In this new Rolling Stone AU/NZ series, we get to know the music tastes of artists through their favourite records. Next up, 5 Seconds of Summer’s latest solo experimentalist Calum Hood.
If Calum Hood ventures into a record store next Friday, he’ll be met with a familiar sight: his brand new solo album.
Hood is the latest 5 Seconds of Summer to go it alone, with his debut solo collection, ORDER chaos ORDER, set to drop on June 13th.
The album features recent singles “Don’t Forget You Love Me” and “Call Me When You Know Better”, the latter of which finds Hood touching on the contradiction of loving someone but “maybe not being the best lover or friend to the people who mean the most to me.”
On ORDER chaos ORDER, Hood shared, “This album was made in a tumble dryer of knowing and not knowing. I started out with a vision – order – but quickly became overwhelmed by the process – chaos. Eventually, I learned to embrace both, and that balance became the heart of the record.”
Before Hood’s new album fills up record store racks around Australia and beyond, he headed down to The Vintage Record in his hometown of Sydney to take part in Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s On the Record series, in which an artist takes us through some of their favourite records.
His chosen records were impressively varied, traversing ’80s new wave, classic pop, and even Scottish folk-rock.
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Check out Hood’s picks now!
Credit: @charliehardy
Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Hood’s linkup isn’t done with On the Record: the multi-instrumentalist sat down with Editor-in-Chief Neil Griffiths for an exclusive interview for our June-August issue, opening about the differences between making music as a solo artist and as part of 5SOS, the inspirations behind his debut album, and much more.
Our latest issue, which hit newsstands on Monday (June 2nd), is led by Dom Dolla, who made history by becoming our first-ever solo electronic cover star.
The issue is stuffed with plenty of other features from artists and topics that matter, including Gordi, ONEFOUR, a special exposé on pill testing, and a countdown of the 50 Greatest Australian Electronic Acts of All Time.
Calum Hood’s ORDER chaos ORDER is out Friday, June 13th (pre-order here).
On the Record with Calum Hood
The Proclaimers – Sunshine on Leith
My dad always used to blast this record late at night. I always tell him this is where I first subconsciously heard what a well-crafted song sounded like. It’s the perfect time capsule, transporting me to a time and place of youth and naivety.
Silverchair – Frogstomp
I find a lot of similarity in 5SOS and Silverchair with the journey of a group through evolution of music. These guys started at a similar age and showed a powerful innate ability to tap into expression of deep feeling through language and sound. Sunny days, windows down, few thoughts on my mind.
Credit: @charliehardy
Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings and Food
An album where powerhouses were power housing. It makes me want to sell all my things and backpack through the Himalayas for a year. Plant a tree in a stranger’s front yard without their permission. Not sleep for a week. A beautiful record of tension.
Credit: @charliehardy
New Order – Everything’s Gone Green 1981 Factus 8 1982
An EP stitched together of singles. “In a Lonely Place” will always find a way to draw me in. The songs are a constant well of inspiration. Or something to put on while you’re the only one driving on the road. Tune out and tap in.
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The Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night
Not much explanation for this one needed. Some of the greatest song crafters of all time. Energy and attitude for days. An album cover for the ages. Timeless.
