Indie rockers Lime Cordiale recently unleashed their brand new EP, titled The Road To Paradise. Following on from its lead single ‘Not That Easy’ EP is the guys setting changing up their approach to the “ownership of the zeitgeist they’re created”.

Though filled with glimmering summer pop jams, this record was born from bleaker events the band experienced not too long ago.

The middle of 2015 saw the guys travel to the drought stricken lands of North Queensland where the band assisted members of the public who had been affected by the current drought situation.

Their assistance included playing free shows, free festival slots and assisting where they could. We recently caught up with Lime Cordiale member Oliver Leimbach who told us a little more about the experience, what the band have learnt and what others can do to help.  


 

How The Trip Came About

“We went up to play at Winton’s “Vision Splendid Film Festival” and ended up playing additional shows in Longreach and Townsville. We had no idea what to expect and didn’t think too much about it before we got there.

But even before we landed, we were blown away by the dry, barren landscape. We all grew up in or around Sydney. This part of Australia has always just been a bit of space to colour-in when drawing the big old outline of Australia. We may have never gone there if it wasn’t for the band.”

The Passion To Help

“If the people we met in Outback Queensland were a bunch of dickheads, we probably wouldn’t be so enthusiastic in helping them out. But they weren’t. Everyone we met was an absolute legend.

All the skyscrapers and rush hour traffic in Sydney is doing something to our heads. We had a great time with these genuine Australians. We spent a lot of time in the local pubs. Winton itself has at least five pubs so it’s a good place to mingle. We talked to locals and heard stories of what they’re going through. Hard stuff.

Our audience mainly come from urban areas. Many of them may have good looking beards or wear Akubras or boots fit for the city but not many have seen this part of Australia. We wanted to not only show the unique beauty of this area but also get the drought word out to the people that wouldn’t normally hear about it.”

The Reality Of The Drought Situation In Northen QLD

“It’s bad. There’s almost more beer than water right now. Maybe that’s not so hard to believe. It’s the farms that are really struggling. Shearing sheds are closing one by one. People are selling their farms and not getting any coin for them. People are going into debt, moving away.

It affects everyone in the area. It was forecast to rain the whole week we were there. At first we were stoked that we brought the rain but then a local said, “It won’t rain. They always say that and it never does.” Sure enough, it didn’t rain. Who are these weathermen giving false hope?!”

Most Memorable Gigs

“Two of the stages were set up on the back of a truck. How QLD is that? It’s definitely different playing in this part of the world.

We’re used to a sloppy audience that doesn’t care if a bouncer punches them in the face. They’re a bit more respectable up where we were. Small towns mean people talk. Do anything too foolish and your mum will probably hear about it before you get home.

Also, we normally play for about an hour. A few people rocked up once we’d already finished and thought that we would be playing a 4 hour set with a break in the middle. Pub band vibe. But in general, everyone was stoked to have a Sydney band up there.”

North Queensland’s Music Scene

“Well we weren’t hanging around other bands until we got to Townsville. I’m used to attending a few live gigs a week but there’s not much to see in Longreach or Winton.

Apologies if you’re in a band from these towns and I’ve just dissed ya. Once we got to Townsville, we played with a band called King Social. They actually have stubby holders for merch! There was a massive crowd there. Heaps enthusiastic. There’s a load of good musicians, sound engineers and places to play, so we’ll be back soon!”

Other Ways The Band Helped

“The main thing we did along the way was sell raffle tickets. We ended up raising a few grand. Our Dad came along on tour with us, which was a first. He was our main MC and raffle ticket seller. And Dad’s a hustler. He will get in your face and make you buy that raffle ticket.”

What They’ve Learnt From The Experience

“We got more involved in the project as we went on. Once you realise you’re a part of something, you feel like you can dive in a bit deeper. We weren’t planning on making a music video until we realised our Dad had a camera on us the whole time.

We weren’t planning on dedicating the music video to the Western Queensland Drought Appeal but realised we could bring some awareness to our people in the cities and in other areas. It feels shit to learn about what’s going on out there but great when you realise you can help a little.”

How Others Can Help

“Well we’re not a very big band but we have some followers. There’s a bit of responsibility that comes with that because you’re sending a message out to people with every thing you do. Some people advertise not to give a shit about anything.

Others preach their hearts out. I like finding a happy medium. If you have the ability to spread a message through your music, why not do that every now and then. With songwriting too. We all know you loved that girl and now she’s gone but we don’t all know that Maccas chips are poisonous, or that Julie Bishop wears a wig, or that Surry Hills waiters don’t have very good manners. If you wanna say something that you think might do some good, then say it.”

For more info or to get in contact with the band visit their Facebook page, or catch them on tour!

Tour Dates

THU 26 NOV TRANSIT BAR CANBERRA, ACT
FRI 27 NOV RAD WOLLONGONG, NSW
SAT 28 NOV SOUNDSCAPE MUSIC FESTIVAL NORTH SYDNEY, NSW
THURS 3 DEC BLACK BEAR LODGE BRISBANE, QLD
FRI 4 DEC THE NORTHERN BYRON BAY, NSW
SAT 5 DEC SOL BAR MAROOCHYDORE, QLD
SUN 6 DEC SOUNDS OF SUNDAY GOLD COAST, QLD
FRI 11 DEC THE FAMILY HOTEL KATOOMBA, NSW
SAT 12 DEC THE CAMBRIDGE HOTEL NEWCASTLE, NSW
SAT 19 DEC THE METRO THEATRE SYDNEY, NSW
THURS 31 DEC LOST PARADISE GLENWORTH VALLEY, NSW

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