Artist info
Genre
Indie, Pop, Rock
band members
Caleb Karvountzis, Sean Mullins, Al Yamin, Clancy Bond
Influences
Microphones, The Gerbils, Red House Painters, Sebadoh, My Bloody Valentine, Modest Mouse
Unearthed artists we like
Hollow Everdaze, The Outdoor Type, CONTRAST, Crepes, LUCIANBLOMKAMP, Smiles.Rifles, Tired Lion, NOIRE
Bio
Tiny Little Houses began as the bedroom musings and lo-fi recordings of Caleb Karvountzis. These fuzzed out creations would form the basis of TLH’s sound as it expanded with the inclusion of guitarist and writing partner, Sean Mullins.
Influenced by the folk/rock bands of the 90’s Tiny Little Houses took the time to hone their craft over some years. The results were pop songs which are introspective, fragile and deeply melancholic.
Management/Booking/Press - Ash Sambrooks: ash@higher-plains.com
Other: tinylittlehouses@gmail.com
Melbourne dudes Tiny Little Houses created one of the surprise Australian hits of the year with their track 'Easy'. Check out their dark, folk rock sounds as the triple j Unearthed Feature Artist this week.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
A friend introduced me some years ago to a bunch of great lo-fi bands that came out of the centre of America in the 90's. All these bands were making some of the most fantastic music I'd ever heard. It was emotional and angsty but it wasn't "emo", the lyrics were poetic but it wasn't folk, it was pop sensible yet it was dark like indie rock or grunge. I started writing and recording really rough demos in my room trying to emulate those sounds.
Eventually I met Sean, our guitarist, and we liked the same bands so we started to help each other on our own musical projects until it made more sense just to work together. We worked on a heap of songs over a couple of years and last year it felt like we'd finally figured them out so we went into studio with Steven Schram who helped us record our EP.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My songs are quite personal so obviously a lot of the time the catalyst is my own experience but I find reading books and poetry another source of subtle inspiration for music. I can't force myself to write music so all the time spent absorbing books and poetry comes out in unexpected ways when inspiration finally does hit.
What can punters expect from your live show?
Our music is a blend of folk, rock and shoegaze. I think all of the best elements of those genres work well together. I try to write songs which have a strong narrative element which ties them together even though sonically they can be quite different. I think our live sets come off more emotional and a touch heavier than our recordings.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
In regards to life advice my parents raised me to treat others as you'd like to be treated and this has had a big impact on myself. In regards to music my friend Carl (a disgruntled sound engineer) gave me the advice to always be nice to the sound guy.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
The Middle East - The Darkest Side.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
I'm really not known for my DJ skills. So whoever made me DJ of this hypothetical party is completely out of their mind... I asked our guitarist Sean and he said Two Bodies by Flight Facilities.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The Rolling Blackouts launching their EP at the Old Bar in Fitzroy. It was amazing, they had the whole room pumping with their tight pop tunes.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
There is so much talent at the moment coming out of the Melbourne music community. A few that spring to mind are the Outdoor Type and JP Klipspringer who actually supported us at our single launch the other week. Other bands we love are Hollow Everdaze, Crepes, Good Morning, Redspencer and Bored Nothing. Our good friends Jackson Phelan, LUCIANBLOMKAMP and Rosebud Leach are also incredible musicians that have always inspired and supported us.
Review
Looks like you've just taken out the title for biggest legends around.
Looks like you've just taken out the title for biggest legends around.
Review
Another winner. This band keeps delivering.
Another winner. This band keeps delivering.
Review
What started off as just an unassuming lil indie gem has grown into one of my favourite Australian songs of the year. Every time I hear 'Easy' I fall in love with it more.
What started off as just an unassuming lil indie gem has grown into one of my favourite Australian songs of the year. Every time I hear 'Easy' I fall in love with it more.