Sydney’s pop punk sensation Tonight Alive began as a couple of highschool students (Guitarist Whakaio Taahi and his compadre bass player, Cameron Adler) looking for a front woman for their rock project. Sixteen year old Jenna McDougall blew them away after one jam, and once rhythm axeman Jake Hardy and new recruit, drummer Matt Best joined, Tonight Alive found it’s feet. Few years down the track and after being courted by labels and management, with two stellar EPs (‘All Shapes & Disguises’ and ‘Consider This’) under their belts, a demo of Tonight Alive’s new material landed on producer-extraordinaire Mark Trombino’s (Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, The Starting Line) desk. Trombino just finished producing their new record What Are You So Scared Of, and now they are about to embark on the Indent tour, which kicks off this Friday. We managed to catch up with Jenna before she jumps on the road…
How would you sum up Tonight Alive in three words?
Edge, honesty, ambition
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Collectively between the members: Thrice, Rufio, Blink, New Found, The Script, The Dangerous Summer, the Strarting Line, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Missy Higgins, Anberlin, Jimmy Eat World.
What is your dream Australian festival to play at?
Definitely Soundwave!
You’re really only just shy of legal age in Australia (as average age of group), how did you find the all ages scene in Sydney when you were just starting out? What about now?
Our all ages scene was awesome in our experience! There was a show on every weekend run by youth councils so we had a lot of opportunity to play and get experience when we were starting out. Sadly a lot of our local venues have been shut down since and it seems like bands starting out now have fewer places to play and fewer people to play to!
How was your experience in LA, producing your first album “What are you scared of? with Mark Trombino (Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World)? Are there any plans to return to the state?
It was life changing! Mark was perfect for us and perfect for the record. He knew how to get the best out of us and we finished up with an album we were truly proud of! We’re heading back to the states this November/December for a coast to coat tour on the Fearless Friends package with Bless The Fall, Motionless in White and more!
Where else around the world have you played and what was your favourite?
So far we’ve only got as far as the states and Indonesia but it’s already been one hell of a ride! One of my favourite places to play was New Orleans, i loved the spiritual vibe of the city and The House of Blues was out of control! Another highlight was Bali, we had a lot of downtime and got to go suring and hired scooters in between shows.. Touring is always fun wherever we are, but we cant wait to hit Europe and Japan!
The Indent tour is taking you to some pretty amazing regional places throughout NSW. Where would be your idea regional setting and who would you play with?
I have a lot of childhood memories from Kangaroo Valley down south in NSW. It would be awesome to play down there with someone chilled out like m83!
