Bandito Folk are a group of five Brisbane boys who play original tunes penned by lead singer and acoustic guitarist Josh Tuck. Their songs usually feature a plate of well-done ballady folk rock, spiced with interesting time signature changes, and garnished with occasional sweet harmonies and zingy melodies. Do go have a taste of the veritable, rather morish sonic meal that is Bandito Folk.

We caught up with Josh to chat all things Bandito Folk:

Bandito Folk, is an interesting name, where did this come from?

When I was 17 I had a mate who dressed up at a party and started calling himself the ‘maskedbandito’. When I was trying to think of a name I remembered that time and it stuck from there. 

Do you remember the first time you realised you wanted to play music?

As young as I can remember, I started playing Piano at four, violin and clarinet through high school and ended up on guitar and singing. I love recording and mixing as well; just a different type of instrument. I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to learn more.

Bandito Folk are about to embark on a residency at Bar Vinyl in Brisbane doing Saloon Tales, what should we expect to hear and see?

Our drummer Zander will definitely bring a thermos with some kind of tea in it. You will hear songs from our first EP ‘Please Don’t Smile at Strangers’ and some that we will record in July with Magoo.

After the residency you’re heading into the studio with the legendary Magoo, have you worked with him before?

We recorded our song ‘Host’ from our first EP with Magoo at Doggett St Studios about two years ago over a few days. He’s really experienced and relaxed in the studio which will really rub off on us and get a good result.

What records are you listening to in preparation for recording for sounds and vibes etc?

The National – Trouble Will Find Me

AA Bondy – Believers

Wye Oak – Civilian

Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?

I used to get my wife to buy me a music themed T-shirt before each gig, which was okay at first but considering we are both students and we started getting more gigs we couldn’t keep it up the tradition because it cost too much…

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?

In an abandoned warehouse somewhere in Berlin, All the cool people would be there…600 VIP’s along with a plus one of their choice. BYO. There would be lots of green and purple lights hanging from the rails and ceiling. I would have to get Pitbull and Usher to headline, maybe collab’ on a song for the big finish…Ha! In other words I have no idea I’m pretty certain I’d be a terrible curator, I honestly struggle to organise band practice.

Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living artist from anywhere in the big wide world would you most like to collaborate with?

AA Bondy. I find his music really inspiring; same can be said for The National.

What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?

Hmm, difficult to say…I don’t know if it’s suited, but I’d like to see our music playing over slow motion montages that capture all the raw emotion of athletes at the Olympics.

Beyond your residency and recording with Magoo, what are Bandito Folk’s plans for the second half of 2013?

For now the upcoming recording is our focus and as a result we haven’t had time to discuss any plans beyond recording. I can only assume that there will be a lot of song writing and gigs in-between. We will just take things as they come and try to make the most of what comes our way.

Catch BANDITO FOLK’s saloon tales across June – Sunday afternoons 4-6pm  at Vinyl Bar at The Hifi in Brisbane – Free entry

SUNDAY  9 JUNE
SUNDAY 16 JUNE
SUNDAY 23 JUNE
SUNDAY 30 JUNE 

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