20 Questions is a Q&A interview series with musicians, authors, and everyone in between, celebrating experiences both shared and individual in the messy game of being human.
A dreamy indie folk/rock/pop group from Christchurch, New Zealand, There’s A Tuesday consists of two front women on both guitars and vocals, Nat Hutton and Minnie Robberds, with Angus Murray and Joel Becker on bass and drums, respectively. Possessing wonderful harmonies and gorgeous songs, the group won 2019’s Smokefree Rockquest (the NZ equivalent of Triple J Unearthed, with previous winners including Ladyhawke, Kimbra, and Broods), which provided the platform to record debut single “Pinata Head” at Neil Finn’s Round Head Studios — the single rocketed to number 13 on the New Zealand singles chart, and received substantial radio play nationwide.
Releasing their debut EP Dance With Me Before We Cry late last year, There’s A Tuesday has gone on to become the darlings of New Zealand’s festival circuit, landing upcoming spots at Rhythm and Alps, Rhythm and Vines, Le Currents, Electric Ave and more, as well as recent tours with The Butlers and Mako Road, and their very own headline tour this summer.
I got to speak with There’s A Tuesday for the first edition of 20 Questions in 2021! We talked about which sounds influenced their new EP the most, what it was like growing up in musical households, why sad songs are the best songs to write, and more.
What is the full history of There’s A Tuesday? How did you guys come to be?
There’s A Tuesday was originally a duo consisting of two front-women, Nat Hutton and Minnie Robberds, who met at Gus’ birthday party, who joined months later the drummer of the band. The fourth member is Joel Becker on bass, who we met through his former band Merlinco, opening for them at one of their shows.
Did you guys grow up in musical households?
Yes, we all did! Joel’s mum is a music teacher at his former primary school so he definitely heard a lot of music growing up. Nat, Min, and Gus all also have musical parents that belong to choirs and bands. Music was big in our households growing up.
Who are the biggest musical influences that we hear most on your new EP Dance With Me Before We Cry?
Phoebe Bridgers has inspired us heaps and a similar sound can definitely be heard throughout our EP. We find her writing style super beautiful, too. We are also inspired by the likes of Julia Jacklin, Nadia Reid, The Beths, and The Phoenix Foundation… just to name a few.
You’ve been described as a “kiwi indie pop” group. Among which genres would you guys classify yourselves?
We like that genre choice, although we would say we are better associated with “indie dream pop.”
Favorite artists of all-time?
Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin, and Arctic Monkeys.
The last book you finished?
Just Kids by Patti Smith.
One song that you will never be sick of?
“Head Alone” by Julia Jacklin.
If you had the chance to meet one celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Chlöe Swarbrick — we really love her, she’s so cool.
How would you guys characterize the general theme of Dance With Me Before We Cry?
The title really sums it up. Dance-y yet tearful.
Biggest pet peeves?
Passive-aggressiveness.
One piece of advice you would give to your younger selves?
It’s better to be honest.
The last series you binge-watched?
High Fidelity.
Favorite movies of all-time?
Monsters Inc. (not University!)
What is your favorite type of song to write?
A sad song, because everyone loves a sad song.
Favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
Jump in puddles!
The best compliment you’ve ever received?
You’re not ugly anymore.
Favorite song to get your blood moving?
“Apple Pie Bed” by Lawrence Arabia, and every Lizzo song.
What does the word “beauty” mean to you guys?
A nice heart.
One thing that has been keeping you sane throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ludo, Chess, Ping-Pong, Uno.
What can we expect to hear next from There’s A Tuesday?
More music for sure, more live shows, and heaps more laughing.
Follow There’s A Tuesday on Facebook and Instagram, and stream their debut EP Dance With Me Before We Cry wherever you listen to music.
Jeffrey Reads 