Sure we’ve heard about you before, but we think it’s time for Tone Deaf to get to know you a little better. Slip in to something comfortable while we put on some music, pour us a couple of drinks and turn the lights down low.
Who are you and what do you do in your act?
I am Adam Montgomery and I play Bass guitar in Calling All Cars
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parents’ record collection and why?
To be honest my parents taste in music leaves quite a bit to be desired. I stole more from my brother.
In Utero by Nirvana. I was super young at the time and it seemed really cool. Being around 8 years old. Obviously I didn’t quite get it…
Very Necessary by Salt n Pepa – They said sex quite a lot, which confused and intrigued me at the same time!
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Pulled Apart By Horses record is getting a real workout right now so is High Violet by The National.
These records are not to be listened to within 3 hours of each other.
‘Home taping is killing the music business’ was the catch-cry of the record industry in the 1970s, but it managed to survive until now. What do you think is the difference between mates taping copies of friend’s records back in the 80s and 90s and file sharing now?
Well taping a record for a friend has a fair amount of charm involved in it. Uploading an album for people to download isn’t really that charming. Having said that, I am far from against downloading music, illegally or otherwise. There are a lot of bands that are really thankful for the download/online music revolution. Maybe you don’t sell as many records, but you no longer have to rely on the muscle of major labels to get your music heard.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What was the first gig you went to? Where was it and what was the venue?
1999. Unwritten Law U18’s show. Corner Hotel in Melbourne. Support came from Beaverloop and 28 days.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
You can find all our releases on Itunes. No doubt they are probably on every torrent site too. If you have lots of money, buy our records. If you don’t have much money illegally download them.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
I was in my late teens when I really got interested in playing bass guitar. At the time I was listening to a lot of Australian rock bands such as Regurgitator, Jebediah, Blue Bottle Kiss and Augie March.
Have you ever been arrested?
No
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
We all do a shot of Vodka. James the drummer and I have a weird ritual where we have to have two opened beers on stage for us, otherwise the show doesn’t feel right.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
Our current rider has more alcohol on it than the entire band, sound guy, stage guy and most of the support band can physically drink. I am genuinely surprised that it almost always gone by the time we leave the venue.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Nick Cave. Such a talented guy. I think his back catalogue speaks for itself. The guy is in his 50’s yet Grinderman recently came out for the Big Day Out and supremely smoked almost all the bands on the bill.
Right, let’s get really intimate. Tell us what releases you have that we can listen to with the lights down low, or even better, where we can see you play in person next.
Our new single Reptile has just been released so that is what you need and you didn’t even know. We are also about to hit the road in support of said single – we’re at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne Friday 3rd June and at Jive Bar in Adelaide on 10th June – see www.callingallcars.net for the details.
