Joe Caddy explores the ‘limitless potential for love’ on debut album Learning to Tell the Truth

Local singer-songwriter Joe Caddy is set to celebrate the release of his debut solo album, Learning to Tell the Truth, with a launch show at Indian Ocean Hotel on Friday, May 17. Having honed his craft at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and as the frontman of Perth band Figurehead, Joe joined forces with his brother Danny Caddy (of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets), Luke Parish (of PPC and People Taking Pictures), and esteemed jazz musician and producer Brodie Stewart to bring the album to life. BRAYDEN EDWARDS caught up with Joe Caddy to find out how the record came together and what we can look forward to when he takes it to the stage.

Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Learning to Tell the Truth. How long has this been in the works, and how does it feel to finally release it?

Though the process of recording the album started towards the beginning of 2023, I’ve been writing, editing, and experimenting with these songs since 2021. It is such a relief to have this album complete and out in the world, as it represents feelings I’ve had for the past decade wrapped up neatly with a bow on top!

My perspective throughout the whole process has changed extensively; this album was so therapeutic and healing to create. I hope it can achieve the same result with my audience!

Some of us may recognise you from the local band Figurehead. How would you say your solo work is different from what we may have heard from you before?

All of the songs from the new solo album are very thematic. I wanted it to feel coherent and streamlined, so I had to mine from the same spiritual and emotional source, digging way deeper than I thought I could, which made the album such a cathartic learning experience for me. The Figurehead writing process is more collaborative, and our chemistry as a band really influences the sounds we put together!

And it may be a solo album, but that doesn’t mean you can do it alone. Who helped you bring your ideas to life on record?

I am lucky enough to have been raised in a musical household, so my two older brothers were absolutely pivotal in the production of this album.

My brother Danny is an incredible drummer, and we recorded all of the demos, and eventually, the final drum takes from home. We then called in David Chidgzey, a local musician and friend of ours, to lay down the bass parts. I recorded all of my guitar parts in the Kalamunda hills with the help of Luke Parish (People Taking Pictures), who was great to share ideas with, letting me try every crazy concept that I could muster.

I garnered the help of legendary Perth guitarist Jack Maher for his incredible abilities and his tasteful interpretations of my ideas on a few of the tracks. We also sought the help of legendary jazz pianist and producer Brodie Stewart to bring it all together, recording his own incredible piano playing, my final vocal takes, as well as the string sections performed by my oldest brother Ben Caddy. Brodie mixed and mastered the album. He’s an absolute musical juggernaut who captured the very essence of all my ideas.

Now that the album is finished, do you feel there is an overall theme or idea that underpins the record?

The album started as an expression of longing but slowly became an exploration of the limitless potential for love. This is the main message of this album, as it has become the main message of my life! I believe we all have the power to make the choice of love. It's entitled 'Learning to Tell the Truth', because I believe that love is the ultimate truth.

You’ll be launching the album with a show at Indian Ocean Hotel on Friday, May 17. Who else is performing on the night, and what made them a great fit for the occasion?

Setting the tone for the evening will be the spectacular Anna Dabbs, whose soulful vocals and captivating presence will have you in awe! Next up is Ricky Neil Jr., another local legend with electrifying stagework and outstanding musicianship. After that, it will be the raw, emotional sounds of Raymondouu, who never fail to move me with their unique feel and sonic variety.

And have you played any of these new songs live before? How are you going to bring this music to the stage?

I've played some of these songs live before, at previous single releases, support slots, and more recently, the Tender Is the Night performances I was a part of this past year. But I have some treats planned for May 17, including the addition of my close friend Morgan Louise, who will be singing harmonies with me and playing piano.

Talented guitarist Conor McNamee, one of my oldest friends, will also be showing his skills. My brother Danny, who usually hits the tubs for me, is off globetrotting on an international tour, so behind the drumkit will be the ever-professional and powerful Josh Loiacano, who you can usually find playing for his band, Hazel.

Max Parish, my bandmate in Figurehead and close friend, will be playing bass, and the one and only Lucas O'Brien of the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra will be blessing us with his violin expertise.

What’s next for you on the other side of this release? Can we expect to see you playing these songs live again in the future?

I want to take this album as far as I can, playing to audiences and making incredible, invaluable connections with people through music. I will most definitely be playing these songs live again in the future, in as many musical contexts as I can!

I love how music evolves and changes as the artist changes, and I'm always open to that. I want to see where my art takes me in this next chapter of my life. This album has been a process of learning and cleansing, and I hope everyone can find something in there that they resonate with!