The Standard

We’ve been watching the progress of the Melbourne based Husky for awhile. Last year, they won a contest to win a coveted spot on the line-up at Australia’s Push Over Festival, they toured around for a bit opening for acts like Devandra Banhart, Noah and the Whale, Kimbra, Jinja Safari and Gotye to name a few, then they released a full-length album, Forever So, then Rolling Stone Magazine listed them as a “Band to Watch”, and finally they were signed by Sub Pop Records early this year. Impressive!

When we heard that Husky was planning on coming to the United States to promote their new album, ‘Forever So’, we jumped at the chance to have them perform at our weekly Desert Nights at The Standard, Hollywood. DJ Valida, curator of our Desert Nights, did a lot of wooing and more than a little begging and we’re ecstatic to report that Australia’s newest import will be performing next Wednesday, August 8th. We sat down Husky’s lead singer, Husky Gawenda, to learn a little more about the band, their influences, and the whirlwind world of music.

STANDARD: How about starting off by telling us a bit about where you’re from and how you got into music?

HUSKY: I’m from Melbourne, Australia. I’m told I sang as early as I could speak, probably picking it up from my mother and sister who were always singing around the house. I learnt classical piano as a child but moved to guitar when my older sister introduced me to Guns n Roses. I then discovered Leonard Cohen at around 13 and began writing songs and poetry and spent the rest of my teens reading, writing and listening to and playing music.

What’s your favorite quote about Husky?

A reviewer wrote that Forever So is ‘breathtaking in its ambition’. I think one of my greatest aims is to be courageous in my songwriting. And as a band I think that is something we strive for - courage. I think this quote speaks of courage.

What’s the best adventure you’ve ever had as a musician?

Probably recording our debut album Forever So. There were many highs and lows, triumphs and failures along the way. I learnt a lot, especially about myself and about making a record. I dug deep, all four of us did. It was quite an adventure and I look forward to the next one.

Tell us your top 5 songs you listen to over and over?

A Man Needs A Maid - Neil Young

Sisters of Mercy - Leonard Cohen

God only Knows - Beach Boys

Need You Tonight - INXS

While You Wait - Grizzly Bear

If you could pick any musician/band to jam with (living or dead), who would it be and why?

I can’t go past Leonard Cohen. I’d write a song with him rather than jam.

To learn more about Husky, check them out on Facebook.com/huskysongs, Youtube.com/huskygawenda, their website huskysongs.com, or, better yet, come check them out for free next Wednesday at The Standard, Hollywood’s Desert Nights, 7:30pm.