Every band has a story, but few can say they have gone from busking on the streets to gracing the stage at Glastonbury in just four years, which is exactly what 9-piece soul group Saskwatch have done.

From their legendary residencies at Melbourne’s home of soul and rock n’ roll- Cherry Bar, to supporting some of the biggest names in funk and soul including Earth Wind And Fire, Sharon Jones, and Charles Bradley these guys have have built a reputation are one of this country’s hottest live acts.

Re-locating from stage to studio, Saskwatch spent three weeks recording their second album Nose Dive with Lachlan ‘Magoo’ Goold at his coveted church-converted Applewood Lane Studios in rural Queensland.

A follow up to their debut album Leave It All Behind (2012), Nose Dive is a richer and more diverse release, the title of which serves as a commentary on life’s highs and lows – themes which are continuously explored throughout the record.

Chief songwriter and trumpeter Liam McGorry gave us a run down on the tracks that were inspiring him during the creation of Nose Dive.

Nose Dive is out on Friday the 11th of April via Remote Control Records.  

Lee Fields – Faithful Man

“Lee Fields has probably the greatest voice ever. Faithful Man is such an sincere and real album, and in my opinion, his best to date. And the songs… And he’s only 60-something. Definitely inspiring.”

The Black Angels – Don’t Play With Guns

“I only got into The Black Angels after buying their new album when we were in Europe last year. I just love their use of dynamics and great guitar tones. Definitely tried to channel a bit of these guys for ‘Left Me To Die’ from the new LP.”

The Shangri-Las – What’s A Girl Supposed To Do?

“The Shangri-Las make me wish I was a Jewish/American teen from Queens in the 60’s. I just love their honest and naive songs about boys, heartbreak and motorcycles. The production and songwriting is so spot on, I wish I could sound half as good as those guys.”

Alabama Shakes – Be Mine

“I remember Grizzly Jim Lawrie handing me the Alabama Shakes album at Rollerdoor and saying he thought it’s totally up my alley. Well, he was right. I pretty much wanted to write a record like this. Just a band in a room playing great songs…. and talent a lot of it. We’ve seen them quite a few times now and live they are just as good.”

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds – Jubilee Street

“He just gets better with every single release. The best album of last year.”

Dr Dog – Hang On

“I remember buying “Fate” again at the recommendation of Grizzly Jim, and I thought…’Is this a new type of music?’ It’s just so off the wall but infectious. Blessed with two incredible songwriters, they are both longstanding idols of mine. Hang On is such a hit.”

Tammi Terrell – All I Do Is Think About You

“Richard Bradbeer, of Eagle and the Worm / Bluebottles / New Gods has always told me as long as i’ve known him, that if there is one woman that he would drop everything to be with, it would be Tammi. All I Do…is such an amazing song, I think written by Stevie Wonder. Such great use of Vibraphone.”

Beady Eye – Soul Love

“I don’t care what anyone says, Oasis are my favourite band ever. Beady Eye’s BE from last year is such an underrated album. I think Liam has finally delivered something that lives up to Oasis’ great back catalogue. Amazing song-writing, and the production is really interesting! Nice one Dave Sitek!”

Irma Thomas – I’m Gonna Cry Until My Tears Run Dry

“What a voice.”

The Rolling Stones – Following The River

“I can’t believe how good that Bonus Disc for the Exile On Main St Reissue is. I love how depressing the lyrics are, and the way that the accompaniment is still somehow optimistic…One of my favourites of all time.”

The Harpoons – Keep You Around

“These guys are seriously good. Whenever I see them I can’t help but smile. What a song.”

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard – Muckraker

“Banger.”

Primal Scream – Damaged

“Seeing Primal Scream at Meredith blew my mind. I love a ballad. Something about me loves naivity and sincerity in music and there’s almost nothing as good as a Primal Scream (or Stones) ballad. Gillespie, Innes and co. Amazing.”

Alex Turner – Hiding Tonight

“I hate this guy so much. He’s good looking, prolific and probably the most original lyricist of our generation. This EP from the Submarine is mindblowing in it’s sparseness and poignancy. Classic songs. Lyrically he’s just untouchable.”

‘Nose Dive’ Launch Parties 15th April

12.45pm – Basement Discs – 24 Block Pl, Melbourne CBD
7pm – Northside Records – 236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

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