We’re The Oyster Murders and no we’re not a heavy-metal, rock band from Germany that have a deep hatred for sea creatures. We’re actually a five piece alternative dream pop, shoegazy, introspective kinda rock band… who have a deep hatred for sea creatures lol. We’ve just released our debut album ‘Winter of the Electric Sun’, which was produced by the very talented producer Magoo. It’s a fairly layered record in places and you’ll hear plenty of dreamy guitars, old synths and mellotrons mixed in with some more subtle electronic tinges and beatlesesque sort of melodies. At the moment we’re preparing to head over to the U.S in October to play a few showcases at CMJ music marathon.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I used to love dressing up in my sisters ballet costumes and parading around the house. I remember performing a song as Doris Day in Calamity Jane for my parents and the handy-cam when I was about 6. My older sister and myself used to sing a lot together around the house and in primary school competitions, and I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing, even if it was just in the shower. We loved to sing along to the Cranberries, Enya, and Carol King. And it was early musicals like Doris Day flicks that got me into performing. I learnt to tap dance, and then got into acting when I was in high school, so I’ve really always enjoyed creative expression.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
It was my sister Ellens band when she was in a battle of the bands a few years back. I made merchandise for them like little name tags and stuff. I know that Grants, our other singer, was a Martika gig haha .
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
So many good records, I couldn’t get away with stealing them all. They use to listen to anything from the Beatles and Pink Floyd to NIN and Bjork.
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What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Grimes, Fiona Apple, Beach House, Adele, Sia are the main ones for me right now.
How do you find new music?
I listen to a lot of internet radio like Jango, and I’ve found a lot of new bands I like through that. Also just suggestions from friends.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
No ritual really, although I don’t like to wear shoes when I’m playing as I feel more grounded and find it easier to sing. I like to do something relaxing before a gig, like go and get burritos, and I always like to have a tissue on stage as I get bad allergies.
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
It would be in Antarctica, anyone keen enough could come. I would have Bjork, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Sigur Ros, Flaming Lips, Portishead, Daft Punk, Grimes. And features would include whale watching and ice-skating. . . obviously.
When you’re Rolling Stones Big, what are you going to request on your rider: don’t be shy. We want specifics!
Sushi, miniature slinkys, a lego castle, fluffy socks (to keep my naked feet warm on stage), burritos,
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
I wish Trent Reznor was an Australian… but since he’s not it would have to be Nick Cave. Mainly because he is pretty damn cool and seems to always find ways to remain relevant artistically, so you know you’d be working on something interesting.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Maybe this isn’t the question exactly but if it were a movie soundtrack it would be Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In general I feel we’re more a listening band then a club band so it’s probably a good soundtrack for contemplating to alone.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
We’re launching our debut album ‘Winter of the Electric Sun’ This Thursday the 3oth of August at Black Bear Lodge. Followed by the 6th of September at the FBI Social in Sydney, Kings Cross Hotel. Then we’ll be down in Melbourne at the Grace Darling on the 27th of September. You can get the album on our bandcamp now and it will also be available on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify etc soon.
