Upbringing: Methyl Ethel • Interview • DIY Magazine

Western Australian alt-pop eccentrist Jake Webb, aka Methyl Ethel, has released his fourth full-length ‘Are You Haunted?’ today.

“There are these spirits, memories of our old selves, our younger selves, parents,” he notes, “generations past whose deeds, actions, successes and failures shape us. We all have these ghosts that linger in our present predicaments.”

We sent him over a few qs to find out a bit more about his musical journey to this point…

What was the first gig you ever went to?
I saw The Sleepy Jackson open up the main stage of the now defunct Big Day Out Festival in Perth when I was 16 and they were incredible! All the shows I saw when I was younger, particularly those Big Day Out shows, were so pivotal in galvanising my love of music.

Were there a good supply of venues in your hometown?
Not particularly but the ones we had were so great. Some are no longer, some live on. Shout outs to The Bakery, Norfolk Basement, Mojos and The Bird.

What was the first song you developed an obsession for?
I was obsessed with Bad Days by The Flaming Lips, I used to mime playing guitar to it with two cricket wickets tied together by my dressing gown cord. This was all done in secret by the way.

What’s the first song you ever bought with your own money, and why?
It was the Batman Forever soundtrack, which I bought because I was obviously into the movie. It featured the song I just spoke about, haha. Ahh, those halcyon days.

What’s the story behind your first instrument?
My guitar obsession must have caught the attention of my parents who, generously, offered to buy me an electric guitar. It was a $300 no brand Strat plus amp beginner kit. I struggled with it for so long, teaching myself. A friend dropped it the first week I got it. Eventually it all clicked. Years later though, the fingers were very sore.

What’s your worst musical habit?
Putting drums in everything. I can’t resist, I love playing them so much.

What inspirations outside of music have an impact on your songwriting?
Films, books and art. Being outside, catching the train, walking around. Lying on the floor, lying upside down. Anything really; science, religion, you name it.

Tell us the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician…
‘The Chicken Roll Theory’; In high school, the conductor of one of our bands taught us this. Basically, if the first bite and the last bite of the chicken roll are really tasty, you can forgive some of the gristle in the middle. Works for live music real well, pretty rogue but it’s so often used to this day by myself and others. Shout out Marty P!

And if you could be in a band from the last two decades, which would you pick, and why?
Hmm, I don’t know if I’d willingly subject myself to being in anyone’s band. Being in a band is kind of a nightmare. It’s also really amazing. All you have to do is watch that Beatles doc to understand what I mean.

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