Busby Marou

Busby Marou captivated audiences and the industry alike with the release of their debut album late last year. Now signed with Footstomp and Warner they’re set to embark on a nationwide tour, the bell was fortunate enough to talk to Thomas Busby one of the members of the talented duo…

This is the kind of music that doesn’t age. Stories woven by thoughtful lyrics set alongside breathtaking melodies. In contrast to other acts Busby Marou treat vocals and instrumentation as two halves of one whole – each of equal importance. There’s no sense of the term accompaniment and this is what makes Busby Marou unique.

“For both Jeremy and I coming from different musical styles or backgrounds it was quite refreshing to hear the music I would play by myself change entirely. Really our music is shaped by harmonies and Jeremy’s guitar melodies and that method hasn’t really changed since the first song we wrote together.”

It's certainly proved an effective approach save some occasions, as Thomas jokes, “It feels good when Jeremy does his harmonies. I’m always getting filthy with him when he’s had a few beers the night before and won’t sing the next day.”

Folk inspired pop is a fitting description of the distinct sound that is Busby Marou. Although grounded in the folk genre, Jeremy’s melodies are often reminiscent of a certain country feel. Layered with the alluring wail of the pedal steel and lush harmonies their sound is taken to an entirely new level.

“We learnt a lot from our EP and by learning I mean we made some mistakes. Looking back, that’s what I suppose an EP is all about. So we thought [this time] let’s just stick to a theme and acknowledge what style we are across the entire album as a whole.”

Both Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou are Rockhampton locals and it was here along the edges of the Fitzroy River that they first met and began to make music together. From then came The Blue Road, their debut EP recorded with Anthony Lycenko and Pete Murray in his central coast studio. As always the band have remained true to their roots. 

“What we know best is where we’re from and how we’ve grown up. That’s really been everything to do with Rocky and Central Queensland. So I suppose what we write about is what we know and I’m glad that shines through because we’re proud Australians.”

Beneath Busby’s lyrics is a genuine nature and after having spoke to the man himself this comes as no surprise. As cliché as it sounds their music makes me smile. It seems that the worst scenarios are somehow made warm, a perception no more apparent than in the track Underlying Message.

don’t you love it when the rain falls down upon your face?

like sleeping on a train when there’s nothing left at stake

even when the sun burns and tears my soul apart

but I’ll never leave you stranded with your broken down heart

because I love it when it rains

First written in 2007 Underlying Message is an old favourite of the boys. I’m sure also, a new favourite for many to come. In the same way their lyrics draw from experience and lessons learned, Busby Marou’s music has also matured.

“Someone said the other day – It’s the ten year overnight success plan. It’s probably six years for us. We learnt a lot from our EP and by learning I mean we made some mistakes. Looking back, that’s what I suppose an EP is all about. So we thought [this time] let’s just stick to a theme and acknowledge what style we are across the album as a whole.”

With this dedication comes the finished product. Although to be fair it’s obvious that music is in their blood and like anything good in this world, Busby Marou’s music will only develop with age – a promising prospect.

“I listen to an album a day if I can, that helps improving songwriting. Particularly, we found, being the studio. All that playing together, structuring and helping with the production. You can’t beat experience and I think every album should be better than the last if you’ve got any talent.”

That being said, Busby Marou’s self-titled debut is more than that. It’s timeless in every essence. I can’t but help imagine that in years to come nothing will have changed. When I listen to the record it will still make me feel the same way. Content.

Drop in to JB Hi Fi for a copy of Busby Marou or any other reliable music store. Also feel free to check it out on Itunes.