INTERVIEW: THE CLOUDS IN CONVERSATION WITH JODI PHILLIS
Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
The Clouds are true song writing icons of the Australian music scene. Their songs like ‘Hieronymus’, ‘Souleater’, ‘Anthem’, and ‘Say It’ blended dreamy pop, with angular guitar rock, and hazy shoegaze with lovely harmonies and insightful lyricism. The Clouds will reconvene in November to celebrate their 35th anniversary as one of Australia’s most distinctive bands and to celebrate their brilliant songs and legacy while keeping their eyes firmly on the future.
The Clouds comprises of Jodi Phillis (guitar, vocals) and Trish Young (bass, vocals) with Dave Easton (guitar) and Raphael Whittingham (drums). They are going to deliver headline concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane during November and it is an important milestone. “Yes. It’s really been 35 years of our little family of friends playing music together,” stated Jodi Phillis. “We are all scattered across the country now, but we will come together for a week to rehearse before we head out on tour to play for our fans. We are lucky to be able to do that”.
“We want to deliver a different experience for these concerts,” said Jodi Phillis. “Yes. Trish will tell her jokes. But we are thinking of delivering an eclectic set with some deep cuts especially from our EPs that fans will enjoy. We just need to get together, as a group, and practise to make sure we can play them. Some of the songs we are thinking about have not been played live ever or it’s been a long time since we have come together to deliver those tracks”.
The Clouds have recently been on tour celebrating their amazing four earlier albums: ‘Penny Century’ (1991), the fun ‘Octopus’ (1992), ‘Thunderhead’ (1993) and ‘Futura’ (1996). And it will be great to hear songs from these albums mixed into newer music from the ‘Zaffre’ EP and the independently released songs like the strutting ‘Beautiful Nothingness’, ‘Check Us Out’ and ‘Some About Your Love’.
“We are still so fortunate we can still make music and tour,” explained Jodi Phillis. “It’s a privilege to be able to create music and play it for fans. It is strange to watch our fan base changing as more young people come to see our shows. But we are going to try and deliver a typical 25 song setlist that will see us combining the old favourites and the more obscure tracks from back in the day. Something for the older fans and the newer fans”.
Jodi Phillis also chatted about the future of The Clouds – with no promises – “but new music - it looks promising” she said. Jodi Phillis, herself, remains busy with teaching, painting, her own musical work with multiple projects like the Jung Lovers with their dark gothic pop take on songs like ‘Walking In The Dark’ and ‘Red Blooded Mary’ as well as a new album in development with Rebecca Barnard. “I am so lucky to be able to perform and write with my best friends,” stated Jodi Phillis. “We write songs, have a laugh and play gigs. Jung Lovers will have a song out next month. And we have two songs to go – Rebecca and me – before there is an album ready to go out and play”.
“For The Clouds,” explained Jodi Phillis. “We will get it together”. The Clouds hold a most special place in the hearts of discerning music lovers. The concerts that the band are about to embark on will be special as it is an amazing feat to be “that little family of friends” still together, and growing through the changes that life throws at you, after so much time. The Clouds concerts are always events that are unique, memorable and life affirming.
The Clouds: 35th Anniversary Australian Tour Dates are below. Tickets are available now:
Sydney: The Metro – Saturday, 8th November 2025
Melbourne: Croxton Bandroom - Saturday, 14th November 2025
Brisbane: The Triffid – Sunday, 15th November 2025
