The competition is heating up for the slot mainstage at V festival. The first of the G2V heats get underway in Melbourne tonight and next week the NSW finalists will step up for their chance at scoring a place in the final. Meet Sydney band Man Ray, one of the local acts vying for the top spot.
Was music always an important part of your life?
Music is in our blood. We’ve always been musicians and believe in it passionately. We are always either listening to it, making it, reading about it, seeing it, recreating it or supporting it.
What’s your earliest musical memory?
It’s a hard question to answer because we all come from different musical backgrounds. Like most people, its probably a memory of our dad’s fucking record collection or something but we’d prefer to remember our more recent musical memories . . . playing to bigger and bigger crowds and getting more and more recognition.
How would you describe your band’s music?
Elements of romance with a strong emphasis on melody. We create melody from noise and take a fresh modern take on classic concepts.
What are your musical influences?
We want to capture an element of romance with our music. Our music has a strong emphasis on melody, whist incorporating noise as a means of challenging, and intriguing the listener. We aren’t going to deny the fact that we wear our influences on our silk sleeves, but we like to think we put our own original idea and twist on the more classic sounds that we draw on. In terms of bands that we are influenced by the Triffids, Smiths, Chameleons and Nick Cave are all up there.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the V Festival?
Air, Jesus and Mary Chain, Modest Mouse . . . . . JOHNNY MARR
If you win Garage to V what would you have in your rider?
Banana Paddle Pops, London Dry Gin, Cigarettes, Hot Mona Burgers
What artist would you want to share a sneaky backstage pash with at the V fest? Why?
We would say Mika. We’re pretty heart broken that he’s not playing anymore.
Who would you like to share a dressing room with and why?
Billy Corgan so we could steal his robe. Josh Homme for a hug
What’s the key ingredient for having at great day at V festival?
A bum bag full filled with sun screen, water, a timetable and a chap stick……
How important are competitions like Garage to V in the ongoing success of your band?
To us Garage to V was the only competition which was marginally appealing to enter. It has the best prize, best promotion and gives a band like us great exposure. The comp also lets you cut your teeth on a solid tour. At the end of the day it’s a great chance to play alongside such high calibre bands.
Don’t miss your chance to see the Sydney bands battle it out for a spot at the G2V final. RSVP HERE for the gig at Spectrum on March 5 at Spectrum with Lions at Your Door, Man Ray, Cassette Kids, Tennis and Special Guests The Brunettes.
to listen to their music now on 