New White Sneakers

Thu 15th Jan, 2009 in Features

New White Sneakers, definitely a well-known name in the Adelaide music scene, are proud to announce the recent release of their brand new LP Reasons and Excuses. Matt and Jon from the band take some time to share with their fans some insights to the album.

Congratulations on the debut of your new LP – œReasons and Excuses’.
How long was the production period?
Thankyou very much, it’s been a while now in the making. It took us over a year from start to finish. This was mainly due to us experimenting with different recording techniques and multiple studios around Adelaide before finding the one that best suited.

How was the album title Reasons and Excuses derived?
The title was thought up by our bass player Dave Van der Zwagg and I think it was based around the reasons and excuses for the album taking so long.

Did all of the band members generally contribute to the album and were there any external musicians that contributed?
All band members contributed to the writing and playing on the album, however we also had Adam Page (sax), John Hunt (sax), Ben Todd (drums and Kyra (trombone) feature on a few tracks.

Appearing on the new LP are Brian Ruiz and Carla Lippis, what was it like to work with these two talented and accomplished vocalists?
They are great and both bring a different dynamic to the music. It was an awesome learning curve working with both of them and lot of fun too. They are both great people.

The first single released Not Good Enough has recently had airplay on Triple J in current months, can you explain the feeling the band experienced the first time they heard the song live on radio?
It was pretty cool, what can I say…every band loves to hear their music on the air. It’s a great feeling.

How has the breakthrough in music producing technology affected the band? Has this changed the software/equipment the band uses?
Not really, we tend to keep it pretty organic in terms of instrumentation. A lot of thought however goes into the different sounds we want out of each instrument and Dave, our bass player knows his stuff when it comes to sounds.

New White Sneakers already have a very original sound incorporating soul, funk, blues, hip hop with a touch of disco; is the band interested in continuing to bring a new sound or adding to an existing one?
We just tend to play the music and mood that we’re feeling at the moment and whether its blues, hip hop or whatever it just sort of comes out when we jam together. There is no conscious thought of which direction to take. It just comes naturally.

Recently playing at The Shores Ona New Years Day along side acts such as The Jungle Brothers and HMC; does the band prefer large events or smaller intimate club events?
We like playing both. There’s a different dynamic on the larger events but we just like playing live wherever it is.

Which are your favourite venues to perform in around Adelaide and why?
Crown and Sceptre – Stage and crowd, Rocket – Sound and crowd, Rhino – an old favourite, the Gov – enough said.

Does the band have plans to embark on a national tour to promote the new album?
There is talk of a national tour. I hope it does happen, obviously scheduling everyone in is difficult but it is definitely in the pipeline.

As a group, you have been together for many years (since 2001!); how do you maintain a successful and ongoing relationship?
We don’t just play music together, we’re all good mates and I think it’s that friendship that has seen us through.

Throughout the band’s journey what has been the best experience so far?
Interstate trips, playing along side other great musicians like De La Soul, Blackalicious, Kid Confucious and definitely playing Thebarton Theatre with the Cat Empire.

Where do you hope to see New White Sneakers in the future?
Still having fun, writing and playing music. Performing a few more interstate venues and releasing more albums that people enjoy.

Catch New White Sneakers live at The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel on Friday January 16 for the launch of their new LP.