Stealing O'Neal

Thu 13th Nov, 2008 in Features

Stealing O’Neal (sometimes known as SON) have been around for a few years now and after a solid debut EP Spin For Me launched back in 2007 it’s time to turn attention to celebrating the release of their new one Collidescope. The band is heading out on a co-headline tour with Goodnight Nurse, which promises to be an absolute beauty according to Jack Tosi (guitars/vocals) as they play two shows in Adelaide.

How’s the tour been so far? “It’s been alright,” Jack said. “The tour starts in Melbourne before we head down for two shows in Adelaide. There’s always a cool vibe when you’re on your own headline tour.”

Has the response to Collidescope been pretty good so far? “Even at the show the other night people were asking whether we were going to play songs off the new EP. People have been buying it and know the songs, which is really cool. I really can’t wait until we play the other shows on tour to see how much people dig the new EP.”

Do you think most people have downloaded it through I-Tunes? “Actually, it’s more physical sales,” Jack mentioned. “I was surprised as most people have either pre-ordered it or headed in to JB Hi-Fi to grab a couple. It was great coming in at number two first week in on the AIR chart.”

Are you impressed that people are buying the physical product rather than devaluing the album experience by downloading MP3’s? “Of course,” Jack agreed. “We put a lot of effort in to the artwork for this EP and we thought there was a good match with music. When you download it online I guess you’re getting the complete package.”

Was it a relatively pain free process making Collidescope? “This EP in relation to our debut was kind of rushed,” Jack thought. “This time we had around seven to eight days to do it, which allowed us to relax and there was a better vibe in the studio. Being able to take our time and play our parts correctly was great. With our debut we were rushing to get it done in three days and I think it comes across like that on the EP.”

Are EP’s the way to go so that you can record a batch of songs to show where the band is at now rather than waiting to do an album later on? “We were sitting on those songs for the EP for a while, probably six months or so, but hadn’t played them live. When the EP was released those songs really did come alive. I think our sound has changed, as we get more mature. In the old days we used to play really long songs but nowadays everything has a point and all our choruses and verses are there for a reason. I think we’re better songwriters now just from doing it continuously and getting feedback from people. I think all we can do is to continually evolve as a band.”

Stealing O’Neal together with Goodnight Nurse play the following shows in Adelaide:
Syke Indie Night, Producers Bar – Friday November 14
The Underground – Saturday November 15