Meet the Garage to V statefinalists - Wales

Wed 27th Feb, 2008 in Features

Alt pop new wave outfit Wales may just have what it takes to come away with the coveted Garage to V crown n- FL sits the band down to answer the hard questions…

Was music always an important part of your life?
Music has been fairly prominent in our lives, but it kicked up a notch when we decided to start making some together. Rhiannon and Angela did various music related things at school while Mitch and I learnt our instruments together in his mums lounge room.

What’s your earliest musical memory?
Talk about hard to answer! I’m not really sure to be honest. Personally, I remember the first few albums that made me stop and start appreciating a certain style of music. Some of these include ‘Any other city’ – Life without Buildings / ‘Youth and Young Manhood’ – Kings of Leon. I have my older brother to thank for that.

How would you describe your band’s music?
This is another hard question to answer… I suppose we are still trying to hone in and develop our sound. Our songs are getting darker, whilst still maintaining a bass driven post punk vibe. Our songs also have that hint of pop.

What are your musical influences?
It is only fair to say that our individual music tastes are uniquely different. At the moment I am listening to a lot of noisy bands where as Mitch is listening to old electro groups like Oppenheimer Analysis. Rhiannon is a huge Bowie fan and Angela loves a lot of really great music. When we get into band mode however, we are generally all on the same page and bounce off of each others ideas.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the V Festival?
Jesus and the Mary chain, Queens of the Stone Age, Modest Mouse, The Rakes and pretty much all the other bands on the line up. I think Duran Duran would be pretty awesome to see if not just for the sing-along factor.

If you win Garage to V what would you have in your rider?
Probably some green cordial. It was one of the first things we bonded over as a band. We also like croissants and other baked goods. Oh yeah, don’t forget a few cartons Coopers Pale Ale. Mitch also would like to request a Faberge egg.

What artist would you want to share a sneaky backstage pash with at the V fest?
One of the girls from CSS.

Why?
Because there aren’t many girls to choose from, I’m not picky and they all seem quite rad. This question would be a lot easier if I were a girl…

Who would you like to share a dressing room with and why? Josh Homme. The reason is for the pure fact that he is a fellow red head. I’d want to have a chat to him about the fact our breed is dying out. Us rangas have to stick together!

What’s the key ingredient for having at great day at V festival?
I think it is a medley of things. Not getting split up from your mates is always a good start, so is the pre festival party. These along with not getting sunburnt like a lobster (I always do), are pretty essential.

How important are competitions like Garage to V in the ongoing success of your band?
Competitions are great. Although this is our first attempt at one, we have seen our friend’s bands rise fairly rapidly from band competitions. In Perth it is often the first step in being a regular face on the live music circuit. It also gives us the chance to play in front of new people and put ourselves out there for some feedback.