Lumonics are looking to shake things up as they opening proceedings the Coopers Alive SA Live Music Showcase at The Jade Monkey. Alex from the band mentions how much preparation has gone in to this and how they’re looking to impress a few punters.
What’s the latest goings on for Lumonics? “Well,” Alex recalled. “Lumonics just recorded three songs with Matt Hills at Hillside Studios. At this point we’re calling it a “demo”, even though the production is closer to what you’d see on an EP or an album. The plan is to have it pressed and send it out to some smaller independent type labels to see if anyone is interested in what we are doing. We also just played an amazing show supporting Zeta for their EP launch at Rocket Bar. The place was packed to capacity and the night was definitely one of the best shows we’ve played. Now our attention is focused squarely on the Coopers Alive music showcase and making just as good if not better than the Rocket gig.”
What does it mean for your band to be playing the SA Live Music Showcase? “To begin with, it’s flattering. I guess it’s also an acknowledgement of the hard work we’ve been putting in. We’ve been promoting ourselves locally by networking, putting up posters and using Myspace to get out name our there. So events like this just take us to a new level of recognition, which can only be helpful as far as getting people to hear our music goes.”
Do you approach this special event any differently to a normal gig? “Absolutely,” Alex answered. “The planning for this show has been much more involved. We’ve been allocated a small budget by Music SA to use for promotional purposes, so we’ve really had to analyse what is crucial for putting on a good show. ‘Spend it wisely’ as they say…”
Is there any extra pressure knowing that industry types might be sussing you out? “I suppose there will be a few extra butterflies in the stomach on the night, but we haven’t really been thinking about that aspect up until now. Personally I get a little nervous and feel the pressure to play well at every show, so it shouldn’t be any more terrifying than usual, hahaha.”
What can punters expect from your set on the night? “Lumonics is opening up the evening,” Alex promoted. “We’re a bit more intense than the other two bands (*Mr Wednesday* & BrotherSister) who are more ambient, soundscape type acts. So I guess the audience can expect a fair bit of energy from our corner. We’ve also got a couple of new-ish songs to try out, so folks who have seen us a few times already will have something fresh out of the Lumonics oven; metaphorically of course. None of us actually bake.”
Any surprises? “Well it wouldn’t be a surprise if we told you! Let’s just say we’re organising some visual elements that will really enhance the show.”
What are the plans for the band for the remainder of the year? “Recording an EP is definitely on the cards for the August/September period. From there, we’re looking at launching it and increasing our profile to the point where we could play the Big Day Out next year. Hopefully we can also organise a small interstate tour over in Melbourne and Sydney during summer. So just broadening our collective horizons!”
For further information on the Lumonics check out the bands Website, MySpace, Facebook.
Lumonics play at the Jade Monkey on Friday 25 July from 8pm as part of the Coopers Alive SA Live Music Showcase.
