13 Questions with The Black Gypsies

Melbourne's The Black Gypsies play rock 'n roll like it should be played, hell they'll make you remember why you liked it in the first place. Cale Mason, the man behind the gypsy curtain, undertook 13 Questions for MMB.

1. Who are your heroes?
I guess artists who have stuck it out through all the disappointments in this industry, and have managed to continue doing what they love to do.
2. The first band you saw live?
I really have no idea, I've been taken to shows since before I can remember.
3. What's your favourite Melbourne music venue?
I've always loved the vibe of Festival Hall, but I'm not too much a fan of the sound.
Also smaller venues like Yah Yahs or The Espy, there’s something more intriguing about hearing the sound of a band directly, rather than a sound engineer’s reinterpretation through a massive PA.
4. What’s the best (or dumbest) thing that’s been said to you at/after a show?
Generally I'm in a daze after a show, so I don't remember much, I usually hide away for a bit.
5. Why 'The Black Gypsies' as your band name?
Who knows I was 16...
6. What makes you smile?
Playing records really fucking loud.
7. What makes you cringe?
The petrol warning light that seems to be on my dashboard permanently.
8. Describe the raddest heist you’ve ever pulled off. What’d you steal?
I was once know to steal garden gnomes..
9. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Most bands with 'Black' in their name a usually worth a listen.
10. Give Melbourne some words to live by... we all know it needs some.
Whisky compliments coffee.
11. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
Its not nice to assume that, but yeah you're probably right.
I listened to some pretty horrible bands when I was a kid, and I'd rather not mention.
12. You can choose one musician/act, alive or dead, to perform with The Black Gypsies for one night only. Who do you choose?
Bonham, Plant or Josh Homme.
13. What can we expect from The Black Gypsies in the near future?
Lots of shows, new records and possibly a new name...

The Black Gypsies - Web - Facebook - Bandcamp

13 Questions with Dune Rats

Michael BC, drummer/bong smoker extroadinaire of Brisbane's own Dune Rats graciously put fingers to keyboard for MMB. Dune Rats. #frothing
(Danny's already graced these pages many moons ago. Follow the -> LINK)

1. Who are your heroes?
Dave Grohl, Snoop Dogg and Violent Soho
2. The first band you saw live?
50 Cent was the first concert I went to but Blink 182 was the first band I saw
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
The Tivoli hands down
4. What’s the best (or dumbest) thing that’s been said to you at/after a show?
Good question, when we were in America in Texas we had a gig at the High Time Awards after being nominated and the person curating the event said really seriously that we needed to talk to her after the gig. So after walking around the venue for about 30 minutes trying to find her before bailing because we were fucking wrecked she asked us, "Do you Australians eat kangaroos all the time?" I was pretty keen to shoot myself in the face at that point.
5. Why 'Dune Rats' as your band name?
Good question haha.. Danny's neighbour's Dad and his friends would always call Danny and his friends little dune rats because they'd be running around the sand dunes smoking bongs instead of getting into the surf.
6. What makes you smile?
Pussy and weed
7. What makes you cringe?
No pussy or weed
8. Describe the raddest heist you’ve ever pulled off. What’d you steal?
I stole a pack of cymbals from my high school after everyone had gone home on a friday afternoon. It was glorious.
9. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Violent Soho, Millions, Gung Ho, Dz Deathrays, Velociraptor and Last Dinosaurs
10. Give Brisbane some words to live by... we all know it needs some.
Violent Soho, Millions, Gung Ho, Dz Deathrays, Velociraptor and Last Dinosaurs
11. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
You tell us. We're not ashamed of anything.
12. You can choose one musician/act, alive or dead, to perform with Dune Rats for one night only. Who do you choose?
Probably The Beatles or Nirvana
13. What can we expect from Dune Rats in the near future?
Hopefully not dying.

Dune Rats - Facebook - Itunes - Tumblr - Twitter

13 Questions with Bec & Ben

Bec Callander, one half of Sydney duo Bec & Ben was kind enough to take some time away from organising the band's debut video, "This Is Why I Love You" (find it below!) to answer 13 Questions for MMB.

