In the Green Room: TUSHAR
Off the back of a successful 2023, indie-pop artist TUSHAR is taking to Vintage Vibes this January. Here, the muso gives us a vibe check on his festival set...
Image by Jack Fenby
Congrats on being billed for Vintage Vibes! What songs of yours do you think will get the festival crowd excited?
Thank you! I’m so honoured to play on Sunday with some incredible artists. We’ve got a few unreleased tracks that I know will pump the crowd up, but I would say the favourites I’ve released are ‘In Our Own Backyard’ for its beautiful blend of dream/pop, and ‘Bloodshot Eyes’ for its energising indie/rock. I’ve started to see people singing the words and it’s such a beautiful thing to witness.
You’ve made the bedroom-indie-pop genre your own. Tell us more about developing your sound.
I’ve put together a playlist with my producer/guitarist Benny Tamblyn that combines all our inspirations. We’ve got many artists that influence our sound, such as Two Door Cinema Club, Steve Lacy, Mac DeMarco, Royel Otis and Empire Of The Sun. Benny and I have been writing together since May 2020. Every Monday for two years, we would challenge ourselves to write, record and finish a song before the session was over. It’s been quite an amazing experience [and] we now have a backlog of tracks that we’re excited to release!
‘Bloodshot Eyes’ was the first taste of new music from you since your Arthur and Sadie EP. Is there more to come?
Absolutely. We’re currently working towards releasing a second EP in 2024. My next single is in motion to be released in February!
In 2023, you played SXSW, dropped an EP and toured Australia. How do you hope 2024 compares?
I have been grateful for every opportunity that’s been given to me, especially this year in 2023. When I started this project, I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to play live. The invite from SXSW changed my whole direction. I now have a live band [and] all my mates play in that outfit. I am so thankful to have them around – they make everything so much more fun. On top of working on my next EP, I want to tour again. I’m excited for 2024!
See TUSHAR play at Vintage Vibes on January 28 alongside Ball Park Music, The Teskey Brothers and Cub Sport. Tickets on sale now here.
