Songs of Strength and Intuition: Unveiling Charm of Finches’ ‘Marlinchen in the Snow.
As we welcome the turning of seasons, Charm of Finches, the mesmerizing Australian sister duo, offers us a poignant glimpse into their nomadic experiences and rich storytelling with their latest album, ‘Marlinchen In The Snow.’ Released under the esteemed Australian Indie label Spunk Records, this folk-infused indie pop collection seamlessly weaves the haunting allure of Grimm’s tales with their signature blood harmonies. Delving deep into themes of female empowerment, intuition, and resilience, the album stands as a testament to overcoming life’s trials through the guiding whispers of one’s inner voice.
Follow Charm of Finches @charmoffinchesband
Hi ladies, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hello! We are Mabel and Ivy. We’re sisters and we live in Melbourne, Australia. We feel pretty lucky to call making music together our job!
We’ve sung together our whole lives – singing harmonies in the bathtub when we were kids and busking on the streets at 8 and 11.
Now we’re releasing our fourth album and over the past few years, we’ve spent half the time on tour around the world sharing our songs with people.
Describe your sound in three words.
Harmonies. Confessional. Lush.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
We grew up listening to lots of music and particularly harmony singing. We loved singing along to the O’Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack and lots of Gillian Welch. Also, our Dad is a huge fan of Bob Dylan and would play him around the house all the time. We also went to Steiner School where you sing every day and learn a stringed instrument at the age of nine. When I was 12 I taught myself guitar and started writing my own songs and Ivy would join in on harmonies. Once I started writing I just didn’t stop. We would busk on the street and soon started playing the festivals around Australia in our teens.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes! Ivy plays violin and keyboard on stage and I play guitar on stage and cello on the records.
Tell us about your new album, “Marlinchen In The Snow?”
Lots of these songs came out of a time when we were touring on the road a lot! In 2022 Ivy and I sublet our apartment for 5 months and went on the road playing shows around Australia and then around the UK and Europe (particularly Sweden!)
We reflected on this way of living, travelling from place to place, each night in a different city, always meeting people and saying goodbye. There’s this sort of duality of excitement and adventure and then this bittersweet longing for home and the people back there. This comes through in a lot of the songs.
In February 2023 we went to Nova Scotia, Canada to record with Daniel Ledwell in the depths of the snowy Canadian winter. It was pretty magical! We were surrounded by the woods and had a frozen lake at our doorstep. We slept in the studio on a sofa bed and cooked on an electric stove underneath the keyboards and guitars on the walls! We would make one trip to the shops every week but apart from that, we bunkered down in the studio for the whole month and really immersed ourselves in the creative process.
And now tell us about your latest music video?
We had so much fun making the music video for our single Middle Of Your Mess!
It was filmed at the grand, historic Beleura House and Gardens in Mornington, Victoria (the state we live in). We took inspiration from the aesthetic of Saltburn and Wes Anderson’s Grande Budapest Hotel as well as the classic film Heathers. We collected 60s dresses and dressed up with a bunch of our lovely gal friends! The song is about when women pit themselves against each other rather than supporting each other and so we draw on that theme for the video. It’s a girly picnic that turns horribly wrong!
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
We took ourselves off on a little songwriting retreat by the ocean here in Victoria. It was a week of writing and experimentation. We set ourselves a challenge to write a song in an hour and the first version of the song was created. When we were recording it in the studio we decided that it needed a bridge and so we experimented with changing the whole feel and have it sort of break down in that section. Michael Belyea played some amazing experimental drums which we laid lyrics and chords on top of.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
A lot of the songs sort of reflect and express tension or trouble in personal relationships and this is another one of those. This one definitely has a more tongue-and-cheek attitude though!
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
We often start songs individually and then join together to finish them. I (Mabel) love to do stream-of-consciousness writing and often start with lyrics first. Ivy on the other hand is a lot more melody focused. It’s always great when a song comes all at once with melody and lyrics as if it’s already been written!
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of the album and songs?
Very involved! We arranged the strings ourselves in the studio and worked closely with Dan to bring the sounds that we could imagine in our heads into reality! We made a playlist of inspiring songs which we draw from when creating the unique sonic world of each song.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Keep persisting with practising your instrument – you’ll thank yourself later!
Also stop worrying and stressing so much – be in the present moment and chill out.
How would your best friend describe you?
Mabel: haha umm… maybe a bit shambolic, goofy, ambitious and sometimes a bit off with the fairies
Ivy: Probably strong willed, independent, assertive and someone to confide in.
What’s next for Charm of Finches in 2024?
We are going on another four month tour of UK, Europe and Canada! We are looking forward to so many more adventures!
How would you explain your fashion style?
For every day, it’s a bit retro. We love a good vintage frock on stage. We visit op shops and Vintage shops everywhere we go and we’re always looking out for a dress with some great sleeves, a bit of lace, shimmer or tulle!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Connection with other humans.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Frida Kahlo – she was such a strong woman and expressive artist – so much admiration for her.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Maybe somewhere in Spain or Greece where it’s sunny and warm with nice beaches and a beautiful villa on a hill. We’d go with a bunch of other musicians and make heaps of great songs!
Best advice ever given?
To follow your authentic voice rather than the latest trend.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
We’d love to learn more music from different cultures around the world and continue to expand our musical knowledge. We’d love to collaborate with different artists in the future too!
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: charmoffinchesband
Facebook: Charm of Finches
X: @singingfinches
Favorite:
Book: Monkey Grip – Helen Garner
Quote: “Creativity isn’t like a freight train going down the tracks. It’s something that has to be caressed and treated with a great deal of respect…you’ve got to program your brain not to think too much.” – Bob Dylan
Movie: Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
TV Series: Six Feet Under
Favorite Food: We both love a good Pad Thai
Travel Destination: Barcelona
Sports Team: don’t follow sport!