Define your genre in five words or less:
Alternative rock, progressive rock.
What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed?
If we’re talking about success in commercial terms: be more than musicians. Run the band like a small business. Make good use out of in-house resource: delegate marketing and operational tasks to band members with an aptitude for them – ensure they are accountable and continue to learn. Broadly, the skills that serve you well are: in-person networking, digital media (everything from Photoshop to social media engagement), accounting. As the band grows, other people or businesses who can help in these areas might present themselves but even then it’s useful and empowering to have good knowledge across it all. Be prepared to work just as hard at the administration side as the creative side.
Do you have any record releases to date? What are they? Where can I get them?
We have two previous releases: A New Aesthetic (2008) and Love Hotel (2011), the latter a concept album about the urban Japanese nightlife and short-stay fantasy rooms.
When are you releasing your album?
Our new album 11811 is out Friday October 26 and will be available from music.decortica.com
What makes you happiest about what you’re doing?
The camaraderie of the band, working with talented people who are passionate about our projects, music as a bedrock in my life, travel.
Tell us about the last song you wrote.
The most recent is still in draft form but an example of how our process is one of editing: we juxtapose ideas that form a collage; we tune it over time. It works for us.
How do you balance making and playing music with your other commitments?
I’m still working on this: giving yourself fully to your other commitments when they require you to. Invariably the many areas of your life cross over at times but partners and employers tend to be understanding when you’re really committed to them in the ways they expect you to be. You have to be discerning; having a great partner and employer helps.
When’s the gig and with who?
Friday October 19 we play with Sydonia at The Prague. Saturday October 20 we’re headlining the Front Bar for Creepshow Halloween Festival at The Espy. We love Melbourne shows. Rock music has a good home there.
