Newcastle pop punk/ hardcore 5-piece Trophy Eyes have been rustling up massive underground hype of late.

Earlier this year the band were crowned winners of Triple J’s Unearthed Soundwave Competition which saw them pick them up an opening slot at the Sydney leg of the festival playing alongside Green Day, Avenged Sevenfold, A Day To Remember, Placebo and many more.

The last 6 months has also seen extensive Triple J, Community & University radio play, lots of YouTube love and an add to Channel V for the single Hourglass.

Known for their relentless tour schedules, we managed to capture their lead singer John while the band were taking a break from the road. We and quizzed him about their Soundwave gig, the importance of playing underage shows, and tour mishaps.

For those that are not yet familiar with Trophy Eyes, what can you tell us about your sound?

I think our sound is a mix of aggressive pop punk and melodic hardcore. We listen to a lot of different music from anywhere in between Queen to Touche Amore to Blink 182 to Biggie Smalls so I think it’s just a giant mash up of heaps of different genres and influences.

Things are really starting to blow-up for you guys, especially in light of winning Triple J’s Unearthed Soundwave Competition. Is there any advice you can give similar up and coming bands applying for the competition?

Oh, I don’t know. I don’t even know how we managed it. I guess just play every show that you’re given and be humble. There’s a lot of hard work in being a band. Lots of sleeping on the floor, lots of skipping meals, a couple of us just lost our jobs due to touring. I guess just stick at it.

Take us through some of your Soundwave highlights:  

Getting to see some bands side stage was sweet, and the artist tent was awesome. Free food, hanging out with interesting people, it was really a crazy sensation and an awesome opportunity. The best thing was walking out to more people I’ve ever seen at any of our shows ever. I was like, “holy shiiiiit” and they made such a massive noise. I don’t think I’ve ever felt like that before. When we finished our set, I screamed “yes!” just out of being purely overwhelmed, haha.

Was this the largest stage/audience that the band has performed in front of? If so, how were the nerves of the band?  

Soundwave for sure, we were nervous but when I got out there it just felt like that’s where I should be. I felt comfortable and at home, so the nerves disappeared.

For a bit of fun, if you curate your own music festival, what three Australian bands would you tip to headline the bill?  

ACDC, Thesis and Perspectives. I’d pay the bands off and cash out on ACDC’s ridiculously huge crowd, buy a van and tour the US.

The band play a lot of all ages and strictly 18+ gigs, how important is it to the band to play to your younger fans?  

It’s important, sure, but no more important than 18+ shows. I want to play to everyone. Sharing a live experience is the best thing about being in a band and I want to share that with everyone.

Hailing from Newcastle, how important is ‘the big home show’?  

We love playing home shows. It’s always such a warm response, and we have so many friends there. It’s always a little less serious at home too, everyone just chills and hangs out and goes wild for the bands. It’s definitely a homey feel.

Aside from Newcastle, are there any other particular venues around the country you guys really dig playing at?  

Yours and Owls is still my favorite, followed closely by Wasted Years. Easily my two favorite venues. Always a good show and always some cool people around.

What’s some of the craziest on the road stories that you can share with us?

We’ve had a pretty rough time on the road so far, but it’s all been really fun. We were beaten up by a Melbourne gang, we had our van break down and waited 10 hours in a McDonald’s car park and missed a show, we’ve driven 22 hours home and crashed a van in to a service station. We suck at touring, but it’s the only place I want to be.

As your Facebook reports, Trophy Eyes are writing an album! What can you tell us about the upcoming record?  

We want it to be big, musically interesting and fresh I think. We’re kind of taking a more relaxed approach to writing this time which I think is allowing for some definitely funky vibes, but still swimming in punchiness and feels.

What else does 2014 have lined-up for Trophy Eyes?  

It’s a secret.

Hellions ‘We Are The Wild Ones’ Tour
With Trophy Eyes

Thursday May 1st – Crowbar, Brisbane (18+)
Friday May 2nd – South Toowoomba Bowls Club, Toowoomba (AA)
Saturday May 3rd – Youth Arts Centre, Gosford (AA)
Sunday May 4th – Masonic Hall, Blacktown (AA)
Wednesday May 7th – The Cambridge, Newcastle (18+)
Thursday May 8th – The Basement, Canberra (18+)
Friday May 9th – The Reverence, Melbourne (18+)
Saturday May 10th – Wrangler Studios, Footscray (AA)
Sunday May 11th – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (Lic AA)

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