Released in March last year, Martin Frawley’s debut solo record Undone at 31 was an enchanting collection of folk-pop synth classics, a mellowed and sparkling twist on the Twerps sound we all knew so well. In his latest single ‘In A Better World’, Frawley’s drawling storytelling weaves around a shimmering pop tune to lift us through these long days in isolation, reminding us why he is one of Melbourne’s most-loved songwriters.

TJ: Firstly, how are you going?

MF: I’m really good. In a weird way, I’m really enjoying slowing down for a bit and being locked away. I think I'm actually becoming less extroverted as I get a little older - now that I look back, I feel like I'm always trying to find excuses to just stay home. I see and hear a lot about people finding it hard not to socialise, but maybe as I usually spend a lot of time making art by myself, I’m a little used to it. So, I guess good [laughs].

I just hope everyone else is being smart and aware and thinking of others and staying in.

Congratulations on the new single. How has it been to release music during COVID-19?

I don’t seem to play too much anymore, so it just seems the same as any other time. I’ve lost the patience for single launches and I’m still working it all out as a solo act. I just like to make the music, and then it’s hopefully out and maybe people will like it and the radio will play it. I don’t really know how to get it out to people, so I just pop it on Instagram and then put the phone down and make something else. I guess it’s just a page turner.

I have found it interesting how so many people feel the need to be playing on social media during all this - I’d suggest taking a step back from that at the moment, to calm that need to be a performer. Slow down and make some stuff instead.

I mean, most peoples’ three minute pop song ain't gonna change the world. There are so many albums out there, everyone is frantically trying to express themselves and be heard. I find it a bit too much. Ya’ll should just put a soul record on and try and understand space and relax.

It's been a lot of fun seeing your cooking adventures on your Instagram story - what's your relationship with cooking? Is it a form of self-care for you during this time of isolation?

Yay, yes. Cooking is good, cooking is my therapy. I have been in love with cooking for many years now and it means so many different things to me. First off, it’s a time my mind stops thinking. I put on some jazz or reggae or soul, real loud, and then I just go for it in the kitchen. Sometimes I know what is going to happen, sometimes it’s havoc, but it’s my favourite way to meditate. I hate food waste so I like trying to use everything. I love cooking for people, I think there is nothing nicer you can do for someone, especially when they like the meal. Handing someone a warm meal and a glass of wine on a rainy mid-week evening is like giving a big hug. Cooking is good for the soul.

For the last few years I have been trying to put together a food show, but I will hold off saying anymore as I want it to happen and not jinx myself. I just love hosting and having people around a table drinking, eating laughing and sharing stories.

What is your favourite thing to cook? Give us a rundown.

Hmm depends, today it’s Saturday and Easter and it’s raining, so I'm going to do a roast leg of lamb and veggies and drink some wine.

I love how everyone has their own spin on spaghetti Bolognese. It’s funny and cute. I like cooking stock because it makes the house smell good. In spring, I like barbequing as the weather is changing. I like cooking with seafood a lot. I like ten-minute pastas, I like ramen, I like curries… I don’t know, that’s tough!

I like a good sandwich or just pea and ham soup… whoa! Pea and ham soup! I ain't done that in a minute… there’s an idea! Add some apple juice, that’s a secret… x


Here's what Martin's been cooking lately

Do you have any sentimental kitchen utensils? What are they and why are they special?

To be honest, as I’m typing this I’m transferring thousands of photos of all the tours I’ve been on and realising that I’m an incredibly sentimental person. Maybe too much so. I romanticise everything.

I have a wooden spoon and I remember it was the first one my dear friend Julia and I bought for a house we lived in and I remember being in my head like “this is the first household item we are about to buy together”. Honestly what a fuckwit, who cares! It’s a wooden spoon. But that’s how I think. Everything has a story and a memory, that’s so important. I think it might be dangerous for us to go down this hole…

Oh previous question… I learnt how to make fish tacos in LA! I make them for my girlfriend and it’s her favourite, that’s what I like making. I always make it a surprise for her, I cannot tell you the recipe. Maybe I can just make them for you one day.

Do you have a favourite cooking album? Why is it great?

Any jazz. Maybe Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Thelonious Monk. Solo Monk is pretty fun! Also, Charles Mingus, Mingus. Mingus. Mingus is a classic. Reggae is always vibe if you’re blazing in the afternoon. Right now, I just crank Aretha Franklin loud and get the lighting right and sip a beer. Lucinda Williams is pretty good to zone out to.

I'm putting together an isolation mix for a radio show. I am basically trying to make it music to drink white wine to, while you stir risotto, get a little too loose and end up just having ciggies out the back, forgetting about the meal [laughs].

It’s best when it’s raining outside and the kitchen steams up. That’s the ultimate!

Do you see a bit of a similarity between cooking and making music?

Hmm, yeah, I guess so. I guess I use cooking to stop thinking about music, maybe. Like I said before, everyone has their own secret they add to a classic dish which then makes it their own. People do that in songwriting, or in any art really. Everyone gets their inspiration or tricks from other people when cooking.

What's your tip for self care during isolation?

Just be yourself. If you like drinking and watching movies, do that. But also, get up early, have shower and go for a walk, listen to a podcast. I don’t know if I should actually give anyone tips or advice on how to live their life [laughs]. Just find something you like doing and go for it!