The Slippers are an incredible bluesy rock outfit from Sydney. They’re EP – The Festival EP came across our desk via the wonderful Megaphon Studios in St Peters. After that it was love at first sound and we had to track them down to bring to you. They started out playing White Stripes covers and we are now very happy that they have started writing these glorious soft folk/blues tracks. We caught up with them almost immediately after hearing the EP and were able to chat with Christian Byers geetar, organ and vocalist of the band.
1. How old are you?
We have four members with three sixteeners and one fourteener. But age doesn’t weary us. Nor do the years condemn.
2. How did you form?
We formed, like any band of our age, through school. Tobias, Andy and myself (new drummer, better guitarist and rhythm guitarist) go to school together and Matt (bassist) is my little bro. We formed as a result of a desire to drag the 21st Century out of the mire, culturally. It was a loftily wishful thought bereft of appreciation of reality.
3. Describe your sound?
We sound like teenagers, bored with consumerism and bigotry, who fell into Dad’s record collection and chomped down on the special brownies he was saving for the Grateful Dead reunion and discovered that some things could in fact, be interesting. We then stumbled upon an entirely set up rehearsal room and played intricate interwoven melodies of blues and folk rock with sexy results.
4. Who writes the song and how do you get your inspiration?
I (Christian) tend to write the songs at this point. I write as much with the other guys as possible because it keeps it communal and the band is all about socialism so that’s nice. When I write, I don’t consciously attempt to achieve or berate or quell anything or anyone, when I do it, it is for the love of words as much as the expression of intent. I am insatiably intrigued by the ways in which you can string words together to broadcast an idea, thought, emotion in whichever way you see fit to go with in that moment of writing. I have a thing for the English language. I love words and their inter-relationships. It’s the same with music too except far less verbal.
5. Where did you record your EP/What was that like?
We recorded it at Megaphon Studio in St. Peters over a few weeks, it was good. Shane Fahey who runs the studio, was our engineer, mixer and producer and was absolutely incredible, taught us a thing or two about studio gear, technology and recording. It was definitely an eye-opener to ll of us. I can’t wait to get back in a studio soon and have another crack.
6. Who are your influences
Pavement, Annette Hanshaw,Yeasayer and Son House. But noooot Paramore. Definitely, not , Paramore.WHOOOOA not Paramore. Also Nick Drake.
7. Whats the all ages scene like in your neck of the woods?
It really separates the boys from the toddlers. There are those who have a desire to play gigs to people who will listen, there are those finding their feet, there are those who want to have a laugh, there are some who are a little bit crap but most of all, they’re just passionate young guys and girls looking for a little bit of exposure. There’s no pretence or
8. What is the biggest issue/limitation being an underage band?
Pretty much the biggest limitation that comes with being a yougn band is the instant pigeon-holing and the idea that ‘underage’ is synonymous with ‘dumb’ or ‘not credible’. As a result of that, getting gigs is harder and that’s the starting point really, without that it’s difficult to actually go anywhere.
9. How do you get gigs?
We chase up all ages gigs organisers and see if they’ve got anything going. They either don’t get back to us or welcome us with smiles and open arms. Sometimes word of mouth spreads a bit and people get in touch with us if they’re looking for bands but mainly we ask people if they need a band to play.
10. If you could collaborate with any musician (alive or dead) who would it be?
In all seriousness, Beethoven. Seriously man, he’s the beez kneez, he really, really knows his shit. Either that or Serge Gainsbourg. I’ve not really thought as far ahead as the language barrier though so both of these options may have their problems.
11. What’s next for The Slippers?
Giggin’ about, laying off as many “The Festival EP”s on people as we can (buy it now folks! hit the myspace for deets), then THE HSC, then maybe some more cool chillin’ times. I also need to fix my reel to reel (4 track tape recorder) and find some quarter inch tape. If anybody has some or knows where I can get some, shout at us on the myspace. Angrily. But constructively. We love you in very, very heterosexual ways.
Want more? Check out thier myspace page here.
