Joshua Worthington-Church (Exploding Rainbow Orchestra, Mammalien)

Where are you from?

Tāmaki Makaurau, born and raised. I grew up out east in Glendowie.

Was there music around you when you were growing up / how?

Both my parents are into their music but my dad in particular got me into a lot of classic stuff when I was real young; Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, but also stuff like Darcy Clay and the AK79 bands. He still puts me on to stuff now, he really listens to a lot. My parents also got my brother and I in guitar lessons together when we were about 11 or 12. He was quite a bit better than me for a while! No one else in my family ever played music seriously, but as soon as I showed a serious interest they made sure I had as much access to it as they could. I was really incredibly supported.

When did you start making music? How has the music you make changed over time?

I would say I first started writing songs when I was around 18, which felt like being a late bloomer. But basically I was sick of waiting around for a songwriter to come into my life (I was a pretty dedicated bass player at that point), particularly one who was gonna write the kind of music I wanted to play. I would say it has gotten a lot better since I started haha. Also that my focus has maybe shifted away from trying to make music that sounds like other music I like, and more towards making music that feels good to perform.

Do you have any advice for this year's Smokefree Rockquest participants, or young musicians in general?

Commit fully! Wherever the intention lies in what you're doing, whether it's the emotionality of a song, or a moment in a song, or a stage gimmick, or a performance choice, have absolute conviction in that choice and don't hold back. You'll never be able to convince other people if you aren't convinced yourself! 

is there any part of your musical journey that stands out as particularly special / a favourite moment?

I feel incredibly spoiled for special moments, but performing with the Exploding Rainbow Orchestra has easily been some of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had. Standing in front of nearly 30 musicians who are giving their all to the music is just an incomparable feeling. It's incredibly humbling and uplifting to be able to help bring something like that into the world, and keep it going.

When you're writing, what do you start with? What is your process from beginning to end?

It does vary a bit, but more often than not it will actually start with a chord progression and an idea for what I want the song to be about. Those things often don't come at the same time either, so I'll have narrative ideas and fragments of chord structures floating around for a while (years sometimes) before I find something that fits. To my ear, chords have strong emotional implications, and joining them together in the right way is a big part of solving the puzzle of the song. But I try and shake things up; I've really enjoyed writing a few songs starting from the drum kit, and some of the best results I've had have come from sitting and forcing a melody out before there are words (I didn't start singing until I was in my 20's so it still doesn't feel like a natural start point for me). I think having as broad a toolkit as possible is a big help.

How do you choose what songs to release?

Anyone who knows me well will know I have a terrible track record for actually releasing anything haha. I also am not a particularly prolific writer, so if I like a song idea enough to finish it, it's probably going to pass muster for a release. I really only make music for myself, and I believe that's the only way to do it, so if I like a song I've made I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be out in the world. The only times I would not release something I'd recorded would be if I wasn't happy with the arrangement or performance, which has happened on occasion. But if I like the core of the song enough I will usually try and salvage it in some way.

What are two things you have learnt along your journey, that you would tell yourself if you could go back in time?

Get over your shyness immediately, because you are embarking on a pathway that is intensely social, and you really like people anyway. So don't waste your time being frightened of their dismissal, and focus on building positive connections with everyone around you. Music is a communal engagement, and your health within that is directly linked to the relationship you have with your community. Also, don't be a dork and do Rockquest. Things will still work out ok if you don't, but you may as well do it now.

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