What brought you together at such a young age- to write and perform music?
Shenoa: When we were younger, my dad, my brother and I started performing at a local school at an event they call the 'Pizza party.' Back then, Kian, my brother, didn't have a real drum set or even any proper sticks, so he just played on the old lego box. We played 'If I had a hammer.' After that we started inviting people to come and play with us. The first person we invited was a guy from my brother's class called Gilbert- he played the trumpet. Then we got a pianist, a bass player and so on.
Kian: I LIKE PIZZA!
Where do you get ideas for your songs? Who are the people or musicians that inspire you?
Shenoa: When I write songs, I write about events that have happened in my life that I feel strongly about. When I feel sad, I write sad songs. When I'm feeling happier, I write cheerful songs. For me, songwriting is all about sharing my feelings with others.
We all have our favourite musicians. mine is currently Taylor Swift. I find that she puts a lot of feeling and detail into her songs and you can just imagine the scene in front of you. But she didn't exactly inspire me- in fact, nobody really did. As far back as I can remember I've always wanted to be a singer- even before I knew bot any famous singers. Dad is great with helping me with my music. He's really encouraging- that's what really counts.
What inspired the name: Great South Band?
Shenoa: The name 'Great South Band' originated from the term 'Great South Land.' Of course, we are Australian and we thought it would be fun to do a bit of a play on words. Also, South comes from our family's surname.
Because you are still quite young, is it difficult to find opportunities to showcase your music? What are some things that help you get shows? Where do you play, and what is your favourite venue?
Shenoa: In some ways, yes. Sometimes we perform in places like youth centres and we often find that these are for older teenagers. However, some of the venues that we perform in suit us quite well- Chatswood Youth in the Mall was one of them. What are the things that help us get shows? Usually, word of mouth. They hear about us and contact my dad. One time we were busking, a radio announcer spotted us and asked if we'd like to perform live at the radio station. From then on, people started to get interested in us and now we perform each year at event like Chinese Lunar New Year and Kaleidoscope in Lane Cove.
At your gigs, what is the general atmosphere (or feeling in the air)?
Shenoa: The general atmosphere isn't like everyone's dancing around to rock music, and playing air guitar. It's more friendly and laid back. People listen to our songs.
What are your aspirations for the future? What do you want to be doing with your music, in say, 5-10 years time?
Kian: Our aspirations for the future would be to improve in our skills playing instruments. I think some, or most of us would want the band to be globalised and be quite popular. That would be a good achievement, but none of that is really good unless we have fun. I guess our goals would be to have fun, improve, get globalised and make more music videos!
Find them on:
myspace
greatsouthband.com
Artists
Great South Band is a group of young musical performers on a mission to have fun learning about playing songs together. They perform a mixture of catchy original songs and classic pop.
Their own songs draw inspiration from the best pop, soul, country and jazz artists. Their exploration of music at a young age is really quite inspirational- we asked Shenoa and Kian South a few questions, revealing a lot about themselves and their music.
What brought you together at such a young age- to write and perform music?
Shenoa: When we were younger, my dad, my brother and I started performing at a local school at an event they call the 'Pizza party.' Back then, Kian, my brother, didn't have a real drum set or even any proper sticks, so he just played on the old lego box. We played 'If I had a hammer.' After that we started inviting people to come and play with us. The first person we invited was a guy from my brother's class called Gilbert- he played the trumpet. Then we got a pianist, a bass player and so on.
Kian: I LIKE PIZZA!
Where do you get ideas for your songs? Who are the people or musicians that inspire you?
Shenoa: When I write songs, I write about events that have happened in my life that I feel strongly about. When I feel sad, I write sad songs. When I'm feeling happier, I write cheerful songs. For me, songwriting is all about sharing my feelings with others.
We all have our favourite musicians. mine is currently Taylor Swift. I find that she puts a lot of feeling and detail into her songs and you can just imagine the scene in front of you. But she didn't exactly inspire me- in fact, nobody really did. As far back as I can remember I've always wanted to be a singer- even before I knew bot any famous singers. Dad is great with helping me with my music. He's really encouraging- that's what really counts.
