The Huckleberry Swedes are set for big second half of the year and are very much so looking forward to showcasing their wares at the Coopers Alive SA Music Showcase at The Wheatsheaf Hotel. Huckleberry Mark delivers the latest.

What’s the latest goings on for the Huckleberry Swedes? “We’ve Just finished mastering our album, produced by Jim Moginie,” Mark mentioned. “A fantastic experience highly recommended to anyone out there. We produced and pretty much self recorded our first EP, Hair Trigger, and were really happy with how that turned out but this was another whole level of recording. We were able to get most of it down live, which most people who record at home will realise is such a wonderful luxury. To be able to set up a studio where you are all comfortable and playing off of each other is a really amazing thing. We did most of it in Broadcast Studios with Mick Wordley and Evan James engineering. Those guys were fantastic. We would basically get inside a song, and as soon as we were ready to go with a particular vibe, they would be ready to go, setting mic’s on the fly for the different instrumentation we were working with. We did a few overdubs in Sydney at Jim’s studio, but the bulk of it was really achieved in a few days at Broadcast.”

I hear there is a special bonus available? “We’ve got a pre-release version of one of the songs Dust Storms Falling, and another Suburban Dreaming (which won’t be available on our album) on a promo EP featuring the Acts on this Showcase gig which is FREE for the first 25 payers. (Pre Sold tickets available from the Wheatsheaf Bar for only $10). We’ve also put together an album sampler available from our website or on the night.”

What does it mean for your band to be playing the SA Live Music Showcase? “It’s always fantastic to get together with good friends and play music,” Mark thought. “To be invited to do so with so many other great bands over the showcase and to have the endorsement of Ausmusic SA, Coopers and the other sponsors makes us feel like we’re doing something right in the eyes of the industry movers and shakers, and consolidates what our fans and friends already know.”

Do you approach this special event any differently to a normal gig? “Every gig is a special event,” Mark asserted. “Anyone who decides to spend their valuable leisure time with The Huckleberry Swedes gives us a buzz.”

Is there any extra pressure knowing that industry types might be sussing you out? “We’ve been lucky enough to play a few showcase gigs before, in particular, having some great spots at the last two Fuse festivals. We actually managed to score a spot at Byron Bay Blues and Roots fest through our performance at the Fuse Festival. In short though, whether it’s Michael Gudinski or Sharon Public, we hope that anyone listening will see hear what we feel in the songs – A love of this country, Wild Peach Pie, music and good times.”

What can punters expect from your set on the night? “A rollicking ride through the Appalachian hills,” Mark chuckled. “Through the dusty outback into the dreams of Suburban dwellers living in their tiny computer built cages within this great big land. Of course, there’ll be regular beer stops where everyone can get a chance to taste the wares of the Wheaty… or if you’re so inclined, partake of their fine whiskey selection.”

Any surprises? “Clancy’s real name isn’t really Clancy. You don’t have to be Far Away from home to feel so. I suppose they are more revelations than surprises.”

What are the plans for the band for the remainder of the year? “Travel upstream along the great Murray River. Turn left and play for the folks in Brisbane, Byron, Gympie and then turn around and come back via Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne… August 23 through to September 7. We might even see if we can’t find some pressed copies of our new CD along the way.

For further information on The Huckleberry Swedes visit:
www.huckleberryswedes.com
www.myspace.com/huckleberryswedes
www.fasterlouder.com.au/bands/Huckleberry_Swedes

The Huckleberry Swedes play The Wheatsheaf Hotel on Saturday 26 July from 8pm as part of the Coopers Alive SA Live Music Showcase.