Sydney indie rockers, Gang Of Youths only formed last year but already boast a pretty impressive CV. Their achievements this far include playing sold out shows supporting The Jezabels, Vampire Weekend, Frightened Rabbit, Manchester Orchestra, and most recently Foster The People. Their debut year also saw the band capture everyone’s attention performing blistering sets at CMJ in New York and SXSW.
Having recently returned home from touring the US, the five piece have released their insanely catchy single ‘Poison Drum’ and are currently putting the final touches on their forthcoming debut album.
In celebration of ‘Poison Drum’ and the band’s achievements so early in their career, the guys have put togther a list of important tips and pieces of wisdom they’ve learnt in order to help other new upcoming bands.
Want To Get New Fans And Other Bands To Notice You?
“Play a shitload of shows. play every show as if it is your last. find a reason to give a shit about what you’re playing every time and do it with no mercy.”
Playing Big Support Slots?
“This is a great place to meet people who can further your hopes of getting to feed your family with music. No mean feat, so play well.
Also don’t be scared of big bands. they are almost always very nice. There will be an initial awkward ‘will I look like a proper dickhead if I talk to them’ period. Chances are the headline is feeling awkward about the whole thing too.
Go chat, drink, discuss Spotify playlists and shit. Take them someplace fucking awesome for beers. People are just people, they don’t give a shit about all the bullshit you think they do most of the time.”
Thinking About Touring Overseas?
“Don’t under any circumstances, use dollar rent-a-car new york. don’t do it ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever.
Befriend good people. Sleep on their couches. Find a bar in the city you’re staying in and go there all the time – preferably Alligator lounge in Brooklyn where for 4 dollars a bastard can get a pint of mediocre lager and cheese pizza.
Always have Adam Sandler films on standby for long shitty drives down long shitty highways. however tempting it may be don’t leave your passport on a bar table and dance just because Keith Urban comes on.”
Wanting To Sign A Record Deal?
“Recording companies are filled with people. Most are lovely, some are not. When you make a record it will take a team, so you ought to bloody well make sure you trust (and if possible) like the people you sign with.
Truly a band should only sign with an A&R guy/gal who is crazy about them and willing to put skin in the game. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand or like and make sure you get Julian Hewitt from Media Arts Law to read it.”
Planning On Making A Record?
“Get a vision for the record and fight for it. Don’t be a halfass, do everything you have to to get the bastard to the point where you can play it to someone you like without constantly apologising for it. It will take longer than you think probably. It will cost more than you plan likely. But it is definitely worth it.
Always tackle a project with diligence and have a clear vision of what you’d like to accomplish and capture in a record. You should be overflowing with ideas and creative energy as you walk into a session or your workstation at home. Constantly write, listen, rehearse, create, brainstorm. Aggressively strive to see these ideas come to their full potential and work even harder to ensure that they are executed well.
Finding a producer who has a stylistic approach which resonates with yours can also aid you in achieving this. On the other hand, a producer who’s approach which pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to think differently can also inspire you to expand your creativity and consequently evolve your ideas.
Finally, respect yourself, and trust yourself.
Have fun!”
Upcoming Tour Dates
Thurs 14th Aug | Northcote Social Club | Melb
Sat 16th Aug | Oxford Art Factory | Syd
For more info visit the Gang Of Youths Facebook page.