What inspired the name: Great South Band?
Shenoa: The name 'Great South Band' originated from the term 'Great South Land.' Of course, we are Australian and we thought it would be fun to do a bit of a play on words. Also, South comes from our family's surname.
Because you are still quite young, is it difficult to find opportunities to showcase your music? What are some things that help you get shows? Where do you play, and what is your favourite venue?
Shenoa: In some ways, yes. Sometimes we perform in places like youth centres and we often find that these are for older teenagers. However, some of the venues that we perform in suit us quite well- Chatswood Youth in the Mall was one of them. What are the things that help us get shows? Usually, word of mouth. They hear about us and contact my dad. One time we were busking, a radio announcer spotted us and asked if we'd like to perform live at the radio station. From then on, people started to get interested in us and now we perform each year at event like Chinese Lunar New Year and Kaleidoscope in Lane Cove.
At your gigs, what is the general atmosphere (or feeling in the air)?
Shenoa: The general atmosphere isn't like everyone's dancing around to rock music, and playing air guitar. It's more friendly and laid back. People listen to our songs.
What are your aspirations for the future? What do you want to be doing with your music, in say, 5-10 years time?
Kian: Our aspirations for the future would be to improve in our skills playing instruments. I think some, or most of us would want the band to be globalised and be quite popular. That would be a good achievement, but none of that is really good unless we have fun. I guess our goals would be to have fun, improve, get globalised and make more music videos!
Find them on:
myspace
greatsouthband.com
What brought you together at such a young age- to write and perform music?
Shenoa: When we were younger, my dad, my brother and I started performing at a local school at an event they call the 'Pizza party.' Back then, Kian, my brother, didn't have a real drum set or even any proper sticks, so he just played on the old lego box. We played 'If I had a hammer.' After that we started inviting people to come and play with us. The first person we invited was a guy from my brother's class called Gilbert- he played the trumpet. Then we got a pianist, a bass player and so on.
Kian: I LIKE PIZZA!
Where do you get ideas for your songs? Who are the people or musicians that inspire you?
Shenoa: When I write songs, I write about events that have happened in my life that I feel strongly about. When I feel sad, I write sad songs. When I'm feeling happier, I write cheerful songs. For me, songwriting is all about sharing my feelings with others.
We all have our favourite musicians. mine is currently Taylor Swift. I find that she puts a lot of feeling and detail into her songs and you can just imagine the scene in front of you. But she didn't exactly inspire me- in fact, nobody really did. As far back as I can remember I've always wanted to be a singer- even before I knew bot any famous singers. Dad is great with helping me with my music. He's really encouraging- that's what really counts.
What inspired the name: Great South Band?
Shenoa: The name 'Great South Band' originated from the term 'Great South Land.' Of course, we are Australian and we thought it would be fun to do a bit of a play on words. Also, South comes from our family's surname.
Because you are still quite young, is it difficult to find opportunities to showcase your music? What are some things that help you get shows? Where do you play, and what is your favourite venue?
Shenoa: In some ways, yes. Sometimes we perform in places like youth centres and we often find that these are for older teenagers. However, some of the venues that we perform in suit us quite well- Chatswood Youth in the Mall was one of them. What are the things that help us get shows? Usually, word of mouth. They hear about us and contact my dad. One time we were busking, a radio announcer spotted us and asked if we'd like to perform live at the radio station. From then on, people started to get interested in us and now we perform each year at event like Chinese Lunar New Year and Kaleidoscope in Lane Cove.
At your gigs, what is the general atmosphere (or feeling in the air)?
Shenoa: The general atmosphere isn't like everyone's dancing around to rock music, and playing air guitar. It's more friendly and laid back. People listen to our songs.
What are your aspirations for the future? What do you want to be doing with your music, in say, 5-10 years time?
Kian: Our aspirations for the future would be to improve in our skills playing instruments. I think some, or most of us would want the band to be globalised and be quite popular. That would be a good achievement, but none of that is really good unless we have fun. I guess our goals would be to have fun, improve, get globalised and make more music videos!
