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?
Marc – Lead singer and sexy sax
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parents’ record collection and why?
Well, my dad had Abbey Road on Vinyl and I stuck it on my wall to liven up the bedroom. It is also my favourite Beatles album. I also found the greatest hits of Gianni Morandi at my mum’s the other week – if you can tell me who that is I’ll buy you a Cornetto – it’s about as good as you get when talking 60s Italian pop – brilliant!
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Hall and Oates’ greatest hits and ‘Hermit of Mink Hollow’ by Todd Rundgren.
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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?
Ha, I never really thought of that – I guess we’ve always been nicking music.
Well, nothing really, other than it’s a hell of a lot less time consuming, way more accessible and the sound quality stays the same (if you want it to, that is).
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?
It was this cover band ‘ The Blues Brothers And The Sisters Of Soul’ at the festival theatre public bar in Adelaide. I was in high school and too young and fresh looking to actually get in the place. Some mates and I would sneak up on the roof and watch this band through the skylight every weekend. You could hardly hear them but at the time it was the greatest thing in the world.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
If I want something I just go to iTunes. It’s easy and fairly cheap. And yes, we’re on there.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
Sax – I started out on sax before taking up singing – I actually used to listen to a lot of Kenny G (this is off the record, yeah?). I even bought a best of Kenny Song book and had all his songs down pat! Seeing him in the new Katy Perry clip brings a tear to my eye.
Singing – I’d have to say them Beatles.
Have you ever been arrested?
Not me personally but my brother Dan (drummer of the band) got arrested 3 times in one year. I live vicariously through him. Never try and outwit a cop – they’re too witty…?
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
Sometimes we’ll put on ‘Hearts on Fire’ from the Rocky IV soundtrack (the training montage), get in a huddle and let the music work its magic – nothing beats 80s power rock for a good hype up.
Supposing you were to be playing sold out stadiums on your next tour, what outrageous rider requests would you submit?
I’ve just started this Gluten free diet, which is doing my head in. I’d make all the beer in the rider that crap tasting gluten free stuff, just to piss off the rest of the band. And I’d get really old people to serve us. I’m talking 90 plus. Just for fun.
Oh, and really high quality whisky and gin and an old person who knows how to make classic cocktails.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
I reckon a collaboration with Sia would be fun. She’s a very talented and interesting musician and pretty out there in general. She was a big part of the Adelaide scene when we were kicking around there. In fact, our keyboard player, Ben, played in one of her early bands.
We could do a revamped version of Endless love..? I’ll be Lionel and she can be Diana. Or we could swap.
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’ve released two EPs. Our latest is ‘Love Yachts Geronimo’ which we released in April this year. However, we’ve just spent a week in the studio with Australian Production Guru, John Castle (Washington, The Bamboos, The Cat Empire) , recording a double A-side which we’re launching at the Corner Hotel on the 24th of September. It’s gonna be huge! We’ve even got the VSO (Vaudeville Smash Orchestra) playing with us, which includes some of Australia’s most respected classical musicians. The new recordings sound amazing and have a more contemporary sound, compared to our earlier stuff. We’re pretty excited.
And facebook is: www.facebook.com/thevaudevillesmash
