Your EP Panic Notes has been rated highly by music critics across the country – are you pleased with how it has been received?
It’s felt great to finally have something that represents us. It seemed like we were a band for a fair while before actually recording our first EP and we seriously went through everything possible to get there (i.e. broken limbs, con artists, lineup changes, emergency wards, shit songs), but I like that we’re still the band we were when we recorded it last year. We haven’t added a synth player or anything and refuse to place a tom drum at the front of the stage (For now at least..). Sure, we’ve developed, but I still feel like there’s more juice in Panic Notes to go around. Most importantly, we just want people to hear it.
Which of these tracks are you finding to resonate best in the live setting?
My favourite live moment was performing “Eureka Kings” for the first time at the Jager Grand Final last year at The Annandale. The lights were all going mental and the place was packed and I can just remember completely losing myself in the song, so I really look forward to trying to get back to that place mentally each show.
Of course, you’ll be giving them quite the run in March, as you hold up the Gallery with a residency, what can we expect from these shows?
Well while all you lucky bronzed, glowing folk were putting your skin cells through trauma over the Summer, we were slaving away in a room over new tracks. So you can expect a batch of sweet new music, played by a bunch of pasty bastards.
Will you be playing pretty much the same set every week, or can we expect some treats for multiple, dedicated viewing? In other words, will you have a frequent flyer program?
The One Flew East mile high club will involve an inner thigh rub (no more no less), an accompanied trip to the OAF restrooms (valid during One Flew East’s Set) and a gerbil. Each membership comes complimentary with an EP purchase.
That really didn’t answer you question did it..
You’ll also be performing at the incredible Playground Weekender festival this weekend – what are you looking forward to most about playing there? It’s your first time, I gather?
This will be the third playground for Dan and I (as punters), so we’re still trying to get our heads around the fact that we’re part of the show. Looking forward to floating down the river all day…The late night cinema…the impromptu tent parties…AH, and the music – of course. I saw half of Lupe at Big Day Out and nearly cried, so I’m looking forward to getting the whole enchilada this time around. Dane our drummer’s psyched for LTJ Bukem, and we’re all keen on Jamie Liddell as well. Plus, the local contingent seems really strong this year which should be awesome.
Other than yourselves, of course, who are some of the bands from Sydney, and around the country, that you all think we should be watching and listening to?
I’ve been loving Space Invadas lately and think Kid Mac have a great sound going on. All our residency supports are incredible (David Haack, Hancock Basement, The Domestics). The Paper Scissors were off the chain at Peats Ridge.. Young Revelry from Perth..and Eddy Current. When I grow up I want to be Eddy motherfucking Current.
Who are some of the dream collaborations for you guys? Both artists to perform with, or producers to work with?
We all have such different personal influences I can only speak for myself here, but people like Damon Albarn, Raphael Saadiq, Dangermouse, Stevie Wonder, Jack White, Beck, Josh Homme, Sly Stone. And you know what? For all the shit Kanye cops, you put the man in the driver’s seat and he works some serious wonders. Sign me up.
I imagine these names are the people that have helped influence you and your music?
Yeah definitely.
If you weren’t the lead singer (and keyboardist), are there any instruments that you think “damn, I really wish I could play that in this band” – the harp, for instance?
I’d love to learn the sax, solely to piss people off by playing “Careless Whisper” at really awkward moments.
“Richard the quarterly results are through. We’re going to have to put you off”
“Oh for real? *Bweeeeeh da da da bweeeeeeh da da*”
And finally, what does 2010 hold in store for OFE? A national tour? A new LP/EP?
Writing, writing and more writing. Hitting the studio in April to lay down all this new material live – whether that becomes an EP or not I guess time will tell.
Don’t miss One Flew East at Playground Weekender at 6pm on Thursday (Filth Stage) and throughout March, performing a residency at the Oxford Art Factory!
Header Photo by Jacob Przybyla exclusively for the AU review
