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?
We are Barna and Phoebe. We make up two fifths of Snakadaktal. Between us we sing, drum and play synthesizers.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Barna: Sean (vocals, guitar and synth) stole the 3CD box set of the Disney Classics Collection from his parents. It lives in Sean’s car and makes constant appearances. I believe he wants to relieve his childhood memories and be forever young. Some may call him Peter Pan.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Phoebe: We are all loving Metronomy – The English Riviera.
‘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?
Barna: We were all very young in the 90’s so all our memories are sadly dedicated to shitty cartoons such as Biker Mice from Mars and Oakie Doke. I guess for us, the more people listening and liking our music, the more satisfying. Though if you love the tunes of an artist, you should feel very guilty and go out and buy their CD.
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?
Phoebe: Missy Higgins at The Sydney Myer Music Bowl. All ages. Winner.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
Barna: I often receive iTunes vouchers from my Aunty for Christmas and Birthdays. This goes towards downloading new music. Apart from that I like buying the actual albums so I can hold them and feel nice. Once our EP is released in 2 months, I can imagine it being burnt and downloaded from strange sites. For now I think we are in the clear.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
Phoebe: Instruments are always fun and always have been. To try to remember where it all begun is tricky, I played cello for 7 years mainly because all of the girls at school chose violin and I wanted to be a boy. I think singing first came into my life when I first heard Bob Dylan, and when I learnt to whistle! I still consider singing and whistling as a pair, like brother and sister.
Have you ever been arrested?
Barna: Ha, no I haven’t. But Jarrah (bass guitar) got arrested for waving a cap gun at cars by a retirement village in the very early hours of the morning. Not to mention his home made wheelie bin barricade across the main road. This lead him to be chased by a senior citizen, rammed into a garage door by his car, then hit all over with his cane/fist. It was a fun ride home for him in the back of a police car!
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
Phoebe: As much as I wish I did, nothing comes to mind… A lovely dinner with the band is the usual preparation before performing. Also known as a full tummy.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
Phoebe: Milk, and they thought we were crazy.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Phoebe: Tame Impala, because they’re inspiring/beautiful/our favourite.
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.
Barna: You will be able hear the first single off our debut record VERY soon on our Triple J Unearthed page! Along with it will come a music video as well. Expect to see/hear it in the next week! As for now, we have demos on our Facebook and Myspace. We are playing a very exciting show at the John Curtin Bandroom on the 17th of June with our good buddies Northeast Party House. Also on the bill are Tehachapi, Francolin, Sam Lawrence and Kirstina Miltiadou performing ‘Possum Magic’. It’s going to be as sweet as sugar.
