I think it’s highly likely that it will be more enjoyable travelling everywhere on a vintage train with cocktail bars, rather than our usual deal of an old Tarago with no air con. There'll be no bickering about who has to drive whilst others sleep blah blah blah. Go train drivers.
How do you feel about going on tour with UK superstar La Roux?
We feel all tingly. She's a pretty cool cat.
How would you describe your band’s live performance style?
Rowdy and loud with an air of hidden sophistication. So hidden that it may just be loud and rowdy...
If Coffs Harbour is famous for The Big Banana, and Newcastle is all about heavy metal what is your bands mascot/motto?
Our motto? I can’t remember the Latin exactly but the English version goes: "Remember the lyrics and try not to muck anything up". "Memerando lirece e attempi omni skywise non mucko" perhaps? Actually that was the old version. The new one is pretty much said before we play and goes "Look people in the eye, scare them, then hold the tight". For real.
Which city on the tour are you looking forward to visiting? Why?
Newcastle. That city has always been good to us. Some of our best and most generous fans are located there.
Do you find the regional crowds much different from the big city crowds?
Definitely. Regional crowds in general go that little bit harder than everyone else. It’s a known fact.
How does the band prepare for a show?
Jim talks to absolutely everybody like a man possessed. Dan Mac drinks a few stiff Scotches and does some push-ups. I kind of pace back and forth blabbering to myself. Then we do a little huddle and begin.
In your opinion, what makes a tour great?
Well a decent line-up helps. And people turning up to see the shows is a key factor. It actually helps if you (the artist) don’t sleep or shower properly too. Allows you to free yourself from the routine etiquette of your other life back home. Embrace the journey. That sort of thing.
Who is your favourite live performer and why? Where did you see them play?
The Hives are up there. They know what they're there to do. There's no illusions. No hesitation. No insecurity. Just Hives.
If you could go to any concert in the history of the world, whose concert would you go see?
Talking Head's "Stop Making Sense" Tour. Or maybe one of the Woodstocks.
How do you feel about spending 48 hours with other bands, fans and media on a train?
Sounds super. We know most of the people on that train already from other shows we've played with them. It will be one big happy family. If a little competitive.
Your top ten iPod songs? Any recommendations?
- Prince - When Doves Cry
- Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns - Don’t You Just Know It?
- The Sonics - Shot Down
- Talking Heads - Life Before Wartime
- Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Love Rollercoaster
- Mr Oizo - Flat Beat
- Born Ruffians - Badonkadonkey
- DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Boom Shake The Room
- Daft Punk - Around The World
- Empire Of The Sun - Swordfish Hotkiss Night
See above. But temper it with a little more old school hip hop (Mr Dobalina and Insane in the Brain usually gets people smiling). Steady rhythms are good. Not to steady so as to induce sleep though. That’s bad.
If you were booking the Bacardi festival Express for next year, give us your dream line-up (dead or alive)?
It would have to be a supergroup with Buddy Rich on drums, Flea on bass, Elvis Costello on guitar, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on keys and David Byrne on vocals. It would probably be terrible but man it would look cool.
48 hrs on your own party train – who / what gets an invite?
It would be us and our grandparents. And Dave Grohl.
What’s next for the band after BACARDI EXPRESS?
Finish recording album. Mix. Master. Tour forever. Sleep.
Art Vs. Science are onboard the 2010 BACARDI EXPRESS. Check out www.bacardiexpress.com.au for more details.
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