1. Who are your heroes?
Captain Planet/Tom Waits/Peter Garrett/Fred Hollows.
2. The first band you paid to see?
Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
3. What's your favourite Sydney music venue?
Upstairs Beresford, the green room is ridiculous. I'd like to play at Frankie's.
4. What’s the best (or dumbest) thing that’s been said to you at/after a show?
"What's your name babe?" (Dah)
5. What makes you smile?
Old couples.
6. What makes you cringe?
Cats.
7. Describe the raddest heist you’ve ever pulled off. What’d you steal?
I have been on an ongoing heist or as I call it 'Ryder Disease' (Winona) at Woolworths since they introduced self service; everything is carrots.
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Money for Rope/The Ruminaters/DZ Deathrays/Burn Antares/Grifters/Birthday Party/Einsturzende Neubauten/The Kills/The Entrance Band.
9. Give Sydney some words to live by... we all know it needs some.
Directly at the RTA; "Demolish tolls and parking in the city motherf##kers"
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
Silent farts. Using other people's toothbrushes. Talking about how good I am.
11. You can choose one musician/act, alive or dead, to perform with Ben & Ben for one night only. Who do you choose?
A rock cabaret; Jack White, Joan Jett, Liza Minnelli, the cast from 2012 La Soiree performing between sets.
12. Supposedly you found one another on Gumtree? Has Gumtree proven useful on other occasions?
Gumtree has provided me with every essential elements in my life right now; my warehouse, the bands that live/play there, Ben, my commodoggy! Seriously I could be an ambassador…hmmmm do you have their contacts?
13. What can we expect from Bec & Ben in the near future?
Firstly, don't have any expectations, this usually only leads to disappointment. We are releasing our first film clip directed by Lee Launay for 'This Is Why I Love You' which is premiering on Home and Hosed on Tuesday 12th March. We have a bass player, Spike Thomson, who is outrageously talented to perform live shows with us. Recording. Playing with our idols; DZ Deathrays in Sydney in April. We are coming to QLD at the end of May. I expect to get laid!

Bec & Ben - Facebook - Triple J Unearthed - Bandcamp

13 Questions with Tiny Migrants

Julien James (guitar/yelps) and Jacinta Walker (guitar/vocals) of Brisbane band Tiny Migrants squeezed 13 Questions into their busy space pirating schedule. (Note - this is Julien's second time round these 'ere parts - 13 Questions with Running Gun Sound)

1. Who are your heroes?
Gene Roddenberry...that is all.
2. The first band you saw live?
I think my dad took me to a Spiderbait concert and for that I hate my dad.
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
The Step Inn - it may be closed (for now), but it’s the best venue that ever was, and will ever be.
4. What’s the best (or dumbest) thing that’s been said to you at/after a show?
"You have to be in the band to get a drink ticket" which was absurdly said to Jacinta. A lot of promotors are sexist as hell and they can get bent.
5. Why 'Tiny Migrants' as your band name?
It's just one of those things I suppose - It was originally something like Tiny Migraines and then we all misheard each other. Chinese whisper band name.
6. What makes you cringe?
Cats in Hats.
7. Describe the raddest heist you’ve ever pulled off. What’d you steal?
We stole the hearts of millions with our ground-breaking hit collection – Tiny Migrants: Live! Tonight! Sold Out!. Also – we stole each others hearts.
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Better bands. Per Purpose, Cannon, Fred Wood, James X Boyd are great locals. Bad Aches, Woollen Kits, Gooch Palms, Nugs are great interstaters. Nobunny, Dan Melchior, Intelligence, the Spits for outside Australia.
9. Give Brisbane some words to live by... we all know it needs some.
Stop being such a bunch of ignorant jerks. Where are your damn music venues? Dance is for jerks. Electro is for wimps. Nightclubs are for f*cking idiots.
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
Who says? We’re a bunch of swell gals and guys. A packet of Orange tic-tac’s was stolen once… f*ck the police.
11. You can choose one musician/act, alive or dead, to perform with Tiny Migrants for one night only. Who do you choose?
Creedance!! They’re dead right?
12. If someone wrote a biography for Tiny Migrants what would the title be?
Tiny Migrants: Life in a Vomit Bucket.
13. What can we expect from Tiny Migrants in the near future?
Appearances on an Aussie compilation, a split tape with a band from Tijuana MEXICO and our own 7” EP that we wrote 2 years ago. Maybe some other stuff… probably not.

