Music / Features
Finishing a project is its own end
- Woodworking with Lachlan Denton
Words and interview by Elsie Lange
Friday 1st May, 2020
Lachlan Denton is hard to find on social media. His solo project, Lachlan Denton & Studio Magic doesn’t have Instagram or Facebook and his project with Emma Russack doesn’t either. But the former Ocean Party member does have an Instagram dedicated to his furniture-making.
Denton’s music is intrinsic to Melbourne’s ‘sound’. Last year, he broke us all with his album, A Brother, bursting with grief and hope, while his 2019 record with Emma Russack Take the Reigns is a gentle and lovely collection of tracks perfect for blissing out in the afternoon. We can’t wait for what he puts out next.

While we listen to his music to get us through isolation, he is making furniture in his workshop. We spoke with Denton about why he loves woodworking.
TJ: How are you going? Has much changed for you and your world amidst COVID-19?

LD: All and all I'm pretty good. I'm not playing shows, which is quite nice for a change. I'm not a big fan of going out in general and I have my workshop and recording stuff at home, so I'm pretty set up. That being said, I do miss my friends and would like to go visit my family at some point.

Are you working on any new music right now? Has being in lockdown had an effect on your writing?

I'm probably playing less music as I've been busy with furniture jobs. I have a four-track 7" which is going to accompany a furniture collection that is almost done and I'm chipping away at that here and there. I have a couple of records from bands I play in waiting to be recorded after all this, as well as a finished one that will come out soon.

We've heard you have a bit of a passion for making furniture out of wood. There's something quite magical and wholesome about the concept of woodworking, tell us what you love about it.

It's hard not to sound cheesy when I talk about it, but It's just so satisfying to create something by hand. I really enjoy having an idea and then seeing it through to a finished work. I love music for that reason too, but making furniture doesn't have the same baggage. Finishing a project is its own end. I'm really just learning and that in itself is wonderful.


What is your favourite part of the process? Is it a form of self-care for you?

I've been learning how to use hand planes of late, it's super hard and I've nearly given up a bunch of times. But, when I make a breakthrough with my technique and get the right result it's pretty great. I'm often using power tools, so any time I get to spend using hand tools I find really relaxing and quite therapeutic. Also, oiling a finished project and stepping back at the end is pretty special. 

From the outside, it seems like a lot of love and care goes into the process of making something with wood. Is it hard to part with pieces when you've finished?

Not really, if I know that someone appreciates it and will cherish it is a big part of it. When I drop something of to a customer and they are stoked it's a really nice feeling.

What is your favourite piece you have made? Why is it special, what feelings are tied to it?

I made a wall unit for my Mum and it was a massive job. I wasn't sure if I could even actually do it until it was done. I love my Mum, and she was stoked with it. I can't ask for more than that.

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

I haven't listened to music for a while in the workshop, and for the most part I prefer it that way. But, I listened to Martin Frawley's Undone at 31 on repeat when it came out and it was perfect for pottering around. That was my favourite record last year. I've been a big Marty fan for years. I remember going and seeing Twerps play in the early days and they blew me away. I'm an absolute sucker for heart-on-your-sleeve-pop-music and Marty does it better than most.

What's your tip for self care during isolation?

I'm a big fan of routine, and it keeps me sane. Take the chance to learn a language or a new skill.



Listen to Lachlan's latest album A Brother above, and keep up with his furnishing work by following him on Instagram.