On 13th October, Sheppard released their new single Dance on the Sun alongside a music video, having released Good Time and Daylight earlier this year, and previously, their hugely successful song Geronimo charted around the world. Sheppard will be releasing a fourth studio album in the new year, and their first three albums all charted in Australia, with Watching the Sky reaching number one, and Bombs Away and Kaleidoscope Eyes reaching number two. The band is made up of siblings George, Amy and Emma, and they have recently moved from Brisbane to Nashville, and they are usually joined on stage by drummer Dean Gordon and guitarist Jay Bovino. Before leaving Australia, Sheppard had a two-and-a-half-week residency at Warner Bros Movie World on the Gold Coast, and had a showcase on the 29th November having made the move to Nashville. In 2019, Sheppard appeared on Eurovision – Australia Decides with their song On My Way, and 2024 is set to be a busy year with the release of their new album and touring the United States, Europe and Australia. We caught up with Sheppard about releasing their new single Dance on the Sun, their upcoming fourth studio album and their two-and-a-half-week residency at Warner Bros Movie World.
Your new single Dance on the Sun was released on 13th October, can you tell us about it?
Our latest single, Dance on the Sun, is a beacon of hope for those who have faced adversity and found themselves in the midst of darkness. This song serves as a reminder that even when the world feels lonely and bleak, the sun will always rise again, bringing with it a renewed sense of euphoria, warmth, and love. The relaxed groove and the Californian-inspired, almost psychedelic vibe of this song is a bit of an experimental departure from our usual sound, but we’re thrilled with how it turned out. The Californian sound is also a bit of a nod to our new home – we just left Australia and moved to the United States! Nashville is where we’ll be based for the next three years.
How has it been seeing the response to the release and your new music?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s always a bit nerve-racking releasing new material, especially when it’s a departure from what fans might expect. But seeing our fans resonate with the message and vibe of Dance on the Sun has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the power of music and its ability to connect people, no matter where they are in the world.
Where did the inspiration come from for Dance on the Sun and how long were you working on it?
The inspiration for Dance on the Sun came from personal experiences and a private challenge we’ve been facing as a family over the last couple of years. It’s a song about resilience, hope, and the promise of a new day. From the initial idea to the final product, the song was in the works for several months. I had the chorus idea in my head for a few weeks, and I brought it into the room with my sister Amy, Cameron Walker and Jordan Witzigreuter. We wrote the rest of the song as Jordan produced up the first version of the demo. Jordan then handed the stems over to me and I finalised the production and mix back home in Australia. It was a labour of love, and we poured our hearts into every note and lyric, and the first Sheppard song that I’ve personally finished up the production on, so it’s a proud moment!
What was it like filming the music video for the single?
Haha. Filming the video clip for Dance on the Sun was a… challenging experience, but ultimately very memorable and rewarding. We had to wake up at 3:30am to capture the sunrise on a clifftop on the Victorian coast. Despite the freezing temperatures and strong winds, we had to try and make it look warm and sunny for the video so whenever we went for a take, we had to take all the warm jackets off and perform in a thin layer of clothing. It was physically and mentally demanding, and I almost went hypothermic at one point. But the end result was worth every shiver – a visually stunning video that perfectly complements the song.
How was it releasing your previous singles of the year – Good Time and Daylight – and what were both like to work on?
I love both of these songs. Good Time is a laidback, groovy summer anthem that I had the pleasure of writing in Sweden with Robin Stjernberg, who represented Sweden at Eurovision a few years back. I played the chorus to him within five minutes of meeting, and his eyes just lit up. He understood what I was going for immediately and he did a great job bringing the song to life. On the other hand, Daylight is one of my all-time favourite Sheppard songs. It’s one that Amy and I wrote in Los Angeles. It’s fast-paced with a euphoric energy that’s so much fun to perform live. Ryan Daly’s production really added a layer of magic to it. Both songs were a joy to work on, both very different, each offering a unique experience in two different studios with some incredibly talented producers.
Is there anything you can tell us about your upcoming fourth studio album?
Yes! Our fourth studio album is complete and ready for release. We’re holding off on the details until the new year, but fans can gather clues from our recent singles about its aesthetic and themes. It’s a mix of the classic Sheppard sound with some experimental twists. We really think our fans are going to love it!
What did you enjoy most about working on your first three albums and how was it seeing them reach number one (Watching the Sky) and number two (Bombs Away / Kaleidoscope Eyes) in the Australian Albums Chart?
Working on our first three albums was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic expression. Each album represents a specific moment in our lives, and seeing them chart so well in Australia was a humbling experience. It’s a testament to our fans’ unwavering support and the universal appeal of our music. We’ve loved playing these albums live over the years and seeing the diverse, eclectic mix of fans that we have. People from all walks of life, of all ages. It’s not uncommon for a teenager to bring their parents, and even their grandparents along to a Sheppard show. It’s something we’re incredibly grateful for.
