The BIGSOUND music conference kicks off today in Brisbane, with BIGSOUND LIVE taking over Fortitude Valley from tomorrow. Perth’s Arts Martial are one of the showcasing bands at the event so we caught up with them to get a taste of what we might expect from their BIGSOUND performances, and what they’re expecting too!
Tell us what you’re up to at the moment…
We’re in the process of recording new material for a release later this year. We’re doing a run of east coast shows off the back of BIGSOUND. We’re about to put out a double A-Side single which we’ll be pushing as part of this run of shows.
Have you played BIGSOUND before?
No, first timers. Heard lots of good things. Looking forward to crashing a few label party’s. I think of BIGSOUND as Australia’s SXSW. Chugg started One Movement on the West a few years ago but that fell through which was a bit disappointing. We’re stoked to be apart of something like Big Sound which looks like it’s still getting stronger every year.
As you haven’t played BIGSOUND before – what have you heard about it and what are you expecting?
Apparently there’s lots of free beers floating around. Lots of bands. Lots of hallway chats. Shit loads of networking.
What can crowds expect from your shows?
Half an hour of power. Banging out some rock n roll tunes and watch our drummer struggle with his broken foot. Hopefully nobody notices.
Are there any bands you’re looking forward to seeing perform?
Kingswood, Glass Towers, Gay Paris. Looking forward to finding our new favourite aussie act.
Any talks/speakers you’re looking forward to?
Nick Cave; enough said. Gurrumul; I just want to meet the guy.
What are three essential items for life on the road?
Hair Straightener, Toothbrush and Vitamin C.
What has been your favourite Australian album of the year so far and why?
Karnivool’s Asymetry. It’s a long way from our style of music but their hometown hero’s and probably the best band in Australia at the moment.
What will the rest of 2013 be holding for you?
We’re doing shows in Sydney and Melbourne straight off the back of BIGSOUND and finishing up with a few shows back in Perth. We’ve just released a new Double A-Side single to coincide with this.
The rest of this year we’ll continue recording a bunch of new material. At the same time we’ll be avoiding band members breaking any more bones. Knock on wood.
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Arts Martial will be performing at BIGSOUND LIVE, which kicks off tomorrow! Check out all the details about the annual Brisbane based event here: http://www.qmusic.com.au/bigsound/ – it takes place between the 10th and the 13th of September in Fortitude Valleym with the LIVE portion on the 11th and 12th.
