A chat with GUM: Internet trolls, Gizz member side-project, and new album Saturnia
Words by Emma Newbury
With over a decade’s experience in the industry, roots in various popular WA bands, and 5 albums already under his belt, Jay Watson under the musical monniker GUM, has carved out an all-new creative project with album Saturnia.
Signed to Australia’s illustrious collective Spinning Top Music with a staple for artsy psych rock to backdrop your philosophical daydreams, GUM returns for his sixth studio album, which has already teased two singles 'Would It Pain You To See' and 'Race To The Air'.
Alterwave were lucky enough to speak to the man himself about all things surrounding the solo artist’s creative processes and day-to-day happenings.
E: Hello Jay! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us at Alterwave. Not gonna lie I am definitely having a fangirl moment. I remember getting you and the Pond boys to sign my copies of The Weather and Mink Mussel Manticore back at Laneway 2018 so it’s awesome to be able to get to chat to you about the progression of your solo work!
G: Thanks for having me and the kind words!
E: Congratulations as well on your new releases 'Would It Pain You To See', 'Race To The Air' and 'Music Is Bigger Than Hair'. Could you give us some insight into these new tracks and what they mean to you?
G: I wrote these songs in 2020 or so, at home during Covid. My songs are rarely literal, they’re more about trying to put feelings and thoughts into songform, and those things aren’t often literal, for me anyway, so I use abstract lyrics quite often.
E: News comes that these singles are both from your upcoming album Saturnia. Such a cool name for an album by the way. Would you be able to spill the beans on what this album is sounding like for your fans?
G: The new album is called Saturnia, it’s an ancient term for lead poisoning, which I became a bit obsessed with when I moved into my new house, in a paranoid sort of way. It’s also an incredible town in Italy, full of natural spring baths, as well as a reference to Saturn of course, the coolest planet.
E: You also have two songs that were released earlier this year - Minor Setback and Old Transistor Radio - with lead singer of The Murlocs, and Gizz member, Ambrose Kenny-Smith. Just because I’m curious, but how did this collaborative side-project come about?
J: The side project thing with Ambrose Kenny-Smith came out because I had a song that I could imagine his quite distinct voice on. He was so easy to work with and we whipped up another song quite quickly. We’re working on a full length album now, it’s sounding great so far.
E: Your music video for Would It Pain You To See has a very unique aesthetic to it from the glass box to the jester-like lady playing violin. Were you involved with a lot of the creative direction in this video and how do you think it brings the song to life?
G: I wasn’t really involved with the creative direction of the music video at all to be honest, I’m a fan of Michael Hili’s work and just let him go for it. I think it matches the song beautifully in a cinematic way.
E: Big question GUM - are albums supreme over EP’s?
G: I’m not a fan of the EP really, I don’t see the point, just write some more songs! I think an EP or 12 inch is a great format in Dance music though, makes more sense. I do really like 3 Song EP by Royal Trux.
E: How do you reckon your musical style has evolved since your 2020 album Out in The World?
G: I think I’m a lot more confident musically these days, and I can achieve the sound or songwriting I’m after more easily, and that fuels more confidence.
E: There’s been so many projects between you and the boys over the years - Mink Mussel Creek, Space Lime Peacock, Tame Impala, Pond, etc etc as well as your own solo work. I noticed as well you have a line in your new song Would It Pain You To See - “Why am I nervous, been doing this since 2008.” Do you find it's gotten harder or easier to keep the creative wheel churning? Have there ever been moments where you’ve found being in the music industry difficult?
G: I think I’ve found it easier to keep the creative wheel turning, that line in Would It Pain You To See? is more referring to playing live and performing, I don’t think I’ll ever be completely used to that sensation.
E: I also saw your story the other day about someone commenting on a post “All these Australian psych boys are going soft in their middle age”. A bit rough!! How did that go down with you?
G: Haha that comment didn’t amuse me because of the ‘soft’ part, it was more the ‘middle aged’ part. However my back has gone to shit lately so maybe they were right.
E: Throughout your new album, what song do you believe holds the most personal meaning for you, and why?
G: I think the last song on the album ‘It Lies a Lifetime’ holds the most personal meaning for me, as it was about my newborn son.
E: In light of your gig coming up at The Brightside on Thursday 14th September, do you have any memorable stories from shows in Brisbane?
G: Brisbane shows are always the loosest in Australia, and I’m not just saying that! People get buck wild there.
E: Once again, thanks for joining us Jay! It’s been a pleasure getting to learn more about your musical alter ego GUM. We look forward to the show in Brisbane and I will definitely have to pre-order one of those beautiful clear wax vinyls that you’ve got up for grabs. Enjoy the rest of your day!
G: Thanks for having me.
