So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band?
We’re called Better Than The Wizards and I ‘do’ most of the Candy Crush dominating in the band. When the need arises, I also play sax and sing.
What do you reckon people will say you sound like?
We’ve heard it all. We’ve copped Gotye, The Cat Empire, Custom Kings, Donovan Frankenreiter, even Hall and Oats and INXS! This new track, I reckon people will say sounds a bit like Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes or Saskwatch…I hope!
What do you love about making music?
The crowd, the stage, the connection, the five other guys I’m making music with. The same stuff everyone loves live music for, that feeling of something special in the moment.
What do you hate about the music industry?
The Melbourne music scene is pretty rad to be honest. All the bands we’ve played with have really made us feel like part of a community focused on doing something great. But I’d say undervaluing live music in relation to DJs, and (increasingly fewer) companies leeching off bands’ hard work at gigs.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
Sheeeet. I’ve got a pretty serious posthumous man crush on Miles Davis, so probably him. He was really open to fusing different styles and genres, and I reckon he’d get a kick out of one of our shows…if I got over the nerves to play.
If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it and why?
Do they have to die? That’s a bit rough haha! But if I could assassinate someone’s career it’d probably be Chris Brown’s. The fact that a violent, women hating arse-hat like that gets to keep making music really grinds my gears.
What can a punter expect from your live show?
Good times, packed dancefloors, sweat (the good kind), a bit of Fresh Prince, six handsome lads making good Melbourne music.
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise?
We’re just about to release our new single Coming Back Your Way, so that’ll be out around July 20. We’ve also got an EP on iTunes and at our shows, and we’re wrapping up our debut album near the end of the year. Soon you’ll be flooded in Better Than The Wizards.
When’s the gig and with who?
Saturday July 20, The John Curtin Hotel, with Soul Safari and The Sunday Chairs. It’s. Gonna. Go. Off.
