Local theatrical artist Jake Diefenbach is back with a new album, band and title ‘Diefenbach.’ Not only is Jake representing with new material but he is also treating all to an upcoming launch performance at The Zoo on 16 February. Supporting Jake in this premier is another local, past acquaintance of QNews, Almaryse from Almaryse and the Frill of the Fight. What an absolute treat of talent lays ahead if anyone is to see this show. QNews were lucky enough to score a 2 in 1 interview with this lot before entering rehearsals and here’s what Jake and Almaryse had to say when discussing their journeys and music life.

Hello Jake Diefenbach!!!

Q: I reviewed your album last edition and now you plan on launching this record on an east coast tour – tell us more.
Jake: Absolutely, I am doing a launch down the east coast, starting in Sydney, spending three nights in Melbourne and coming back to Brisbane at The Zoo to finish off. Can’t wait! Am with my new band – which is just phenomenal playing with them. They’re incredible musicians and its nice not doing it alone. That’s sort of a new direction I am taking with my music. Playing with a band opens the sound up so much more – it actualises what I hear in my head – I’m not just the lonely man at the piano.

Q: How’s the new album ‘Missing Person’ going?
Jake: I guess for me the CD, it encapsulates a period of my life that I’m very happy to put on a disk and put behind me. The band has brought so much to the sound. Definitely a next album is ahead and it will be an EP and we’ll be doing it later and already I have pretty clear idea on what I’ll be doing with that. But with Missing Person, which is the topic of the day...it’s very dark, it is about the destruction of self and the recovery of self. It’s an amazing experience. One of my biggest regrets is thinking I could do it all alone for so long – that delusion of self efficiency, that I can do everything myself and with my music - but no! It’s much better when you bring on other people who are really good at what they do.

Q: What was the turning point to get amongst a band?
Jake: I think I always wanted to have a band but I just had a lot of trouble reaching out and trusting people. For various reasons I have moved past that and I decided it was time to take the plunge, time to take a few risks and its paid off and I’m so happy with the band!
Hello Almaryse and the Frill of the Fight!

Q: What’s been keeping you busy, Almaryse since the release of your self titled album?
Almaryse: You know what; we were invited to come play in Berlin, by this really rad, online magazine called Honk! And of course we had to go. [laughs] And it was my first time in Berlin and I just fell in love. Brisbane’s older sister maybe...Berlin [laughs]. But I had some really dear friends over there as well so I got to hang out with them and they showed me around in the best way, like I didn’t go over as a tourist, I went over and actually got to experience it.

Q: Did Berlin dig you as well?
Almaryse: Yes! And we think Honk! Magazine is definitely down. They loved us. The things they were involved in pretty much linked us up with – like erm.. – there was this really amazing, (tallest drag queen in the world) there called ‘Gloria Viagra,’ And she runs a lot of shows and is actually quite political as well, but she’s got her own band and runs nights and things – she was DJ’ing the night we performed at the Honk! Launch. It was great!!

Q: You are supporting for Jake Diefenbach – what can we expect to see?
Almaryse: Well it’s just me and Mark as the other Frill has gone overseas to be a part of Guys and Dolls. But we actually have a surprise! You’ll be able to see hot people – if you come up close enough on stage you might be able to smell us! [Laughs] oh that sounded wrong, I meant smell the talent [laughs] you might be even able to taste it.... [Laughs] Nah, but I don’t want to give too much away but we will be there and there will be a surprise. It’s gonna be fun!

You can catch Jake debut his album at his ‘Missing Person’ launch with Almaryse and the Frill of the Fight supporting at The Zoo on 16 February. Tickets are available from oztix.com – Emma Dean is set to make a bestie appearance, too along with Jake at the Brisbane show. For more information about Jake and the other shows he’ll be performing at in Sydney and Melbourne visit www.diefenbach.com.au

Was a pleasure hanging out with the local Brisbane talent. Go Queensland!