Find them on:
myspace
greatsouthband.com
This Indie Rock 3 piece from Sydney have been dominating the all ages music scene in Sydney of late, having taken out the top spot for the Noisy By Choice music concert in Burwood in September and The Annandale All Ages Rock n Roll Competition in Mid-November.
Keep reading to see what happened when Indent did a Q & A with Owen Milward, Jordan Blackwell and Sam Gordon who together make Beattie in the Background.
Who are Beattie in the Background and how did you come to be?
We are Owen (singer/ strum strum (guitar)), G (slappa da bass) and Jordan (ba boom ching (drums)). WE are a 3 piece indie rock/ alternative band from around the Rype/Gladesville area in Sydney. We started with Owen and Jordan playing at school and then a slightly keen G joining in for some originals.
How would you describe your sound? who are your major musical influences?
We like to think we are a mixture of man getting hit in crotch with a kitten eating sand. It's what we think makes us unique in this industry. Owen has been said to have sounded like a young Christina Aguilera (not really, but seriously). Our influences include Blink 182, Saosin and Ray Martin news reports.
You guys won Noisy By Choice Band Comp. and The Annandale All Ages Rock n Roll Comp. How did that feel and what did you get out of being a part of these shows?
It was extremely surprising to win. We were mainly in it for fun and to gain experience, and then we won, so that was a real confidence booster. We got lots of advice about our individual playing styles and also about our sound as a band. We also gained a shiny new pair of binoculars... and a hot plate.
What is your opinion of the all ages scene in Sydney? What do you think the all ages scene in Sydney needs?
Luckily for us, there are gigs around that we have been fortunate enough to grab spots in. The all ages scene in Sydney needs more amateur gigs so that unknown bands can make a name for themselves. It's a shame people aren't supporting local music as m,uch as they used to. It's also a worry about pubs like The Annandale's financial crisis because they are the main stepping stone for most bands to get into the music industry. They provide a great resource of experience, quality sound and exposure.
What is it like being a young band? Do you feel you are limited in anyway?
It's good being a young band because we have nothing to lose. We are in the "all for fun" mindset and only have experience to learn. The main limits are that we can't play at pubs yet because only Jordan is 18, Owen and G are still 17.
What's next for Beattie in the Background? Any gigs are recording coming up?
We are recording this week, thanks to Burwood's Noisy By Choice Comp. We are also doing further recording at Zen Studios, which was part of the prize pack from The Annandale. Hopefully 5 songs are going to be recorded, to turn into an EP to be released ASAP- so keep and eye out on our Myspace. Early next year we will be searching for news gigs at pubs once we are all 18.
What is the songwriting process like for you guys? Do you all pitch in when writing? Where do you get your ideas from?
Owen writes most of the songs but G and Jordan chuck in a few ideas and line here and there. Ideas come from personal experiences or random stories that we make up. Like or song "Heads Down Thumbs Up" is all about finishing our HSC, which we all went through together. Most lyrics are related to the sound and the feel we get off the riffs or drums.
What do you think is the key to success in the music industry? Do you have a plan of attack or are you just going to see what comes to you?
We think the key to success is knowing the right people, a little bit of luck really and just hard work and persistence with songwriting and gigging to get our name out there. We are just taking it day by day and seeing what comes to us, whether it be hot dogs and candy or staircases (nobody likes staircases).
If you could play anywhere in the world and with anyone in the world, who are where would it be?
Big Day Out with Blink 182. They are the funniest and most talented people ever made by god, if you believe in that kind of stuff. A home crowd at one of Australia's most famous festivals.
Check out Beattie in the Background on their MYSPACE
Alice Blu
Alice Blu consists of;
Jo Lowenthal ( Lead vocals, guitar)
Angie Polidano (Lead guitar)
Shaun Johnston (Bass)
Toby Tunis-Plant (Drums)
How is the all age’s music scene in Byron shire?