Tiny Migrants - Facebook - Bandcamp - Unearthed

13 Questions with Blonde on Blonde

Jack, one-fifth of Brisbane rockers Blonde on Blonde, took some time out recently to answer some questions for MMB. New posts. Shit yeah.

1. Who are your heroes?
David Bowie, My Dad, John Frusciante, Batman, Glenn Richards from Augie March. That guy is too good at writing lyrics and must be stopped.
2. The first band you saw live?
I pretty much grew up in pubs to that would be hard to pin point, but the first big rock show I went to was Red Hot Chili Peppers. But their support acts were Magic Dirt and Crazy Town, so Crazy Town would be the first band I saw live. How cool is that! CRAZY TOWN!? Not very.
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
I love the Zoo, I always wanted to play there growing up, and I've had the pleasure of playing there so many times I've lost count now. Also the Tivoli. Playing there is amazing, it's almost regal. It sounds a million dollars, and the staff are attractive as fuck.
4. What’s the best (or dumbest) thing that’s been said to you at/after a show?
I once walked off stage and a guy told me he had seen Jane's Addiction a few nights before, and that we were better. It's amazing the nerve some people have to lie directly to your face.
5. Why 'Blonde on Blonde' as your band name?
We wanted to make it hard for people to google us.
6. What makes you cringe?
My youth, Big nights out. Some of the people I've slept with. Our early demo's. Actually in the very early days of the group we recorded a cover of "This Is Love" and it's fucking horrible. All copies have been destroyed.
7. Describe the raddest heist you’ve ever pulled off. What’d you steal?
We haven't really stolen anything, that's naughty. However, we flew down to play some shows in Sydney and a friend of ours snuck beer into the venue in my pedal case because we didn't get a rider. There were a few left over and he forget to take them out, and when we got to the airport in Brisbane my name was called over the loud speakers, and all the beer had smashed and had leaked through my guitar pedals. Sorry Virgin Blue.
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Red Spencer, Royal Blood, Woe and Flutter, The Happy Mediums, Oceanics. Vincent Kemp and the Dead Lovers, RVLR, Redshift, Elegent Shiva, Fiona Apple, Joni Mitchell, Us. Giants of Science = Best Brisbane band ever.
9. Give Brisbane some words to live by... we all know it needs some.
Don't try and speak Spanish to the girl at Mad Mex in the valley if you can't speak Spanish. She is lovely and is serving you nachos at stupid o'clock in the morning, it's not funny.
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
We once sang the entire jagged little pill album on the way to Toowoomba because our stereo was broken. And by once I mean, that happens a lot.
11. You can choose one musician/act, alive or dead, to perform with Blonde on Blonde for one night only. Who do you choose?
Motley Crue
12. If someone wrote a biography for Blonde on Blonde what would the title be?
Being in a band is hard
13. What can we expect from Blonde on Blonde in the near future?
Nudity, swearing, tours, videos, dinner parties, Warm hugs, and an album once somebody has decided to pay for it. I don't know, we don't have a manager anymore and we are all hopeless at making decisions. If we all manage to stay out of prison I'll be happy.

Blonde on Blonde - Official
Blonde on Blonde - Facebook
Blonde on Blonde - iTunes
Blonde on Blonde - Triple J Unearthed

13 Questions with Villains of Wilhelm

Danny from Brisbane outfit, Villains of Wilhelm took some time away from winning Q Song awards and admiring the fine quality of pigeons that Melbourne has to offer to answer some pointless questions.

