Finally finding time for a solo project, Lucas Arundell (aka Arundel) is exploring ideas and sounds that he scarcely had a moment for in the past.

“I guess with this particular EP ['Olive Caves'] a lot of the songs are a mixed bag of a lot of different things that I have had going on. When I started the project Arundel, I was coming out of playing with a lot of different bands. I guess I wanted to do more of a compositional project and explore all the stylistic ideas I had. 'Olive Caves' came about just wanting to see through a lot of the ideas I had at the time.”

Arundel came up with the title for the EP after a little light reading.

“The title itself comes out of a line from the song 'Wintersun'. I had this realisation last year that if you want to work hard at something you kind of have to hide away from social activity and from other people for a while. I was reading about these caves in Israel where they would process olive oil. They would build caves under their houses and work hard for long periods of time perfecting their craft.”

Inspiration for 'Olive Caves' came from all over, although the artist is equally sure where inspiration was not to be found.

“Some of the strongest influences from my past range from punk bands like NOFX to bands like Massive Attack and Radiohead, along with soundtrack composers like Clint Mansell and Jon Brion. As for lyrics, I've always been a huge fan of The Doors, mostly for the imagery that Mr Morrison had in his songs.

“In terms of spirit and heart then people like Jeff Buckley, although I know I was a bit too young to know of him while he was alive. Artists that have something genuine to express, instead of the music I hear at the moment, I'm a bit bitter about some of it.

“Everyone is listening to them but what do they actually have to say? Music like that makes it harder for good acts to get heard, because there is so much clutter!”
A particular high point in his burgeoning career was supporting Mount Kimbie on their recent visit to Australia.

“That was a really exciting show, it was my first time supporting an international act. It's probably my biggest show … It was a great experience to be able to see them at work live and from side of stage.”

Arundel will be making an appearance at the 2high Festival in November. The event, now in it's 19th year, is organised and run by a youthful team of creative types whose aim is to showcase both musical and visual arts.

“I was really excited to hear about this year’s event. It's the fact that it focuses on something that goes beyond the music and involves experimenting with visuals. It crosses art platforms. In the long term I am quite interested in music for film, or at least something that has an equally strong visual element, so this is perfect for me. I am really excited to get a chance to play in a place that supports something more than just a pub gig.”

In anticipation, Arundel is creating new links between his music and visual show.

“I work with a friend of mine, she is a graphic artist named Mel Baxter. We play around with cameras and paints and a macro lens. We play around and make a whole other world of shapes and movement. We're working on some things for [2high Festival] at the moment. We like to incorporate a lot of the visual element at the gigs. We might have some stop animation and also some clips from old films, maybe a few weather patterns in there as well. The visuals relate to the feeling that I had in my head when I was writing the songs.”

The adventure continues for Lucas with future plans stretching into new mediums.

“The next stage is getting out the next set of music. The initial focus with the Arundel project is really on recording. The next EP might be in the format of a soundtrack, possibly to a film that doesn't exist. Next year there will be a lot more gigs and probably the incorporation of a live band to open up the sound a bit more.”

Arundel performs at the 2high Festival, which takes place at the Brisbane Powerhouse Saturday November 10.