trademark dark lyrics sung in sweet, ethereal harmonies. After listening to their debut EP you could be forgiven for imaging the indie folk trio as gothic heroines. In reality Liz Drummond, Hannah Field, and Annie Hamilton are full of life and vivacity as they begin their national tour. Drummond was still catching her breath from a jog as we talked on Friday.
When asked about Little May’s penchant for sombre and poetic lyrics, she explained: “It’s obviously something that’s organic. I think when we write it often comes from a place of struggle. It definitely reflects what we’ve been feeling at the time… I know that ever since I was little I’ve been into the dark music, whether it’s in the music itself or lyrics, I always found it really intriguing”. Drummond cites The National and Father John Misty as inspiration, while their intricate three-part harmonies remind me of Tigertown or Canadian band Half Moon Run.
Little May is constantly experimenting and growing. Creating their debut EP was no exception. “We started writing back in 2011,” Drummond recalls. “I think the first song that I ever wrote was “Boardwalk”, by myself, before we ever actually formed… Then we started recording the EP back in 2012. Originally there were two other songs on it that, over time, we decided we didn’t want anymore and replaced them.”
They recently added a drummer (Catriona Hunter) and bass guitarist / keys player (Mark Harding) to their ranks. Drummond explains: “That’s been a huge part of us being able to flesh out our songs. I think we’ve always written songs that need a full band… being able to have that now is just awesome. I think it’s only going to get more different from here on. It’s added a whole new element, which we really needed.”
Though Little May will have to wait before they can get back in the recording studio. They will be playing at the Gorgeous Music Festival on November 29th before touring Queensland. Next on the social calendar they will be joining Bernard Fanning in January, in his eastern state concerts. “That whole tour is going to be mind blowing… I can’t wait to share a stage with a legend, to be honest,” Drummond admitted.
I think we can expect great things from the trio in due course. Those of us lucky enough to attend Gorgeous will be in for a treat – festivals are a Little May specialty.
Interview by Nicola Woolford.
More News
