Australian indie-folk artist Hazlett has made a name for himself with his introspective storytelling and melodic craftsmanship. Following the success of Goodbye to the Valley Low: Side A, released in late 2023, Hazlett returns with the much-anticipated Side B. Together, these two EPs form a full-length album, available now via Nettwerk.
Recorded in a remote Scandinavian cabin, the album’s creation reflects Hazlett’s deep dive into solitude, introspection, and the ever-present influence of time and place. With long-time collaborator Freddy Alexander lending his production skills, Goodbye to the Valley Low unfolds with delicate layers of indie-folk, intimate anecdotes, and lush, timeless soundscapes.
We caught up with Hazlett, to find out the inspiration behind revisiting the cabin, his evolving artistry, and how this unexpected two-sided project became a defining chapter in his musical journey.
[Gemma Cockrell]: Goodbye to the Valley Low started as a single EP. What inspired you to expand it into a full-length album with its side B follow-up?
[Hazlett]: It was only ever meant to be a stand alone EP. But when I got back from the cabin and tried moving onto the next era there was something that kept drawing me back to the feeling of the cabin. Everything I was writing was attached to it somehow, so I packed up my things, went back and side B came to life to complete the series.
[GC]: You mention that side B represents a deeper level of introspection compared to side A. Can you tell us about the specific questions or themes that arose in this second part?
[H]: I’d say the songs from side a scratched the surface a little and side B went all the way in. It was a lot of things. Kind of understanding why I am the way I am. My love languages. Why I lean into solitude. How I process emotions. What will I be known for. Small introspective things through a big picture lens.
[GC]: Recording in an off-grid Scandinavian cabin sounds like a unique experience. How did that setting influence your songwriting and creative process?
[H]: I think it was the first time in a while I was really able to genuinely switch off. You never realize how loud the city really is until you get to a place like that. From sun-up into the middle of the night it was just about music, tinkering away with things, writing and talking things out. So I guess the big influence was just giving the album the perfect place to naturally come together without anything else.
[GC]: Your music has been described as “a cathartic hug of warm, radiant indie folk.” How do you approach creating such an emotionally resonant atmosphere in your songs?
[H]: Truth be told I don’t really think about it. A long time ago I realised I just need to write things about how I’m feeling or emotions I’ve processed and if they resonate with other people that’s great if they don’t that’s totally fine as well. But I started making music to take a long hard honest look at myself and work through my own troubles, so that’s the mindset and the way it always has to be for me.
[GC]: Tracks like ‘Bones Shake’ and ‘The First Train Home’ seem to explore themes of distance and finding clarity. What role does physical distance play in your personal journey and music?
[H]: It’s a huge part. From moving to the other side of the world, to being on the road, to often isolating myself when things get too much. Distance seems to be a common theme in myself so naturally I write and wrestle with it a lot. Whether that’s absence making the heart grow fonder or pushing myself to connect more and not be such a lone ranger all the time.
[GC]: You’ve worked closely with producer Freddy Alexander for this project. How has this collaboration shaped your sound, and what makes this partnership so effective?
[H]: Freddy and I have done everything together ever since I started. There’d be no Hazlett without him. And because we’ve been at this together so long the communication and process of bringing things together becomes so much easier. We talk in disjointed sentences and metaphors and know exactly what each other means. There’s a magic in creative teamwork that might be one of my favourite parts of all this.
[GC]: On ‘Shiver,’ you touch on the struggle with control and decision-making. How do you view the role of fate versus choice in your life and career?
[H]: It’s a bit of a see-saw isn’t it. Sometimes life gives you lemons and you make lemonade, other times you leave them on the kitchen counter and say everything happens for a reason and walk away. I definitely lean towards the “everything happens for a reason mantra” but some days it’s harder to see that than others.
[GC]: ‘Goodbye to the Valley Low’ reflects growth and self-discovery influenced by time and place. How has living in Sweden impacted your musical evolution since your early days in Australia?
[H]: Baring the tangible impact of experiencing full seasons for the first time I’d say the biggest impact is leaving the safety net behind. I kind of threw myself into music up here to the point where I was in so much debt and at it too long that there’s actually no other option but to keep going and hopefully make it to the other side. So the leap of faith has been the biggest impact in the evolution.
[GC]: After years as a musician, including a time when you stepped away from it, what drives you to keep pursuing this path and sharing these personal stories?
[H]: As cheesy as it sounds the more and more I get to tour and meet people who have their own stories and connections to the songs is what keeps me going. There’ll be days when it all gets a bit much or I’m stuck in a rut, but I’m pretty lucky to have a very open and emotionally intelligent bunch of people listening that want to share their stories back to me which helps a lot.
[GC]: You’re currently on a European tour with many sold-out shows. How has it been to connect with fans live, and what do you hope they take away from hearing ‘Goodbye to the Valley Low’ in person?
[H]: It’s the entire reason for making music to be honest. I do love writing but the tangible feeling of getting to just have a conversation with even a handful of people that might want to talk to me after a show is what makes it all worthwhile. As for playing these songs live, I just hope people see a little bit of themselves in the songs. For as much as they’re about me and my life, I often like to think that during parts of these songs I’m trying to hold up a mirror so people can see we’re all very similar in a lot of ways.
The new release from Hazlett, Goodbye to the Valley Low (Side B) is out now. Keep up to date with Hazlett here.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
21.11.2024 Lafayette, London – UK
22.11.2024 The Dareshack, Bristol – UK
23.11.2024 Deaf Institute, Manchester – UK
24.11.2024 Academy Green Room, Dublin – IE
26.11.2024 Stereo, Glasgow – UK
27.11.2024 Hare and Hounds Birmingham – UK”
