Sydney-based Jeff Burch is a prolific man, and a humble one. He’s written for all sorts of titles – Purple Journal, Doingbird and Mountainfold included. His band, Songs, recently supported Deerhunter, and seminal New Zealand band, The Bats. His personal project, The Spring Press, has seen him publish deceptively simple, beautiful books like the recently released Out of the Blue by photographer Henry Roy. UHH spoke with him about his current projects, Psychic Ills and snorkeling.

UHH — Tell me a little about your background, and how you came to do what you do.
Jeff — I was born in the States and grew up in New Zealand, where I went to art school. I played in a punk band while I was studying and then moved to Sydney once I finished my degree. My first design job was working on GQ and every so often on Vogue, and I did that for nearly two years. I then worked at an advertising agency called Peergroup (which was the remnants of The Revolution) for about a year, and have been part-time at Insight since then.

I try to do as much freelance stuff as I can because the outcomes for the clients I have are generally more in line with my interests. I also run a small imprint/record label called The Spring Press, write bits and pieces and take photos when I'm feeling inspired to do so. I've been in Sydney for nearly five years now, a few more than I originally intended. It’s taking me a lot longer to achieve the things I want here, so I keep working at it.

UHH — What's been keeping you busy lately?
Jeff — I've just been in the States on a holiday, which was pretty amazing. I saw a lot of really good music, drank some good beer and walked until I could only limp. I'm in New Zealand with Insight at the moment helping put together an event here. When I get back to Sydney, my band Songs will be rehearsing for our upcoming tour and gearing up for our album release in November. I will be starting work with Paul Gough of Pimmon on a music project and I have bits of design work to finish up for a couple of fashion clients. I've also been working with Sophie Ward on her upcoming book, which she is releasing on her own imprint, Paper Castle Press.

UHH — What has been inspiring you of late?
Jeff — I have developed an unhealthy obsession with an LP called Moon Phantoms, which is a collaborative work between Japanese band Suishou No Fune and members of Bardo Pond. It is beautiful, honest and wonderfully transcendental. I also just got the LP of material from Psychic Ills, which I'll be doing on The Spring Press soon. That is also really great and after meeting them all I'm even more excited about that release. I recently picked up John Cage's Composition in Retrospect, which is a very good read

UHH — What's your favourite place in Australia?
Jeff — Shelly Beach in summer. Snorkeling is essential.