Happy tunesday – or whatever day you might be reading this on – we have a ripper interview and tour diary with the one and only Alex Lahey, the indie darling from Naarm. Alex’s recent tour included her new ensemble of tunes from The Answer is Always Yes, which you can grab a listen to down below.

Where was your favourite place to perform and why? We were really lucky to have some truly special shows on this tour, but there was something quite magical about our Melbourne show at the Night Cat. It felt like a perfect homecoming and it was a truly one-of-a-kind show.Alex: my beautiful band during a break at rehearsals.
Do you prefer song writing or performing live? I think it depends on my mood. I never yearn for the other when I’m in either mode, but given the tumultuous nature of touring these past few years, I do have a renewed sense of appreciation whenever I’m on the road these days.

How do you get over the pre-stage jitters? I honestly just go with them. If you have the jitters then it means the show matters to you, so why would you want that to go away?L: my mum came to our hometown show in Melbourne / R: i get this same mirror shot every time i go through.
What are your pre and post-show rituals? Pre-show I do vocal warm ups, watch some footy if it’s the weekend and just keep it chill. Just before we go on stage, the band and I do a little thing called “kissy kissy” where we all kiss each other on the cheek before we walk on.

For post-show I grab a beer if I’m in the mood, see who won the aforementioned footy, get out of my sweaty clothes, have a shower and wind down as best as I can.
in the 12 seater for our first show of tour in Brisbane. too bad that esky was empty. 
Most memorable tour experiences? Wading through a flooded Sidney Myer Music Bowl backstage during torrential downpour on the Making Gravy tour in 2019. L: perhaps one of the most cursed photos in live music history / R: we asked for a cardboard cutout of Michelle Williams and the Rosemount in Perth delivered!
How do you wind down after a show? Doing vocal cool downs in a steamy shower is a pretty good way to wind down along with a cup of herbal tea. Sounds so boring, but it keeps me in check.

What is your favourite song to perform live and why? It changes with every tour, but on this one it was “On The Way Down”. It was really gratifying to see the crowd connect with what is still a relatively new song.L: a classic aeroplane bathroom mirror shot / R: Jess with all her friends from Play School.