With catchy new single ‘The Dan Kelly Song’ all over the airwaves, Hey Geronimo are celebrating this release by touring with pals Strange Talk.
Keen to hear about what they’ve been up to?
You’ve all been members of other Brisbane bands (Blame Ringo, Montpelier and The Boat People), so how did you come to merge together into one band/ supergroup?
It all came about when Blame Ringo was asked to play a Beatles tribute night. Half the band couldn’t attend so we roped in a few of the dudes we’d recently played shows with. We had such a good time that we decided to make it a permanent line up.
2012 was a big year for you guys, including the release of your debut EP and a slew of big festival shows. When did you first start to notice that you were beginning to catch a lot of attention? Probably when we got the Faker support. That was sorta weird because we all liked that band and it was a really good opportunity to get the band humming on the road.
Your latest single ‘The Dan Kelly Song’ follows the breezy summery vibes of last year’s EP. What’s the songwriting process like for these care-free tracks?
Chorus that you can jump up and down to! We’re in the process of recording an LP at the moment so there are actually a few more chilled tracks on there. They’re more of “sway from side to side” choruses.
Let’s talk about your hilarious infamous video clips. From animal puppets to corny beach dancing, you’ve got us obsessed. Is there any pressure to one-up yourselves each time, and have you already started brainstorming for ‘The Dan Kelly Song’?
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We’re actually in the middle of editing the Dan Kelly film clip. We played the song live in Magoo’s studio. Nothing amazing. Oh, and we were getting shocked by electric dog collars by old people while we played. Pete does all the film making and he’s pretty busy with work at the moment, so as soon as he gets a chance it will get done!
How’s the Strange Geronimo tour with Strange Talk been going? Are you guys all good mates?
We’re getting along really well. The vibe of the shows is great. We play different styles of music, but the night has a really good feel to it.
You’re definitely not the most serious band in the world, and it’s safe to assume there’d be quite a few hilarious stories from your time on the road together. Go on, spill some beans.
We’re not overly seriously, you’re right, but we’re not overly loose either. Nothing crazy has happened on this tour so far, apart from Ross driving for 30mins with his suitcase on top of the van. We rounded a corner and there was a thump. Oh dear. All of his brown pants and brown jackets were unharmed.
You recently recruited a new bassist. Are there any special requirements for entry into the Hey Geronimo family? Any gruelling initiations?
Just got to be a piss cutting good bloke legend. Not really though. The initiation has been Pete trying to set him up with women from stage every night. That isn’t going to get old any time soon.
What kind of music are you all listening to at the moment? (Besides ‘Friday’ by Rebecca Black, that is. Yes, we saw.)
What we didn’t show you was that bands like Father John Misty, Deep Sea Arcade and Nilsson also got a good run! Everyone has really different backgrounds and tastes, but bands like these we can all appreciate.
For those who haven’t been to one of your gigs before, how would you describe the experience?
It’s pretty frantic and at some stage you’ll be able to dance. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – come along, have a beer and let your hair down!
Do you have any particular rituals before hitting the stage?
We actually do a funny little huddle before we go out. Sorta feels like we’re in the film Varsity Blues or something. ☺
We know you began working on your new record back in November, can we expect it to be unveiled soon?
What should be expect to hear from your first full-length album? Funny you should say that – we’ve recorded about 7 new songs so far, but we’re also going to put out an EP in just a few short months. We really didn’t want to see 2013 with no release. The album is coming along really great too. Not has hell-bent as the EPs – a bit more balanced with ebbs and flows – but all the melodies are there.
Lastly, what’s next in store for the rest of 2013?
Shows! Shows! Show! EP in a few months… More shows! No rest for the wicked.
The Strange Geronimo 2013 Australian Tour Dates
June 29: Eureka Hotel- Geelong VIC
July 11: Newport Hotel- Fremantle WA
July 12: Prince of Wales Hotel- Bun
Listen to The Dan Kelly song:
