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 Adam – guitar, Simon – bass/vox, Harro – guitar/vox and Josh – drums. We are The Corsairs.

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

I recently got a record player, which led to me shuffling through the cupboard of records and getting my sweaty hands on Clapton’s 461 Ocean Boulevard and The Stones Let it Bleed. So all in all, a good plunder.

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

Strokes (always on rotation)
Harrison: Harlem and Dinosaur Jr
Adam: Surfer Blood, The Rolling Stones
Josh: Karnivool, John Schofield, Dire Straits
Simon: Cream – Disraeli Gears, The Kinks, Strokes

Love The Beatles?

Get the latest The Beatles news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

‘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 there is little difference. Both phenomena presented the possibility of liberating music lovers and artists from the ruthless clutches of the record industry. However the omnipotent industry has so far managed to overcome these challenges and maintain its hegemony over the art form. Yet as file sharing becomes more widespread cracks in the evil machine are starting to form… Vive la revolution!

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?

Well not that I remember much of the show but when I was 8 I saw Michael Jackson at the MCG, the coolest first gig I can think of so I’m going to claim that. Josh also went to Michael Jackson at the MCG, sitting 3 rows from the front. Shamefully, he fell asleep. Harrison went with his dad to see Ed Kuepper (of Aus punk band the Saints) when he was a tiny tot. Simon went along to see his dad’s band “Chemistry” at a beaten up old pub in Williamstown.

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

Soundcloud is rad, free, and best of all you can find our songs there.

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

Adam: George Harrison
Simon: The Beatles
Harrison: Jimi Hendrix
Josh: Incubus and nothing quite like a bit of Stevie Ray Vaughan in there too, there’s a bit of blues in everyone who has ever picked up an instrument.

Have you ever been arrested?

We have all been almost arrested for causing late night trouble in a Maccas, but no haven’t been to the slammer just yet. Although Harrison does walk over cars on the way home….. hope you don’t park on the route to his house. He also almost got arrested at the Croft Institute on his birthday but can’t remember why.

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

Simons has a pre stage ritual that consists of beers….. and more beers and then some stage beers. He says it’s to loosen up the vocals……Sure.

What’s been your most outrageous rider request?

A midget wearing a sombrero filled with cocaine / a bald, toothless lady of the night.

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

I would love to do something completely different to our sound so maybe with artists like Cut Copy. Because it could transform our classic four piece set up to some extensive instrumental stage presence. I have always wanted to play with some sort of orchestra, makes everything sound so grand!

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.

Unless you are experienced at dancing in the dark we recommend listening to our music with the lights on, as it can be a health risk to do otherwise. We are playing at Revolver on Saturday the 28th so come on down for some dance training.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine