To some artists the stage can be a battle, but for Lady Strangelove, taking in the full breadth of their performances is what matters. From small venues to large festivals, the four-piece band uses the stage to their advantage, projecting psychedelic visuals in the background as they rock their progressive beats to the masses.
“[We] make the show extra special, regardless of how big it is,” says bassist Azz Shaw. “It’s good for the crowd, [but] we also try to make it special for ourselves.”
Having recently played the Big Day Out and Laneway Festival, Lady Strangelove experienced a new career height, playing to thousands of music fanatics in two sold out venues. Fostering their potential to keep playing for varied audiences, the band never discounts new listeners.
“We got a really good response,” says Azz. “There was a new crowd…a lot of new heads. It was really good.”
Having already shared the stage with prominent bands, such as Wolfmother, The Vasco Era, and British India, Lady Strangelove is finally getting ready for their tour debut this month. Their work continues as they prepare for the Bootleg Mini Tour with Melbourne-based band Jarvis as they hit Melbourne, Geelong, and Adelaide in late March.
“It’s the first tour we’ve ever done, and [Jarvis is] one of my favourite bands in Australia,” admits Azz.
With upcoming shows and the Bootleg Mini Tour at hand, Lady Strangelove are also focusing on producing their music. Their songs pair breakbeat and rock, combining unique guitar riffs, eclectic sound samples, and thrashing drum beats. The final product is a collection of danceable and head-banging tracks.
With influences such as Led Zeppelin and The Chemical Brothers, Lady Strangelove’s music is an “expression of all things that get [them] excited.” Their music is sweeping, with lead singer Brendan multi-rocking a harmonica, tambourine, and percussion. Azz balances the bass, keys, and samples; Josh plays the guitar and Damo completes the band with the drums.
Lady Strangelove’s psychedelic and progressive rock sound continues to sit well with their fans as their past EPs have sold out quickly. Now, the band’s active agenda continues as they prepare to release their forthcoming EP this June. The extended play album will include a compilation of tracks that the band has been playing live for the past year, such as Rotate and Teleport plus a hidden track.
The band is also preparing for their first album due to come out later this year.
“It’s a mix between the dancier stuff. [It] gets a bit more progressive as the album goes on,” says Azz. “There’s a bit more of a room to breathe.”
As their projects keep piling up, the band never forgets to acknowledge their earliest fans. Though eager to reach a wider audience now, the Adelaide-bred band still values their local go-to performances. With back-and-forth shows from Adelaide to Melbourne, Lady Strangelove is determined to better themselves.
“The people that come [to our shows] every time have seen us grow. We have to play a really good show,” says Azz.
The members of the band are always striving to satisfy their old listeners and impress the new.
“We get pushed every time. It makes us play a lot better.”
Catch Lady Strangelove at the Bootleg Mini Tour 08 on the following dates:
Thursday 27 March @ Revolver, Melbourne (w/ Jarvis)
Friday 28 March @ The Nash, Geelong (w/ Jarvis)
Saturday 29 March @ Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide (w/ Like Leaves and Jarvis)
