The Weeping Willows

“Do the things that scare you because that’s the good stuff” – a philosophy that rising Melbourne alternative country duo The Weeping Willows have lived by since hearing one of their favourite artists utter those words during an acceptance speech in Nashville.

Since that pivotal moment in their lives, Andy Wrigglesworth and Laura Coates have gone on to record their second album in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning audio engineer Ryan Freeland. Recording in the United States was a “lifelong dream” for the duo, so receiving an email from Ryan inviting them over was “mind-blowing”, according to Laura.

Laura explained how the process of working with Freeland helped to shape Before Darkness Comes A-Callin’: “[To say] Ryan had the nicest bedside manner is the best way to describe it. He’s really patient, gently and incredibly professional, he really knows his stuff. All of his gear was also amazing, he had high quality microphones and headphones so we had a lot of control over what we were hearing back, which made it feel really comfortable and gave us the confidence to take a few more risks to give the best performance we could.”

Combined with Freeland’s audio expertise, the performing experience they had gained since the first album prepared The Weeping Willows to record their best album to date. “We’ve probably got 300 shows under our belt now, so I was confident to take more risks with my vocals for this album,” said Laura. Touring throughout the United States has also prepared them to put on their best performances for the current tour around Australia.

“Performing so many shows makes you think on your feet and make sure you don’t just get up there and do the same old, same old – you really need to be entertaining,” Laura explained. “This tour is certainly daunting because we’ve never done anything this intense before. We’ve done weekends here and there but now we’re on the road for three or four months, plus we have day jobs so I’m hoping people on the road will be ready with coffee,” Laura said with a wry laugh. (JA)

Apr 2. Django Bar, 19 Marrickville Road, Marrickville. $14.70+b.f. Tickets & info: stickytickets.com.au/35081