Peter O’Doherty
‘Dog Trumpet Porch Thoughts’
If you joined in the debate of arguing that links exists between genetics and sibling creativity; and you needed two living examples to close your affirmative argument, then like me you could simply point out the talented O’Doherty brothers.
With their feet planted in the music and art worlds, New Zealand born brothers, Peter O’Doherty and Chris O'Doherty (better known by the pseudonym Reg Mombassa) were both former members of the Aria award winning Australian band Mental As Anything and celebrated award-winning visual artists.
Peter specialises in still life works; domestic, suburban architecture, landscapes of urban scenes and streetscapes; whilst Reg is well renowned for his idiosyncratic work for Mambo Graphics and as a fine artist. When they take a break from their brushes and exhibitions, together they continue to spearhead the Dog Trumpet band they created before leaving the Mentals in the 1990s.
Continuing along parallel career paths, the talented siblings have released Dog Trumpet’s sixth album Medicated Spirits in Australia, United States and Canada on the Toronto based Orange label. Recorded and mixed by Peter in Sydney at his Big Brain Studio over the past three years, the double album CD and vinyl hosts a stellar line up of guest musicians. Travelling by car to Melbourne along with bass player Bernie Hayes and drummer Iain Sheddon, the four-piece band will perform two shows in Melbourne.
Caught between an afternoon of rehearsing and painting, on his artistic Porch in Coogee (near Randwick), Peter was more than happy to share his thoughts on art, Dog Trumpet’s music and inspiration behind their latest collaboration.
In reference to genetics and creativity, how much of your and Reg’s creative ability do you attribute to your parents?
Certainly our Dad’s Irish background and his musical talents and our Mum’s love of singing and love of amateur theatre and performing in choirs certainly played a part. Reg and I are fortunate to have been able to follow our musical passion than our father could.
What are your first memories of arriving to Australia from New Zealand?
I remember sailing into Sydney when I was 10. The Opera House was under construction and we settled in the northern beaches area that looked a bit like Auckland in those days
As founding members of the iconic band -‘Mental As Anything’, why did you and Reg form Dog Trumpet while still in the ‘Mentals’?
We hadn’t recorded a Mentals album for a while, and the process had become a bit cumbersome. At the same time I was expanding my visual arts work. We thought it was a good time for us to go back to creating our own music, in a more relaxed way, at our own pace.
How did the name Dog Trumpet name come about?
We had been throwing a few names around, including Dog Trumpet which was a reference to Reg’s artwork. As we were finalising our first tracks for the new act, ‘Dog Trumpet’ stood out as the most workable. It’s a bit like naming a child. Once it’s decided, the name sticks!
Dog Trumpet’s unique sound reflects affection for classic 1960s pop and whimsical psychedelia - mixed with quirky lyrics that at times, can border on being a political. Do you enjoy pushing the political envelope?
We do sometimes express an opinion or observation through our music. We do realise that it’s just our perspective on a particular issue though. We enjoy listening to other people’s expressions and outlooks too.
What is the meaning for the album title Medicated Spirit?
It’s based on the track Methylated Spirit. Reg was reflecting on his observation of a homeless person who appeared to be medicating himself with spirits. It seemed relatable for few different reasons. I can even see how it fits with Vincent van Gogh, whose biography I recently read. Medicated Spirits is quite an inventive album with seventeen songs and two instrumentals that features a range of guest musicians.
Who did you and Reg invite to be part of the album?
Amanda Brown (Go Betweens) on violin, Bernie Hayes (who contributes to the song Camel Rock) on backing vocals, Sharon Finon backing vocals, Rob Woolf on piano and organ, Jonathan Zwartzon double bass, Iain Shedded, Hamish Stuart, Jess Ciampa and Declan O’Doherty on drums. Peter Mitchell performs harmonica and Ken Allars on trumpet. Even though I enjoyed the recording process with our many talented guest artists, I’m also looking forward to playing live with Iain and Bernie.
Medicated Spirits is quite an imaginative and poetic journey. Do you feel you’ve been able to maintain complete musical freedom in an increasingly demanding music business?
We’ve been very fortunate to have experienced both the pace and pressure of working to high music-business expectations, as well as to be able to work independently for ourselves at a more flexible pace. Sometimes we’ve found our expectations have been higher than any we’ve encountered in earlier years.
With over three decades in the professional music industry, is there a new style or genre you would like to experiment with?
I like a wide range of styles and I do like to try different instrumentation in collaboration with other musicians. New sounds can also come from unexpected sources, such as my Siamese cat. His vocals were recorded unintentionally in the early days in our track Antisocial Tendencies
Being Sydney based, do you have a particular place in Melbourne which appeals for creative inspiration? I enjoy the culture and atmosphere of the St Kilda area. Melburnians have a great appreciation for both art and music. Sometimes our creative inspiration comes at times and from places when we least expect it. Previously during the drive to the Otways, we heard Ray Davies and the Kinks on the radio, and Reg quickly came up with a new track that’s featured on the album.
What is your Porch Thought For The Day?
“There’s no point agonising over having everything ready to start a creative project – just keep your hands busy and see where it takes you. By the same token, don’t leave too much time between creations – it can take some time to scrape off the rust.”