Interview With Bully Hay In In 27 Magazine

Hey Bully Hay, thanks for taking the time to chat with 27 Magazine.

Musical Evolution: Black Dogs and Songbirds is your 1st album! How long have you been working on the album for and what was it like working with Jeff Martin?

The journey to Black Dogs and Songbirds was a wild ride! I had the incredible opportunity to live with Jeff and his wife Melissa for about six weeks last year, spread across a couple of trips. During that time, we were in the studio every day, completely immersed in the music. But with me based in Tasmania and Jeff on the Sunshine Coast, a lot of the work also happened remotely. We’d track parts here and there, then bounce mixes back and forth. From start to finish, the album took just under a year to complete.

Working with Jeff was an absolute trip! I’ve been a die-hard fan of The Tea Party since I was 14, so to have him producing my debut album still feels surreal. Jeff is a well of knowledge when it comes to recording techniques, and as an artist himself, he knows exactly how to pull the best performance out of you. At first, I was a bit wary, thinking he might steer the sessions in a direction that wasn’t true to my sound. But it turned out to be the opposite. The process was incredibly organic—he let me guide the sessions, absorbing my ideas and adding his magic touch at just the right moments. He brought his unique flair without ever overshadowing the essence of my songs, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Outside the studio, we had just as much fun—plenty of vodka, a lot of good food, and some unforgettable late-night conversations. By the time I got home, I’m pretty sure I’d gained a few pounds, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. After making this album, I’m lucky to count Jeff as one of my closest friends. It was truly a win-win all around.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

Bully Hay