Little Red

Wed 15th Oct, 2008 in Features

“The fact is that the second album won’t sound much like the first one,” says percussionist Tom Hartney in a very matter-of-fact way. He is of course talking about Little Red’s future second LP, which he assumes they will go back into the studio to record either later this year or early 2009.

Having only just realised their first full length album entitled Listen To Little Red, the announcement that a second instalment is already in the pipeline comes as a bit of a shock. But Hartney explains that being able to record and release an album whenever, without a contrived industry timeline, is one of the many perks of having your own record label. Hooch Hound Records was launched because the band wasn’t offered the record deal that they considered to be fair.

“We looked at some of the other record labels around, like both major and kinda indie labels, and basically we never got the deal that we wanted,” he explains. “It was more a thing through necessity then anything else.”

The Melbourne band has definitely proven that musicians can make a reputation for themselves without the help of a major label pushing them along. Through nothing more than sheer determination and a whole lot of hard work, Little Red has become recognised for their phenomenal live shows, and their very rare sound. The quintet even had to create a new genre of music, which they proudly call – œdoo wop punk’. The doo wop comes from the four part harmonies that the band is fast becoming known for, while the punk is just part of their general attitude.

Little Red is set to invent yet another genre of music with their impending second release. Hartney elaborates. “Just looking at the songs, we’ve got more RnB as opposed to rock and roll. There are more ballads and well use pianos more.” This time he categorises the band’s music as – œgarage RnB’.

At present Hartney isn’t entirely sure who will produce the next album. However, Steven Schram, who oversaw Little Red’s EP Get Ready and subsequent LP is an obvious choice. For the moment anyway, Little Red have more immediate issues on their hands. Their national – œUni Tour’ is kicking off soon and a few festival shows are scheduled over the summer period. Hartney warns that the band’s live shows can get a little gnarly.

“It gets pretty wild and dirty,” he offers. “We watched a video of us performing and we where surprised to see how messy it got towards the end.”

Little Red kicks off its “wild and dirty” circuit of the nation’s universities this week. FasterLouder is coming along for the ride, too, so make sure to check back here for all the coverage from the road.

October

Thu 16 – Monash Uni, Gippsland
Fri 17 – Uni Of Tasmania, Hobart
Sat 18 – Adelaide Uni Bar
Wed 22 – Wollongong Uni Bar
Thu 23 – Sydney Uni, Manning Bar
Fri 24 – QUT Guild Bar, Bris
Sat 25 – Sol Bar, Coolum
Wed 29 – Rivcoll Uni, Wagga
Fri 31 – Curtain Uni Tavern, Bentley, WA

November
Sat 29 – Newcastle Uni Bar (Beach party)