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?
Andrew, I’m the drummer.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parents’ record collection and why?
Zeppelin records, Allman Brothers records, Crosby, Stills and Nash records, Simon and Garfunkel records, Rolling Stones records, Neil Young records, Beatles records. I stole them because one day I decided I no longer wanted to dislike what my parents liked because they were old and stupid and decided to listen to them unbiasedly and it turns out its some of the greatest music that was ever made.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
The Black Crowes album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, It’s so classic. If the stones could play like Zeppelin then I feel like it would come out something like The Black Crowes. Also Dr John’s album Gris Gris, It’s really amazing voodoo swamp new Orleans kinda bluesy jazz or something. Whatever you wanna call it, it’s good.
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‘Home taping is killing the music business’ was the catch-cry of the record industry in the 1970s and 1980s, 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?
Tape sharing is a personal thing between people you know, you had to take care with a tape and sit there and listen to each song as it went on and a lot of thought went into deciding what was on these tapes a lot of the time. You had to consider what order the songs went in and if you were being too subtle or too obvious with your selections the balance was very important. File sharing is not like that at all, you can download a bands entire catalogue in no time at all. There is less of a connection between the person and the music when it is in a file on your computer. It seems far more disposable. One of the big pros for file sharing is the ability to get music from anywhere in the world as easily as from the guy next door. It opens up new worlds to everyone everywhere if they want it.
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?
First gig was The Wiggles with my mum and sister, when I was about 7 but I don’t know if that counts as a gig. The first real gig I went to was Something For Kate underage show at The Corner in 2001 when I was 14. I bought a poster and got it signed out the back when they were leaving. It is above my bedroom door still.
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 don’t download music. I suck at computers. If I listen to music online it’s on groove shark or you tube. Sometimes I steal friend’s music from their computer. I pay for it when I buy the CD. Apparently our EP is on Grooveshark and we have some songs on Youtube that some people have put up.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
I think maybe The Rolling Stones. When I was young dad used to put on ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ and we would all bang along on the table and sing a certain part that sounds kinda like a train. But when I started playing, listening to Jimi Hendrix with Mitch Mitchell made me want to be able to drum just like that
Have you ever been arrested?
No sir.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I always wear a singlet and I always warm up before I play. Not really lucky or rituals just common sense I like to think. As a band we always get a little huddle going just before we walk on. The huddle usually consists of us praying to Miles Davis and talking dribble for a few seconds then laughing and going on.
Supposing you were to be playing sold out stadiums on your next tour, what outrageous rider requests would you submit?
Three unicorns, a cashmere jumper each, a bag of oranges each, underwear to last a year and a masseuse.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
I think maybe Paul Kelly, because he’s the most Australian artist there ever was almost I reckon. Every time I see him play I get all tingly and warm and fuzzy. He is a brilliant story teller, a brilliant songwriter and you could learn a lot from a man like him.
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. Naturally, don’t forget to give us the link to your Facebook fan page too.
We have one release our EP which is available to listen to in any condition, lights on or off or even outside in the elements, perhaps driving your car. Whatever floats your boat really. Our next shows are with Calling All Cars around Australia. We are playing shows in Victoria, Tassie, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.
Our facebook link is www.facebook.com/redcoatsmusic
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
The Loft, Warrnambool
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
THURSDAY AUGUST 25
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
FRIDAY AUGUST 26
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Tix available at: http://www.cornerhotel.com/
SATURDAY AUGUST 27
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully, VIC
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Transit Bar, Canberra
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
Tix available at: http://www.moshtix.com.au/
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Waves, Wollongong
Tix available at: http://www.moshtix.com.au/
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7
BIGSOUND
Woodland Bar, Coniston Lane, Fortitude Valley
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Prince of Wales, Bunbury, WA
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Studio 146, Albany, WA
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Amplifier, Perth
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/ & http://www.moshtix.com.au/
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11
CALLING ALL CARS Album Tour
Indi Bar, Scarborough
Tix available at: http://www.oztix.com.au/
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22
FAT AS BUTTER
The Foreshore, Newcastle
www.fatasbutter.com.au/
SATURDAY OCTOBER 29
STONEFEST
University of Canberra, ACT
Tix available at: Ticketek.com.au
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4
BANG! BANG! ROCK N ROLL
Benalla Town Hall, Benalla