"It really comes down to which events, most of the touring bands play at the local venues The Great Northern or the Beach Hotel which are both over 18 venues, however more acts are beginning to play at the Youth Activity Centre (YAC) and the civic hall which are both all ages venues. As far as underage bands go there is significantly less.
Occasionally there is under aged gig organised where a couple of bands get together and decide to put on an event.
Recently, last October we organised an event which Indent and Music NSW helped fund our band 'Alice Blu' we put on an all ages gig and hired two other local youth bands 'Half Nelson' and 'Truancy'. The event went really well, around 300 people turned up, and every one seemed to have a great time.
Events like these encourage people to get out there with their music, it gives other kids and local bands a chance to showcase there music."
How old are you guys?, and what type of music do you play?
"In Alice Blu we are all 16. We like to merge the genres of; indie, rock, pop, funk and blues."
Are you guys an original band or do you play covers?
"We have recently been going through a writing stage; some of our new songs are on our new EP. We have recently recorded the EP and are currently mixing and mastering it.
However when we play live we like to mix it up a bit and play a couple of covers just to start of a set.
Have you guys got any gigs coming up?
"Yeah we are soon touring as a support band for Jackson Dunn, they are a Brisbane band.
The tour dates are from 26th of November to the 10th of December 09, for more information on Alice blu
Visit; http://www.myspace.com/aliceblu.
Alice Blu is Jo Lowenthal (Lead vocals, guitar), Angie Polidano (Lead guitar), Shaun Johnston (Bass) and Toby Tunis-Plant (Drums). Hailing from Byron Indent chats with Alic Blu about opportunities in the Byron Shire and what's happening in the north coast.
How is the all ages music scene in Byron shire?
"It really comes down to which events, most of the touring bands play at the local venues The Great Northern or the Beach Hotel which are both over 18 venues, however more acts are beginning to play at the Youth Activity Centre (YAC) and the civic hall which are both all ages venues. As far as underage bands go there is significantly less.
Occasionally there is under aged gig organised where a couple of bands get together and decide to put on an event.
Recently, last October we organised an event which Indent and Music NSW helped fund our band 'Alice Blu' we put on an all ages gig and hired two other local youth bands 'Half Nelson' and 'Truancy'. The event went really well, around 300 people turned up, and every one seemed to have a great time.
Events like these encourage people to get out there with their music, it gives other kids and local bands a chance to showcase there music."
How old are you guys?, and what type of music do you play?
"In Alice Blu we are all 16. We like to merge the genres of; indie, rock, pop, funk and blues."
Are you guys an original band or do you play covers?
"We have recently been going through a writing stage; some of our new songs are on our new EP. We have recently recorded the EP and are currently mixing and mastering it.
However when we play live we like to mix it up a bit and play a couple of covers just to start of a set.
Have you guys got any gigs coming up?
"Yeah we are soon touring as a support band for Jackson Dunn, they are a Brisbane band.
The tour dates are from 26th of November to the 10th of December 09, for more information on Alice blu
Visit http://www.myspace.com/aliceblu.
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.
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.
The Shivering Indies are 5 lads, who met at school, combined their love for music, and started a band. Oldest story in the book really. They play a lot on the Newcastle all ages scene and are now just trying to build up their fan base outside of home.
1. How did your name come about? Is it cause you play indie music?
Not really, we like our name cause it's fun and (in our opinion) unique. Which I suppose is why we picked it in the first place. It kind of sums us up, not musicially we aren't like Radiohead in the freezer. More like some indie kids shivering away in a corner, cold and alone. It's kinda apt really. But all in all I would say that name came about because it's a tiny bit strange, like us.
2. How would you describe your sound?
We keep getting asked this question and it's always hard to answer, but if I had to put a name on it I would say the genre is alt.punk/indie, if for no other reason that it gives us a lot of room to move. Our songs sound fairly upbeat as well so we seem to appeal to the pop punk kids as well which is always good. Although some of our songs are rather edgy under the surface, like 'sorry if I wrecked your life' off our new ep. The song is musically up beat but lyrically the story follows the fall from grace of one of Ben's Characters. Ultimately though we are just a bunch of guys who love to have fun and dance badly, we try to show that in our music.