What do you remember from releasing your hugely successful single Geronimo and having it chart around the world?
Releasing Geronimo was an absolute whirlwind. We had a feeling we had something special when we wrote it, but watching it become a global hit was beyond our wildest dreams. It opened doors for us internationally and allowed us to connect with fans from all corners of the globe. The song’s success is a cherished memory, and we’re forever grateful for the opportunities it brought our way. We still love to perform it. It never seems to get old, which is lucky, because we’ll most likely be performing it for the rest of our careers, haha.
In 2019, you performed on Eurovision – Australia Decides with your song On My Way, how did you find the experience?
Ooooh yes. Eurovision – Australia Decides was a pretty exhilarating (if not a bit stressful) experience. We weren’t quite used to music being a ‘competition’, and the people who didn’t want us to go were VERY vocal, haha. But honestly, the energy, the talent, the passion from the fans, and the sheer scale of the event were unlike anything we’d experienced before. Performing On My Way on such a grand stage was both nerve-racking and thrilling. It’s one of the most memorable moments of our career, and an experience we’ll always be grateful for.
You have recently finished performing a two-and-a-half-week residency at Gold Coast theme park Warner Bros Movie World, how was this?
The Movie World residency was the perfect farewell to Australia. Performing for thousands of fans daily, riding roller coasters, and enjoying the beach in between sets was a dream. The theme park really treated us like royalty, and we felt incredibly special. A highlight from that time was celebrating Emma’s 30th birthday there, made even more memorable when her long-time partner, Liam, proposed in front of friends and family.
What are some of your favourite highlights of your music career so far?
Some stand-out moments include having global hits with Geronimo and Coming Home, performing at the AFL Grand Final Halftime Show in Brisbane (it’s kind of like Australia’s version of the Superbowl), zip-lining into our Rock in Rio (Brazil) show, a European Summer Festival tour, appearances on shows like Jimmy Fallon, and touring with legends like Elton John, Keith Urban, Meghan Trainor, Justin Bieber, Michael Franti and Robbie Williams. We’ve been incredibly lucky over the last decade!
For those that haven’t heard your music, can you tell us about each band member and how would you describe your sound?
Sheppard is primarily anchored by the three Sheppard siblings: George (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Amy (lead vocals, guitar, piano), and Emma (backup vocals, bass guitar). On stage, we’re also joined by our talented drummer, Dean Gordon, and amazing guitarist, Jay Bovino. While they didn’t make the move to Nashville with us, they remain an integral part of our sound. Our music is a blend of euphoric, anthemic indie pop. Big sing-along choruses, catchy hooks, and grand, wondrous vibes. We have tracks that are energetic and fast-paced, while others are more mellow and dreamy. But through it all, there’s a distinct ‘Sheppard’ sound that binds our music together.
Where does your love of music come from and how did you each get into it?
Our passion for music is deeply rooted in our upbringing. Growing up in Papua New Guinea, our father played a pivotal role in our musical education. The lack of record stores meant he introduced us to the greats: Elton John, Cat Stevens, America, Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, The Bee Gees, and other iconic artists from his era. Instead of a traditional alarm, our mornings began with music blasting throughout the house. It was our daily wake-up call, and while it might have been a bit… jarring back then, we now look back at those moments with immense fondness. It set the tone (quite literally) for our day and our lives. We also had an incredible music teacher in primary school named Buruka Tau. He saw potential in us from a very young age and mentored us all the way to our first ever show as adults. Sadly, Buruka passed away last year, but his legacy will forever live on in our music.
Do you have any favourite music artists to listen to?
We have a pretty diverse taste in music, but some of our favourites include Coldplay, AIR, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer, and Radiohead.
How do you like to spend your time away from music?
Away from music, we’re all very much adventurers at heart. We love the outdoors, hiking, and exploring beautiful places. We’re also food enthusiasts, so trying out new restaurants is always on the agenda. And when we’re in the mood to relax, there’s nothing like a good video game or movie on the couch. There have been quite a few Mario Kart battles on the tour bus!
What are you hoping the upcoming months bring for Sheppard and do you have any events or music plans coming up that you can tell us about?
The upcoming months are packed with excitement for Sheppard. As I mentioned earlier, we’ve recently moved to Nashville from Brisbane, and we’re eager to make our mark in the USA. We had a showcase on the 29th of November! Beyond that, 2024 is shaping up to be a busy year with a new album, and tours planned in the United States, Europe, and a return to Australia. We’re thrilled about the journey ahead and can’t wait to share our music with fans all over the world!
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