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?
I’m Dale, the lead singer/air horn enthusiast.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Ahh, man where do I start?! Dad had so many great records kicking around: AC/DC, Billy Thorpe, Dire Straits, Cold Chisel. It was the only music I was allowed to turn up as a kid! But the one I remember going after in particular was 5150 by Van Halen. I first heard “Dreams” on the Power Ranger’s movie when I was just a little kid and I was hooked in!
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
I’m loving every minute of Ball’s Out – Steel Panther’s new album right now. Other’s that have been getting a fair crack recently are The Darkness, Airbourne and AC/DC – Powerage (is that just the best fuckin’ album ever or what?!)
‘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?
There was a lot more effort involved in the actual taping of tracks, where as now with a few clicks of a button you can have a brand new album worth $20 in the shops for free. Whilst there is far more music piracy happening these days and there will potentially be bugger all CDs around by the end of 2013, I think the diehard’s will keep CD production alive for quite a while yet.
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?
That’s okay, we usually steal the other band’s anyways. But because you asked so nicely, my first gig was The Wiggles at Chelsea Town Hall. Jeff fell asleep right in the middle of the show. I couldn’t believe the unprofessionalism!
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’d be lying if I said I’d never downloaded anything from thepiratebay.org, but it’s only if I’m ever sceptical about the quality of what I’m buying. Nothing worse than a mate telling you how awesome a band is, only to go and buy it and realise it is utter shit. I am not made of money. If I download something and I like it (meaning that I listen to it more than once), it goes on the top of the shopping list. You can find our old EP ‘Can’t Say No’ on eBay for $2.74 + p/h and our even older EP at Cash Converters Mentone for $1. A dollar too much I think…
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
Bon Scott. That’s pretty much self explanatory.
Have you ever been arrested?
Only once, in Canada. Apparently the cops there don’t appreciate it when you pressure wash the rims of their patrol car with your piss. How ungrateful.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
A couple of quick Brian Johnson style hokie pokie’s to warm up and make sure there is plenty to drink.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
Unfortunately haven’t really had any at this stage in our career, besides we’re not too fussy. But I look forward to being able to have a rider similar to Iggy Pop’s one day. Did you know he has a Bob Hope impersonator on his rider?!
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Angus and Malcolm Young. They’re just bloody clever!
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.
I don’t think I really have any. But one you don’t want to listen to with the lights down low is a Melbourne band called ‘Problem’. They’re rather creepy. If you’d rather hang out with us, check out our tour date’s all around the country this summer!
The Deep End “Your Shout” tour dates:
Wednesday 14th December – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 17th December – The bended Elbow, Geelong, VIC
Friday 23rd December – The Venue, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 12th January – Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Saturday 14th January – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 21st January – The Basement, Canberra, ACT
Friday 27th January – Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 28th January – The Cavern Club, Adelaide, SA
