Hey I’m Dev, I play in Melbourne two-piece Udays Tiger. We are just about to release a new EP called Dead Attention. For us, this is a record that isn’t afraid to be whatever it wants to be. It’s a rock record, but it’s dynamically and structurally fresh, with pop conventions buried at its core. ‘Dead Attention will come out through Thornbury Records and there will be a limited 10 inch vinyl pressing available, as well CDs and digital copies a plenty. It’ll be a record you’ll want to flip over and have another go at for sure!
Tell us about the origins of Udays Tiger. Where and when did you guys meet?
We met at uni studying film but didn’t start playing until we finished. We had a few jams in a shed and at my place but nothing really came from that. Nath went overseas for a while and it wasn’t until he returned that we started writing and playing properly. We quickly smashed together enough songs for a set and booked our first show.
You somehow manage to create a massive sound despite there only being two of you. Have you ever considered recruiting more members, or are the dynamics of a duo working just fine?
We try to do as much as we can with the little that we have. Being able to use two voices really helps with dynamics, as playing with multiple amps and using loops every now and then. We still feel there is a lot we can do with just two of us. It is also very easy to manage ourselves, not only creatively but in terms of travel, gear and costs. It’s a really great dynamic as it is and we don’t plan on changing it.
Originally from Brisbane, you recently decided to make the move to Melbourne. What inspired the move?
It wasn’t a decision based around the band. We both freelance and fortunately could relocate easily enough for personal/work purposes and still keep the band going. We have been here for around 2 years now.
You took a pretty unique approach to recording the new EP Dead Attention, working in a studio in the middle of the rainforest near Mt Nebo. What was the process like?
It was great. Our Sinners EP was recorded at the same spot. Neil Coombe is incredibly experienced/creative and layed back so making the record out there felt really natural. We were all on the same page and all wanted to make the best record we could with the amount of time we had. We hired gear from Greg at The Drum Cartel and an amp from Tym’s and set off up the mountain. The first three days were spent tracking. We played live and reviewed each track after it was recorded to make sure all the parts were there and sounding good. Then we spent half of the Thursday doing guitar overdubs before moving on to vocals which took us well into the evening. The final day was spent doing returns and additional percussion plus vocal overdubs. And we even managed to record a video diary!
The EP is a punchy dose of rock and roll that clocks in at 12 minutes and 12 seconds. Was it a conscious decision to keep things short and sweet?
Sinners was a punchy release that clocked in at 12 minutes and 12 seconds. Dead Attention comes in at just over 22 minutes and 56 seconds. Still short and sweet especially since there are 7 tracks on there. We basically like to keep our songs short and interesting. This record is more developed and we have taken more liberties and indulged in some longer breakdowns like on Leech for example and the end of (I need a) Summertime Hit. We enjoy playing around with song structure and I personally like songs that grow and change and don’t revisit too many of the same parts in terms of melodies and progressions.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod at the moment?
For me it’s a mix between – Pissed Jeans, Yes I’m Leaving and Burial.
What would you say your music is the best soundtrack for?
Aggressive house cleaning.
You’ve been playing alongside the likes of Children Collide, DZ Deathrays and Violent Soho, how’s it been touring with these guys?
It’s been really great, we haven’t toured with them as such, just played one off shows when they have been in town.
Do you have any superstitious rituals before hitting the stage?
Negative. It’s really rare for us to play a show where everything goes smoothly. If it’s not a dodgey mic stand, it’ll be a kit that sails around the floor or amps that blow the power or getting zapped because things aren’t earthed properly. We are used to playing with no sound checks and just try to get up there and take it as it comes.
You’re about to launch Dead Attention at the Old Bar on June 14 before heading interstate. For those not fortunate enough to have experienced a Udays Tiger show, would you tell them to expect?
Hopefully a fast paced, energetic show with a bit of banter, some technical difficulties and a healthy dose of noise.
What’s on the agenda after the touring? Some well-earned rest or straight back into the rainforest studio?
As soon as we returned from the last session we ended up writing a bunch of new tracks at every practice. We are working on these and fitting them into our set for all the new shows. It would be great to record these later in the year and release something early next year. We haven’t discussed anything beyond that really.We also have a video in the works. Mostly it will be business as usual, we will see how this EP is received and hopefully play a stack of good shows!
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Sinners is available free on our bandcamp.
Dead Attention will be available on 10inch via Thornbury Records as well as CDs and Digital through the band’s Bandcamp. Take a look at Tone Deaf’s review here.
Udays Tiger 2013 Australian Tour
THU JUNE 14 – THE OLD BAR
w/ Damn Terran, Kids of Zoo, Darts
THU JUNE 27 – BRIGHTON UP BAR, SYDNEY
w/Designer Mutts, Doc Holliday, Siamese Almeida, Milkmaids, Jugular Cuts
FRI JUNE 28 – WORLD BAR, SYDNEY
w/ Yes I’m Leaving & guests
FRI JULY 5 – THE WAITING ROOM, BRISBANE
w/ Gazar Strips & Tiny Migrants
Listen to the new single here:
