Rich Webb's 'Love Someone' message
Photo Credit Wilk
Rich Webb has released his new single ‘Love Someone’, a heartfelt song inspired by the poor treatment of asylum seekers in Australia, the accompanying animated video also illustrates the plight of those affected by war, seeking a safe place to start their lives over. We caught up with Rich to ask him about his powerful song, the soon to be released album and the fun he had hiring a set of Ringo Starr Ludwigs.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how would you describe your sound?
It sounds broad, but a dusty combination of country, folk with a touch of rock. My sound has changed a little bit over the years, and I think my latest stuff is even more of the first two than the second. But hey, there’s some rock stuff in there too.
People have been calling this sort of thing Americana for a while, but as an Australian, that doesn’t sit all that well with me. Alt-country seems to be all big hats at the moment too, and I don’t think I fit snuggly there either.
Tell us about your new song 'Love Someone'? What does the song mean to you?
Love Someone is a very simple song about having love and empathy for other people. With everything going on in the world right now, I reckon we need a lot more of this stuff to go around. It came from thinking about Australia’s inhumane treatment of asylum-seekers and refugees, and wondering what it must be like for them. They’ve run for their lives leaving everything behind, gone through all sorts of difficulties to get here, and when they do arrive, we slam them into unlimited mandatory detention - no other country in the world has something this aggressive and officious. It shows a real lack of humanity. On average, we hold non-visa holders for two years before they are dealt with - that’s the average. Then there’s the Government’s long-term stance: “If you come to this country by boat, you won’t get to stay.” What’s all that about? It’s a terrible way to treat people who need our help and support.
“The story we wanted to tell with the video was to directly challenge that Government position and show it for what it was - heartless.”
'Love Someone' has an illustrated video, which may seem odd for such a serious song. Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
The story we wanted to tell with the video was to directly challenge that Government position and show it for what it was - heartless. Video maker Matthew Lawes-Wickwar is in the UK and was reading the book by Behrouz Boochani which tells of the horrors of life on Manus Island, so he was up on what was going on here and equally concerned. There also seems to be very little available footage of life in these offshore detention centres. Strange that. But it meant if we were to tell the story we wanted to, we needed to do it in some other way than film. It was Matthew’s idea to do it as an animation and he chose to keep it very minimalist and stark to increase its impact - that’s also why it’s black and white. We put together the storyline of what we wanted to say, and Matthew then went away and drew the whole thing - he’s incredible.
Memorable moments? Well, we did film the band sections of the video at home during lockdown last year - big thanks to my partner Emma for that - and Matthew took them away to illustrate. It involved drums, and I didn’t have a set sitting around the house, so I hired an absolutely cracking set of Ringo Starr Ludwigs for a week. Man, I had some fun with those.
You have released this song on your own label, All Killer Music, did that add an extra layer of pressure on you, or did it make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable?
No real feelings either way on this. I’ve had the label quite a while. It does mean you can do precisely what you want, but the bit you need to be most aware of is making sure what you want is something other people might be interested in too. Hey, but I’ve got a load of friends and people around me that are much better at most stuff than I am, so there is no lack of support and different views with what I’m doing.
Are there plans for an album, if so when can fans expect it to be out?
Sure is. We’re putting the finishing touches to it now, and hoping to get it out and about very soon.
“Not every song is a ‘protest song’ like this one, there is some fun stuff on there too”
What can fans expect from the album? Is 'Love Someone' a good example of what's to come?
Rohan Sforcina recorded, produced and mixed ‘Love Someone’ at Head Gap in Preston, and he’s been in charge of the rest of the album too. Not every song is a ‘protest song’ like this one, there is some fun stuff on there too, but I reckon if you like ‘Love Someone’, you are going to love what’s coming.
Are there plans to tour for the album?
Yes to this too, though I generally play quite regularly anyway. I’ve got a show with Emilie Martin at the Brunswick Artists’ Bar on Sunday 10 April, and one with a band at the Drunken Poet on Saturday 30 April. Come on down - would love to see you there.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Probably my family, and all the families of those involved in making the record. Music is brilliant, but it can take you away from the people you love for a long time, and the patience and support they offer you is what enables you to do what you love. It’s invaluable – you can’t do it without them. So, thanks to my family for everything. I’m sure the others involved will say the same.
What can fans look forward to from Rich Webb for the rest of 2022?
Lots more music. Lots more shows. More videos too. More of everything! We hope to get out of Melbourne a bit more as well this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of Australia as part of it. Bring it on.
Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Festivals Australia/Music Kingdom Australia
Interview by Michelle Symes
March 2022