Gold Medal Famous Newsletter Interview

How did you become involved in music?

I started playing in two bands as a teenager in Invercargill in the 90s: Deliverance With A Fat Room who recorded an album called Boring Shit and N20 who made album called Somnolence.

If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

John Waters. He’s one of our favourite cultural figures. He’s also been known to MC music festivals.

Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?

John Key is a Dick because we recorded 14 versions of it, from modal jazz to chillwave to BBQ reggae. Something for everyone. And I think he’s the worst PM we’ve ever had.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

Genre fluid electropop. Full spectrum pop music from ambient to metal. Check out our back catalogue to see what I mean.

What can we expect to see from you in the next year?

Shows to promote our new album Activity out now on Powertool Records, more recording and work on a best of compilation.

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

Mr Sterile Assembly, an amazing two piece bass and drums outsider punk from Wellington who do a great show. Scarlett Lashes and Natattack, two performers who are really entertaining. Moon Lander, an excellent new Wellington indie pop band. The Doubtful Sounds, fine jangle pop.

What local albums have you been enjoying recently?

Cross Channel Multi-Tap by High Dependency Unit, Popular People Do Popular People by The Prophet Hens, It’s All Over – Mr Sterile Assembly.

What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?

Valhalla in Wellington. Great staff, excellent PA system. Huge variety of acts from experimental noise to electronica to various metal sub-genres.

Have you got any tips for dealing with nerves before a gig?

Organise your gear and make sure it all works. The more you play live, the less nerves will bother you. It’s hard to see the audience any with bright stage lights.

How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc?

Have a band set up that doesn’t require much practice. Get enough sleep. Don’t have kids. 

Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?

Listening to lots of different music. Going to lot of gigs. My lyrics are a way I can complain about things.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

Look after your hearing. It’s difficult to make money out of music in New Zealand so have a day job you can put up with so you can make the music you want to.

Start a band with people you like. It’s no good if you’re guitarist is amazing but you can’t being in a car with them.