How does the Melbourne scene’s huge crossover between band members work in practice? Is everyone just constantly running into each other at shows?
Yes. It works! As there are always friends amongst crowds and venues you play at. It may even keep the scene’s blood pumping harder as you’ve always got people bouncing off relative minds. Always a friend to fill in if need be.
What do you think it is about Melbourne that keeps producing bands like this?
Melbourne is a town of grit and grime. The weather keeps us on our toes and indoors a lot, which means we gotta keep creative! The city lives with a rock and roll soul and we’ve been handed a baton.
How important is the scene’s infrastructure like Legless Records?
Independent labels are the key to the underground. Without people pushing them, we would all be led blindly by big industry.
What’s a venue or space in Melbourne that’s been particularly important to Cutters?
The Tote’s too special to not mention. Being a part of its second rescuing was very special. Also, our local venue Singing Bird Studio is another venue ran by musicians for music and giving all ages a safe place to be apart of. Special mention to Stu Anderson down there at the bird!
What’s your worst gig story?
Al forgot the lyrics to our biggest song, not once but twice, on stage in front of our favourite band (Mindsnare) and some old HC heads.
What’s the best show you’ve ever seen in your life?
Some of the early Mindsnare shows I went to blew me away. Neil Young at some venue outside of Geelong in the rain and he didn’t stop playing was incredible.
What local bands do you think are severely underrated?
Power, Hacker. So much of the crust punk scene in Melbourne is underrated.
Someone walks past as you’re playing, they get a beer and tell their friend about you… what do they say?
THAT BAND IS SO FUCKING LOUD!!
10 Years of Last Chance
- With: Cutters, Shove, Whose Reality?, Laughter
- When: 27 March
- Where: Last Chance Rock’n’Roll Bar
Tickets here.
