IN CONVERSATION WITH – King Dude

How are you doing today, man? How’s the weather on your side of the world?

I’m doing well, thank you! The weather is stormy and hot. I guess it’s a typical summer day here in Brisbane.

Tell us about the origins of King Dude as a project.

Well, it started out as a home recording project, and it basically slowly took over my life. Over the years, there have been a ton of musical changes, but it mostly was born out of my love for old, strange folk songs.

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What were some early inspirations for you to do this project?

I grew up listening to bands like The Animals and The Kinks. The first song I learned on guitar was House of the Rising Sun. So, I think some of that stylistically was impressed on me at an early age—the guitar playing, for sure. I also really loved The Kinks lyrically; they were masters of sardonic lyrics. But when I started King Dude, I was also playing in a metal band called Book of Black Earth, but we were always having trouble with that band. Either we were taking too many drugs or not taking writing and rehearsing seriously enough. So, I got tired of having to rely on other people to make music, and that’s when I started King Dude— a project that has been my own entirely, for better or worse.

Are you working on any recordings with the King Dude project at the moment?

No. My final album of original material as King Dude was released in 2022. It’s an album called Death.

Tell us about your live show coming up in Brisbane at the beginning of next year. What can fans expect from that one?

I’m hoping to finally make it through an entire set without forgetting any of my songs! No, seriously, they should expect a great show. I have Sam Haven along to help me out up there with percussion, samples, keys, and guitar. We also have a huge setlist that we are preparing. It’s like 2 hours of music or something ridiculous. And at Lefty’s too—I’ve been dying to play that place since I moved here. I’m sure it will be a night to remember!

What does touring involve for you nowadays? Are you doing full band or acoustic tours mostly these days?

I haven’t done a full band tour since 2019. That seems so crazy to say out loud, holy shit. I have been touring a little bit, but between lockdowns and having a kid, I’ve definitely slowed down. Since 2019, I’ve only done two tours in Europe and no full tour in America or Australia. But I’m happy to be spending tons of time with my daughter. This is a transformative time for me in many ways, but with King Dude slowing down, I’ve been exploring different worlds of music—stuff I couldn’t do entirely with King Dude.

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You mentioned a couple of years ago that after your album trilogy, King Dude would retire. Is that still your plan?

I am retiring from writing new music as King Dude but will likely still be playing shows like this one from time to time! I have other music that I want to write now, but I still love playing these King Dude songs.

What else are you working on musically outside of King Dude?

Since Death, I’ve been doing a lot of other stuff musically. One secret band, another called Rune Jail, and some other collaborative stuff here and there. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with making soundtracks for movies that don’t exist using my Moog Grandmother.

What are you listening to nowadays, if anything?

A lot of stuff that I’m writing and recording, unfortunately. I wish I had time to listen to more new music.

Author note: if you’re in Brisbane be sure to catch the show with King Dude, Sam Haven and Piper Lodge on January 23rd, 2024 at Lefty’s Music Hall.