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. So, tell us about yourselves…Who are you – who who? We really wanna know….
Who are you and what do you do in your act?
Azz – Play bass, keys and noises.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parents’ record collection and why?
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Greatest Hits Bonus Disc
Their Greatest Hits compilation had a blue bonus disc which contained long jammy versions of random album tracks like ‘Pagan Baby’ and ‘Graveyard Train’. 6 songs = 1 hour. Dad ended up listening to this more than the Greatest Hits disc because he believed the songs were better. All the bits he loved were way longer while still maintaining the quality of the song. The 14 minute live version of ‘Keep on Chooglin’ is a masterpiece. I think that this might be where Brenny and I discovered our love for long jammy songs and harmonica. I lost this many years ago and we are still on the search. If anyone knows where we could find one or wants to sell one, email Strangelove.
The Doors – Absolutely Live
This album for similar reasons but this was also live. The Doors are great on record but live, they are a completely different band. They explore all avenues of their songs and have the most wicked tones.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Cee Lo Green – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Rude Awakening #2
High on Fire – Blood of Zion
‘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?
I think you’re living in a dream world if you think you are going to survive off just selling records, those days are over. One of the few ways to make money now is by putting on a fucking kick ass show so people come to your shows. I think it’s awesome this has happened because it can only mean the quality of live music everywhere will increase. Who knows, maybe that had something to do with why the quality of live music was so amazing in the 70s.
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?
Josh, Brenny and I went and saw 28 Days at the Mildura Community Centre when we were still at school. We had very slim exposure to music in our small country town so we went to everything that came. I haven’t listened to those dudes for years but I remember at the time thinking it was amazing, I’m pretty sure Brenny and Josh crowd-surfed.
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 won’t lie, I love www.vidtomp3.com. You can download the audio from any youtube footage. I don’t really listen to that many original versions of songs anymore now that youtube exists. There is too much other great stuff out there to search for. You can make awesome live albums of your favourite bands with high quality TV appearance recordings that the band will never release as a physical copy.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
Ray Manzerek from The Doors for keys, and the guy that really turned me on to bass is MCA from Beastie Boys.
Have you ever been arrested?
Came very close in America last year. I pulled over for a leak down the side of this embankment on the side of a highway. I was about 10 metres away from the highway and in the dark so no one on the road could have seen me. After I was done I turned around to return to the car and someone shined a really bright torch in my eyes. I thought it was one of the boys having a laugh but when I heard in a deep harsh voice “I KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!”, I shit myself and mumbled “I just went to the toilet, everyone does it in Australia”. He looked like he was straight outta that show COPS. He told me how disgusted he was with me and that he could charge me as a Sex Offender in the state of California. I pleaded the foreign card and managed to get out of it. Scariest 10 minutes of my life.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I like to have 2 raspberry cordials, it helps get things started.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
2 slabs of Carlton Draught, hardcore…
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Sorry I can’t just have one. Gonna have to be 2.
Lawrence from PVT – His drumming on their album, Make Me Love You, makes me happy to be Australian.
Joel from Wolf and Cub – This man has a great ear for music and writes some fucking weird and enjoyable songs.
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.
We are launching our new single on Saturday August 20 in Melbourne at Revolver on Chapel St. The song is called ‘Sweet Exchange’ and it’s one you can shake your hips to or lay your woman down. Our good friends Shaman Son will be joining us as will Mary of the Moon. Had some pretty loose nights with Tone Deaf, hopefully this one’s the same!