1. Who are you heroes?
Anyone with a crack pipe on COPS!
2. The first band you saw live? 
Umm it was Warped Tour in Coffs Harbour so it was a cultural eye opener that ended with a massive beat down in the Pennywise mosh pit.
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
We like the Troubabour to chill and I'd say the nights those crazy kids over FANS put on are messy.
4. What's the best (or dumbest) thing that's been said to you at/after a show?
"Oh my god it smells like fanny" Don't know where we'll see that chick again but she should know she has given us many moments.
5. Why 'Villains of Wilhelm' as your band name?
Have you ever met a guy named Wilhelm?
6. What makes you cringe?
When your mother tells your friends how cool she thinks you are.
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
Ummm we are pretty good with the not stealing thing... we did drink Tex Perkins' beer once... then he nearly punched me in the face, as a result of a separate matter. Also got 2 'free' meals at Grill'd last week...
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Girls, The Oh Sees, The Velvet Underground, Nuggets, Wavves, Step-Panther and anything your crazy uncle listens to can't be that bad...
9. If the members of Villains of Wilhelm were to adopt stage names what would they be?
If? Our actual names are Rupert, Lloyd, Chip and... Jonny.
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
2 of the lads urinated at the side of the Metro Stage and got booted by our manager... Molly Meldrum was there but not watching the urination. Other than that its usually Tea and Tim Tams.
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with Villains of Wilhelm for one night only. Who do you choose?
The Travelling Wilbury's
12. If someone wrote a biography for Villains of Wilhelm what would the title be?
"It's a Picture Book"
13. What can we expect from Villains of Wilhelm in the near future?
We've just put out another recording and finished a tour for it so we are gonna be heading back to do a film clip and get recording again. Then tour in Oct/Nov with some cool cats from Melbourne and Sydney.

Villains of Wilhelm - Myspace
Villains of Wilhelm - Facebook

13 Questions with The Bell Divers

Matthew Lobb, guitarist for Brisbane indie band 'The Bell Divers' occupied himself with 13 questions. Check out his answers below.

1. Who are your heroes?
We admire lots of stuff. Me personally, insofar as it filters into the band, I like Stephen Malkmus (Pavement). He has lots of cool guitar sounds, and obviously a really pronounced playing style too. I also like a lot of Lindsey Buckingham's guitar work. Barney Sumner, and Robert Smith too. And locally, I've always been a fan of both David and Dylan McCormack's guitar playing.
2. The first band you saw live?
The Cockroaches at Carrara Stadium one Australia Day in the late 1980s.
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
Bar Soma. They put on some good dance nights there. But a bad place to see bands.For that, the Troubadour.
4. What's the best (or dumbest) thing that's been said to you at/after a show?
To be honest it's usually just friends, so... Oh, it doesn't happen very often, but it's very tedious to be asked about equipment or amp settings.
5. Why 'The Bell Divers' as your band name?
It was the least worst option. It doesn't signify anything really, although Clinton said he liked it because it made him think of a faded old photograph of a guy who maybe once did something heroic; an eager organ donor or something.
6. What makes you cringe?
When someone makes coffee badly, and you can hear the milk screaming. And any close-minded cultural elitism is a bit hard to take.
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
I still can't really go there for what's left of dignity's sake! When I was 13 I used to pinch a lot of crap just for the little rush. By 14 I was reformed, and become a completely straight dork who wore tennis shoes everywhere, like a teenage Larry David but without the wit.
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
I'd recommend Seja's song 'I'll Get to You' maybe people know her already, she's from Brisbane. Her album 'We Have Secrets But Nobody Cares' is exceptional. The new Ariel Pink album, 'Before Today is amazing. As for old stuff, well, Kraftwerk are absolutely always worth a listen.
9. If the members of The Bell Divers were to adopt stage names what would they be?
Geez, I don't know. I've never liked stage names very much. My friend Jason thinks good ones up. He actually performs as Ricky Goldenstarr.
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAD things?
I let the lawn grow, and it really just keeps getting higher and wilder. A neighbour knocked on the door one day to see if we still lived here. I thought he was a dick for saying that, but in a way he's right, we should keep on top of garden maintenance or just leave. An immaculate lawn really is a bit of a status marker, and I do feel ashamed about ours.
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with The Bell Divers for one night only. Who do you choose?
It'd be great to hear Gene Clark perform. He was the original Byrds frontman, and made some great solo records. He died quite young at 46, had a heart attack, poor fella. A real legend, as any Mojo-reading bore will also tell you.
12. If someone wrote a biography for The Bell Divers what would the title be?
Probably something like 'Lost in Brisbane'. 'Notes from the Underground' is apt but a bit self-glorifying really besides being already taken. So definitely NOT 'Notes from the Underground' ok? Imagine a band bio on a group who only released one album and hardly ever played. It'd be awfully thin.
13. What can we expect from The Bell Divers in the near future?
A lot of local shows and a new record with a slightly different sound.


