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 Dima and Kieran – collectively and succinctly known as “the genius” of the band. While everyone’s role is of equal importance, the “backbone”, “rhythm” and “harmony” of the band are never regarded quite as highly (by us). Between staggering across the ivories and slashing the six-string – respectively – we also make sure everyone in the band remains grounded and modest.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
D: All of them. Because they deserved it.
K: My parents are pretty protective of their collection so I haven’t managed to steal any in my bags when I’ve visited…yet…
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
D: Whatever phase I happen to be in – for example gospel blues, boogie woogie, Memphis blues, Delta blues, rhythm and blues, etc. – I always seem to revert back to the same two albums to get me through the night: Abbey Road and Ray Charles Early Years.
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K: I don’t own an iPod but I’ve been listening to a lot of local music from friends’ bands..Dirt Farmers new E.p, The Thods new stuff , Belles Will Ring and Sister Janes new albums and also Eagle and the Worm have been getting a bit of a spin…keeping the local love JAM alive! Yes!
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?
D: The first real gig I went to was Oasis at the Canberra Theatre in 2002. I was 16, and a big fan, and their Melbourne concert was for big kids only, so a friend and I caught a bus to Canberra for the all-ages show.
K: Mine was Frenzel Rhomb at the Wodonga Leisure Centre. ..Would have been twelve or thirteen…more of a competition to see how many people you could pash…I heard the record was nine that night… I managed to kiss Shannon by the water cooler and yes it was beautiful…..in fact, Shannon if you’re reading this…I love you.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
D: I don’t really download music. I’m a bit of a traditionalist – I like to go out and buy a CD or a record and physically hold it and touch it and put it places. I have downloaded a few songs from iTunes though, which I’ve payed for, and as soon as The Messengers album is done I hope people will buy it from there as well. Otherwise what’s the point of making an album?
K: I’m also a little old fashioned and like to buy CD’s and vinyl still.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
D: Strangely, the first Beatles album I heard was Live at the Hollywood Bowl. I didn’t really know too much about them at the time – I must have been around 11 years old – but hearing those songs and the crazy and unrelenting screams from the audience made me think “this would be a pretty cool job to have when I grow up!”
K: I had a compilation cassette as a kid it was something like the greatest songs of the 1950’s and 60’s.. Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Ben.E king, The Troggs, those types of artists were the first I remember enjoying..that and getting a guitar quite young as a birthday present had a lot to do with it.
Have you ever been arrested?
D: No comment.
K: Yes comment.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
D: It was more of a hobby than a ritual, but I used to try to picture the audience naked. I stopped doing that the first time my family came to a gig, but I still do it in interviews.
K: Nothing out of the ordinary just a few drinks before we start.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
D: From my experience, live music venues in Melbourne are generally incredibly generous and accommodating, so no request seems too outrageous… Just don’t request to get paid.
K: Unfortunately we usually don’t have a lot to do with our riders..So nothing too outrageous yet.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
D: Is Rihanna Australian? I’d love to collaborate with Craig Nicholls (from The Vines) – the guy is a genius.
K: I’d love to get a lesson on song writing from Paul Kelly.
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.
D: We are putting the finishing touches on our first album!!! It should be out in a few months, but until then you can get a taste on our MySpace (myspace.com/messgroup), our unearthed page (www.i actually don’t know it…) or in person at our house (42 St…).
K: We’ve got some good shows in the works which will be surrounding the recordings and clips we’ve been working hard on so keep an eye and ear out for us on the links!
