Define your genre in five words or less:
Dreamy, jangly indie-pop.
Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like?
The Horrors, Real Estate, Beach Fossils.
What inspires or has influenced your music the most?
Personally, when I see a great live show or performance I get really excited and inspired to go away and work out what it was about the show that made it so special. I also get just as excited about simple things like hearing a killer vocal melody, which makes me go “man, I wish I thought of that”. In terms of actual musicians or players, Johnny Marr from The Smiths has been a massive inspiration for me. His playing style and his use of chord voicings and his characteristic riffs really shaped my playing as a guitarist in a big way.
When are you releasing your album?
Our debut album Sea Of Bright Lights is out Friday October 26 through Inertia. It was recorded in Melbourne at Red Door Sounds with Woody Annison during April/May this year. The first day we entered the studio we couldn’t move for all the empty beer bottles. Shit was everywhere. Hunting Grounds had just wrapped up the mixing of their record and we were in the middle of what looked like a three-day party. We joined in. Needless to say, the first few days of recording weren’t the most productive! We soon hit our stride though!
Describe the best gig you have ever played.
Opening for The Smashing Pumpkins at Luna Park was something that I don’t think any of us will ever forget.
What’s the strangest place you’ve ever played a gig?
Playing a sports bar in Chicago, where everyone was watching American football. The moment we started playing, the room cleared out.
What advice would you give to bands that are new on the Melbourne music scene?
Go and watch other bands and see what works and what doesn’t. Meet lots of other bands. If you can’t get a show, then throw your own party. Don’t put all your mates on the door list. $10 is not much to pay to go see a live band!
How do you balance making and playing music with your other commitments?
At the moment, very badly. I’m currently in Sydney. My part-time job is in Adelaide. I really need to call my boss and tell them I won’t be at work today.
When’s the gig and with who?
We’re playing the Subtle party at Liberty Social on Saturday September 15. It’s a rad underground venue in the city (297 Flinders Lane). You want in?
