With already such a huge following, Trial Kennedy is still a bit apprehensive about going on their first headline tour. After already sharing stages with Horsell Common and Fall Out Boy, their forthcoming Wake Up the Neighbours Tour this May will bring a bigger buzz to their debut album.

“It’s exciting…nerve-racking,” says drummer Shaun Gionis. “I wouldn’t have a clue how it’s gonna go. All shows are gonna be interesting, I reckon.” Having released three EPs prior to their upcoming album, the Melbourne-based band built a solid fan base throughout Oz – a definite relief to Trial Kennedy’s pre-tour jitters.

“It’s good to have a big fan base,” confirms Gionis. “We know that we have that solid, hardcore following that’s gonna be excited about listening [to the new album] and will come out to the shows.”

With their first single Neighbours already on air, the band’s Wake Up the Neighbours Tour will end with a big blowout release of their full debut album. Described best as having a “pop Radiohead, early U2 ” vibe, the release will include a collection of songs that experiments with rock ‘n roll, but that still sticks to their original sound.

Trial Kennedy ditched Australia for Atlanta last year to record with famed music producer Nick DiDia ( Incubus, Pearl Jam ). With his lead, the members were able to “add a lot of layers,” carrying out percussion and other instruments in many tracks. Recording with DiDia was a “chance to experiment with a lot of stuff.”

“Half of the record is pretty much what [the fans] would expect—just straight up rock,” says Gionis. “We were pushing boundaries within ourselves.”

With May being their busiest month to date, Trial Kennedy is preparing to scale new heights on within their music career. Though anxiety might haunt them prior to their upcoming gigs, for the band, size doesn’t matter. “I’m under the impression that even if it’s a small turn out, I reckon it’ll still be enthusiastic. That’s the most important thing,” Gionis concedes. “If there’s ten people there…ten people who are psyched in seeing you, it’ll still be awesome.”

Trial Kennedy releases its new album New Manic Art on 31 May, through Sony BMG’s Red Label. The boys have already kicked off their Wake Up the Neighbours Tour. Don’t miss them when they roll into your ‘hood.

Thursday May 8 – Queens Wharf Brewery, Newcastle
Friday May 9 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Saturday May 10 – Green Room, Canberra
Friday May 16 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
Saturday May 17 – Creswick Town Hall, Ballarat Freeza **AA
Sunday May 18- National Hotel, Geelong **2 shows, -18/+18’s
Thursday May 22 – Jive, Adelaide SA **Lic. AA
Friday May 23 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Saturday May 24 – Instore @ JB HI Fi, Melbourne **Free