3. What is your favourite rock start story/performance story?
There have been a lot of crazy nights. No matter which I choose there is always more that are just as fun, or hectic depending on how you look at them.
When we played Taree and Jack got punched in the face during the closing song, that was pretty hectic. Or playing the loft and knocking all the stuff over in what turned out to be the SECOND last song in the set. One of the coolest ones though was playing a party a couple of weeks ago, and while we were sound checking our song "Ultraviolent"(which I would like to add was written long before, and has nothing to do with the movie "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging") the whole party started to sing along. That was really cool.
When you are on stage playing to an audience who is loving the show, you don’t really think too much about what you’re doing, you just play and let all the crazy stuff take care of itself.
4. How would you rate the all ages music scene in Newcastle? Are there many opportunities for all age bands and shows?
That’s an interesting question. There aren’t many venues around Newcastle willing to hold All Ages shows, so the numbers of opportunities are low but the quality of bands are really really high. Places like the Loft have nurtured some of the best upcoming bands this town has seen in a long time. What’s more the kids love it, they are really supportive.
5. What is the Newcastle music scene like in general? What are your favourite bands to have come out of Newcastle?
The Newcastle scene is a really strong at the moment, and it’s good to see some of the locals really going places. If I had to pick some favourites though; Cota, Caleb Skips Chemistry, The Heartbreak Club, Allay the Sea, The Storm Picturesque, Room 24, Light Noise, the Great Escape. You really can’t pick just one they are all so good.
1. How did your name come about? Is it cause you play indie music?
Not really, we like our name cause it's fun and (in our opinion) unique. Which I suppose is why we picked it in the first place. It kind of sums us up, not musicially we aren't like Radiohead in the freezer. More like some indie kids shivering away in a corner, cold and alone. It's kinda apt really. But all in all I would say that name came about because it's a tiny bit strange, like us.
2. How would you describe your sound?
We keep getting asked this question and it's always hard to answer, but if I had to put a name on it I would say the genre is alt.punk/indie, if for no other reason that it gives us a lot of room to move. Our songs sound fairly upbeat as well so we seem to appeal to the pop punk kids as well which is always good. Although some of our songs are rather edgy under the surface, like 'sorry if I wrecked your life' off our new ep. The song is musically up beat but lyrically the story follows the fall from grace of one of Ben's Characters. Ultimately though we are just a bunch of guys who love to have fun and dance badly, we try to show that in our music.
3. What is your favourite rock start story/performance story?
There have been a lot of crazy nights. No matter which I choose there is always more that are just as fun, or hectic depending on how you look at them.
When we played Taree and Jack got punched in the face during the closing song, that was pretty hectic. Or playing the loft and knocking all the stuff over in what turned out to be the SECOND last song in the set. One of the coolest ones though was playing a party a couple of weeks ago, and while we were sound checking our song "Ultraviolent"(which I would like to add was written long before, and has nothing to do with the movie "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging") the whole party started to sing along. That was really cool.
When you are on stage playing to an audience who is loving the show, you don’t really think too much about what you’re doing, you just play and let all the crazy stuff take care of itself.
4. How would you rate the all ages music scene in Newcastle? Are there many opportunities for all age bands and shows?
That’s an interesting question. There aren’t many venues around Newcastle willing to hold All Ages shows, so the numbers of opportunities are low but the quality of bands are really really high. Places like the Loft have nurtured some of the best upcoming bands this town has seen in a long time. What’s more the kids love it, they are really supportive.
5. What is the Newcastle music scene like in general? What are your favourite bands to have come out of Newcastle?
The Newcastle scene is a really strong at the moment, and it’s good to see some of the locals really going places. If I had to pick some favourites though; Cota, Caleb Skips Chemistry, The Heartbreak Club, Allay the Sea, The Storm Picturesque, Room 24, Light Noise, the Great Escape. You really can’t pick just one they are all so good.
