The Rocketsmiths head the charge as part of the Craving Music? indie extravaganza at The Gov, which includes The Shiny Brights, Zeta and The Battery Kids. Domenic Miller from the band recalls his love for our fair city and also talks about their new album that is in the works.
Are you looking forward to returning to Adelaide? “We love Adelaide. It is so much like Brisbane except far more organised and the streets are all dead straight. But in terms of size, atmosphere, people and bands it’s really similar so we all feel really comfortable when we play there. Plus we have some good mates there like the guys from Special Patrol and other mates who let us crash on their floor.
Do you have ‘fond’ memories of your last visit here? “Very fond,” Domenic recalled. “We played Jive Bar and had a really good time hanging out with Adelaide kids. We played with The Basics as well who are awesome and got a good crowd and played a good show.”
What can punters expect on this tour? “I used to play an acoustic guitar on all the songs but now I play electric so it’s a lot rockier and more energetic and LOUDER. They can also expect a BAND.”
Is there any new material in the works? “We have a couple of new songs in the works getting ready for our debut album,” Domenic mentioned. “Not sure of a release date or anything like that yet but there is definitely some new songs that are continuing along the same path in terms of progression of our music and style.”
How is that progressing? “I think it’s the same energetic and exciting kind of sound but it seems to be getting more mature, maybe moving away from that country sound a bit more but still retaining that fun and energy of our previous records. I think the sound of the new songs is also darker though, we’re getting a lot of influence from bands like Snowman and Mess Hall and bands like that.”
Is there much of a departure from what we already know? “Yeah it definitely is but still retains that character of our previous stuff.”
Does the process of writing and recording get any easier? “Recording was much easier,” Domenic answered. “We walked into a studio with Magoo and he did everything. All we had to do was set up (with his help) plug in and play. The sounds he got out of us just worked and when we wanted something done all we had to do was ask him and he would do it for us.”
How about the writing process? “It definitely is still a lot of fun and very adventurous,” Domenic believed. “We wanna try things we haven’t done before and we’re making sure we’re having fun doing it. It isn’t getting “easier” though because we’re trying to get more out of each other and we’re challenging ourselves to write better songs.”
Is it hard not covering the sound ground again? “Yeah I think so,” Domenic suggested. “But I think we’re doing a good job of it. It’s just about working with the band to make sure that the songs we’re writing feel fresh and we feel comfortable with them. At the same time, as soon as you start making decisions about what you’re going to write, I think you make a mistake and end up shooting yourself in the foot. We believe everything should just come naturally and if it doesn’t feel right, move on.”
Does experience make you picky about what makes a good song and how it sounds? “I think so,” Domenic replied. “You start to know what works for you and you can judge it better before you leave the rehearsal room. If you do take it out live it’s always good to judge the reaction from the crowd and from there you can decide whether to leave a song alone or to keep working on it. It can be frustrating but it is so much fun to work with your best friends making something which you’re all proud of.”
What do you see as the next big challenge for The Rocketsmiths? “Hmm, that’s a hard one. Getting Triple J onside and therefore the rest of the country… maybe? Getting some good tour supports. Ultimately it’s the album – writing, recording and releasing an amazing first album which we are proud of and can make happen on a national level.”
Fasterlouder presents Craving Music? – an all ages indie rock extravaganza with The Rocketsmiths, The Shiny Brights, The Battery Kids and Zeta at The Gov on Friday September 26. Tickets are $15 +b.f. from Moshtix, VenueTix and The Gov.
