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?

Julian Schweitzer – guitarist/singer in Greenthief.

‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parents’ record collection and why?

My parents only had Beatles and Rolling Stones records and I stole all of them. I became more hooked on the Beatles then the Stones and didn’t realise there were any other bands until years later…

What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?

The Mars Volta – Deloused in the Crematorium.

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‘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?

Essentially: nothing. I think you can look at the situation in two different ways. As many artists would say, though your music can be ‘stolen’ with much more ease, it is also gaining much more exposure then it would have then in the 70s (without a major backing you). I think the main difference is today music is much more dispensable then it has been in the past. With tapes, there was a lot more effort required for someone to ‘steal’ your tunes meaning maybe they were more interested about music in general. Today, people who might have not bothered to tape your music can hear your tunes with a click of a button.

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?

The Super Jesus at The Arena (Brisbane).

What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?

I actually don’t download music. I’m pretty old school in that I like to purchase the CD in its physical formal – shock horror…. (Otherwise I would pay for it via iTunes).

What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?

Ringo Starkey made me want to play the drums.

Have you ever been arrested?

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Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?

I rub the tummy of my little Buddha statue.

What’s been your most outrageous rider request?

Apparently these days, asking for a beer is a tough one!! (seriously)

Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?

Maui Manu and Tom Abbott. They are the other two thirds of Greenthief and together we form a rock power to be reckoned with.

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 latest EP titled Retribution should be listened too with the lights down. Bring a warm glass of milk, relax and let it take you on a journey you have never experienced before….
Remaining dates on the Retribution tour:
JUNE
30th THU Melbourne – Brunswick Hotel

JULY
1st FRI Melbourne – Pony
2nd SAT Traralgon – Saloon Bar
7th THU Newcastle – Hamilton Station Hotel
8th FRI Canberra – The Basement
9th SAT Sydney – Lansdowne Hotel
15th FRI Toowoomba – Norville Hotel
16th SAT Brisbane – Woodland Bar
23rd SAT Caloundra – Kings Beach Tavern
24th SUN Gold Coast – Elsewhere Bar

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