We sit down with Melbourne band The Pretty Littles to discuss there debut EP Fairweather, working with Big Scary guitarist Tom Iansek and what we can expect from the band in the coming year.
Who would you say your main influences are?
The Vasco Era are a huge influence. They are the only reason I’m in a band. They are the best. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are another one… They are the masters of that rock, fuzz, blues stuff and then they just nail these sweet acoustic tunes too. Oh – and The Mess Hall and Big Scary. Gotta love a two piece. And Paul Dempsey for lyrics. That fella’s out of control.
How would you describe The Pretty Littles in 3 words?
A bit shit
What was it like working with Tom Iansek from Big Scary and how did he get involved?
Probably the best thing we have ever done. Ever. He is so good at what he does. He would just make this little suggestions about changing some arrangements… another guitar there, removing an intro etc etc and it all just made so much sense. Plus we have no idea what we were doing and he was very patient and stuff. He got involved pretty coincidentally actually. We were all massive fans and heaps of people we knew, knew him and were telling us to call him, but we were a little unsure and then I told my sister we were thinking of asking this guy Tom Iansek and she was, ‘yeah ill message him now!’ So we just thought we better call the man, haha such a legend.
What do you feel he brought to the recording process?
Heaps. Vocals was a big one. As you are well aware, he could sing the pants off a morman. I on the other hand would sing the pants back on said morman. So he would say words like ‘semi-tone’ and I would pretend I knew what that was but then he would realize I had no idea. Sometimes he would sing the note into my head phones just before my bit so I would be able to do it. Very helpful. We also all like the same kinda music which was good and he doesn’t over think anything too much.. just gets some sweet tones and sounds and goes from there. But yeah… vocals was a big one. And a gross moustache.
How far back to the tracks on “Fairweather” go?
Not too far. We used to be the worst band ever. And play these terrible folk/pop songs. I think MUD turned that around. That’s when we realised we wanted to play rock and roll. So they were all written around the start of this year. Except ‘Cowboys & Indians’… That’s one of our oldest songs. I reckon we have only not played that on 3 or so occasions. It’s changed somewhat over the last year. I love that song. Its called the ‘the set-rescuer’. If we’re playing a shocker that’ll generally get us back to even.
As we are nearing the end of the year, what’s been the highlight of the year for you guys?
Supporting The Vasco Era was a dream come true. The only thing I wanted to achieve in a band was supporting them.
And playing the fucking FORUM! Haha we fluked a gig there cause my old guitar teacher is in Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons. Jeff Burstin of course. We had a dressing room and stuff. Was very memorable.
Where and when can people see you on your East Coast tour?
Thursday December 1 at Yours & Owls in Wollongong
And
Friday December 2 at Mum @ World Bar in the cross. Yewwwwwww!!
What can people expect from your live show?
Loud noises. Terrible banter. Lots of sweat.
What does 2012 have in store for The Pretty Littles?
Hopefully more of the same! We wanna put two EP’s out and see where that gets us. I wanna make an album one day. Hopefully a tour or two with some bands we really really like. That would be rad.
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