Brillig

Tue 28th Sep, 2010 in Features

Brillig are playing a part of the Coopers Alive Showcase which givens locals artists the opportunity to showcase their wares at some of the more higher profile music haunts. Matt Swayne talks more about the experience.

What’s the latest goings for the band? “We’re in the middle of making a film clip for our tune The Old Captain. It’s a drinking song and a lament to an old sailor who has passed away – so it covers two of our favourite themes! The song is from the new Brillig CD The Red Coats & is being filmed in one of Australia’s truly great pubs – a pleasure indeed.”

What does it mean for your band to be playing the Coopers Alive SA Live Music Showcase? “Obviously Brillig is a big fan of Coopers’ beer so that association alone is pleasing to us. We’re very happy to see them supporting SA music in this way. It’s a great initiative and with so many interesting bands and fine venues involved it promises to be something special.”

Do you approach this special event any differently to a normal gig? “All shows are special in their own ways. This one is special because we’re part of something bigger. Also playing with two acts that we’ve admired from afar and at the beautiful Wheatsheaf hotel is special for us. Performance wise we’ll play our best material the best we can and try to make some great jokes between our songs of tragedy and despair. We have prepared a special compilation CD and programme for the evening which will be available free of cost to all the punters who make it to the show.”

Is there any extra pressure knowing that industry types might be sussing you out? “It’s often hard to know who is in the audience at any given show…the scruffy guy hiding in the shadows could be Bob Dylan, so we’re not feeling any extra pressures. Now if Bob Dylan WAS at the show…”

What can punters expect from your set on the night? “From Brillig you can expect murder ballads, sea shanties, tales of lost love and tales of lost lives. You will hear a piano accordion, a banjo, an autoharp, a Rickenbacker bass guitar, a harmonica, a ukulele a viola an acoustic guitar. Beautiful male and female harmonies, memorable melodies & bygone era outfits will be there as well. Brillig will also be debuting a new song Most Unlucky Of The Lucky Deer which we’ve co-written with the inimitable and enigmatic talent which is SA’s legendary Soursob Bob.”

Any surprises? “Well a Brillig/Soursob Bob collaboration would normally be surprise enough for one evening, but this time we have another in store as well which may involve some kind of….well it’s a surprise so I won’t say too much other than when you’re at this show it will be worth your while to stay ‘til the end…especially if you’ve enjoyed the three acts and want just one more song…”

What are the plans for the band for the remainder of the year? “In late October we will be heading to the Wellington Folk Festival in New Zealand which is pretty exciting for us. To play some more overseas shows (brillig toured Europe in 2009) and check out the country will be fine.”

Brillig play The Wheatsheaf Hotel on 16 October with The Timbers and Self Preservation Society.