A conversation with Ashley Naylor of The Church. After decades fronting Even and collaborating with Paul Kelly, Ashley Naylor joined The Church as part of a three-guitar lineup. Naylor discusses the spontaneous recording sessions behind Lacuna, as well as his solo recordings, musical influences, and the creative freedom he finds in his solo and instrumental work.
Ashley Naylor joins Turn Me On, Dead Man to discuss his experiences as a member of The Church. Having admired the band for decades, Naylor joined in 2019, just before the pandemic disrupted their touring plans. He recalls his early recording sessions with the band amid the smoke of Australia’s devastating bushfires and describes the interplay among the three guitarists, how they make room for one another while preserving the distinctive sound of The Church.
The conversation turns to the making of The Church’s new album, Lacuna, recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, Texas. Rather than arriving with finished songs, the band developed much of the material through improvisation, sometimes transforming extended jams into carefully constructed tracks. Naylor shares the story behind “Forever,” which began with him playing chords on a grand piano as Steve Kilbey wandered into the room and spontaneously began writing lyrics.
Beyond The Church, Naylor reflects on his decades fronting Even, his longtime collaboration with Paul Kelly, and his solo work, including Alexandria Sunset and the instrumental Soundtracks recordings. He discusses his influences, and the interview concludes with a look at his upcoming projects and the prospect of bringing The Church’s new material to the stage.