Your name: Major Tom Hartney
Your band’s name: Major Tom & The Atoms
What’s the deal with the band’s name: I am Major Tom, and I’ve got together these amazing dudes called The Atoms. Everybody knows what happens when atoms get together. Explosive live energy.
Define your sound in five words or less: Psychotropic, Melodic, Sinister, Quaint, Kooky.
Someone is walking past as you’re playing, they get a beer and tell their friend about you…what do they say? “These guys kinda sound like the Doors. It’s kinda awesome.”
And how do they dance? They will dance like someone who has time-travelled to 1968 and just dropped acid.
How long have you been gigging and writing? With Little Red for six years. Just starting with The Atoms.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve played to date? It will be this one at the Retreat because it’s The Atoms’ first gig ever! Best gig with Little Red was an Elvis tribute gig at the Old Bar 5 years ago.
What inspires or has influenced your music the most? Smoking my first joint and listening to The Carny by Nick Cave in first year uni.
Favourite piece of on-stage banter, or fan-related craziness? I really can’t remember anything that’s happened, sorry.
What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? I think you have to remember people’s names.
Do you have any releases to date? What? Where can I get it? Is it good? No. But I will be recording an album later in the year. And it will be farking good, thankyou. If you want you can buy Midnight Remember by Little Red. I’m on that, too.
Why should everyone come and see you? I would. And it’s free. This band is not for teeny-boppers. If you like Lady GaGa better than Jimi Hendrix then probably don’t come.
When and where are you playing next? We’re playing at The Retreat on Sep 9th at 11pm. Famous last words: See you at the Retreat.