Download/Listen to The Bell Divers' Album - June July
The Bell Divers - Website
The Bell Divers - Triple J Unearthed

13 Questions with Blame Ringo!

Blame Ringo are Jessiah, Ross and Pete, they go about playing music around Brisbane and other places. Some more exciting, some less. They took some time out from blaming Ringo for their miserable, miserable lives to answer the 13 enquiries below.

1. Who are your heroes?
Dan Kelly and whoever invented Red Bull
2. The first band you saw live?
Frenzal Rhomb (Ross), Green Day (Pete), John Williamson (Jessiah)
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
The Troubadour
4. What's the best (or dumbest) things that's been said to you at/after a show?
Brendan Fevola told us he enjoyed our show. That was kind of weird
5. Why Blame Ringo! as your band name?
Long story...
[MMB Note - after careful, painstaking research it became clear that Blame Ringo decided upon their name as a constant reminder and motivation to fulfill a blood debt after their parents were mercilessly killed in a one off wrestling death match by Ringo Starr. Ever since they have been playing music and improving their wrestling skills in hopes of avenging their fallen loved ones. Visit their site (www.blameringo.com) for the cover up story and other revelations about Ringo's malevolent influence.]
6. What makes you cringe?
The Valley at 2am on a Sunday morning
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
Jessiah woke up one morning with a dozen letterboxes in his room. He has no idea how they got there.
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Ball Park Music, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Richard In Your Mind
9. If the members of Blame Ringo were to adopt stage names what would they be?
Jizz Mopper (Jessiah), Pete Schnapps (Pete) and Ross (Ross)
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAD things?
Pete used to be in a punk band called 'F***ing C***s'
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with Blame Ringo for one night only. Who do you choose?
Billy Preston
12. If someone wrote a biography for Blame Ringo what would the title be?
Blame Ringo: Eat a Bag of It
13. What can we expect from Blame Ringo in the near future?
We have a new album out in September and we're off to the US in the new year

13 Questions with Young Raptors

Melbourne post-punkers Young Raptors filled out some questions. Check out the all important correspondence below.

1. Who are your heroes?
Anyone able to make a living doing what they love... and Yanni
2. The first band you saw live?
Jack: Tommy Emmanuel in like grade 3. My dad was super psyched!
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
James: The Troubadour, our friends band, Quebec said it was the beez neez
4. What's the best (or dumbest) thing that's been said to you at/after a show?
Jack: Not the dumbest, nor best thing ever said, but the first thing that comes to mind is, "What were those loud squeely noises? They hurt my ears!"
5. Why 'Young Raptors' as your band name?
James: Because The Dipoladocus' just doesn't have the same ring to it.
6. What makes you cringe?
James: Autotune.
Ben: fingernails screeching down a blackboard
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
Jack: Six Curly Whirlys & a chomp bar from 7/11
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Deerhunter, Spoon, Bombay Bicycle Club and Absolute Boys
9. If the members of Young Raptors were to adopt stage names what would they be?
Lovetron5000, Orlando, FoxBox and Thompson
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?
Jack: Probably the six curly whirlys and chomp bar heist. Oh and that guy we killed. Kind of regret that...
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with Young Raptors for one night only. Who do you choose?
James: Seventies Bowie, from the Ziggy Stardust era.
12. If someone wrote a biography for Young Raptors what would the title be?
"The Raptor Nest - A Fable"
13. That can we expect from Young Raptors in the near future?
Hopefully record a 10" in the coming months and do an east coast tour closer to summer (if anyone up that way is keen to play with us, let us know!)

Young Raptors - Myspace
Young Raptors - Triple J Unearthed

13 Questions with Running Gun Sound

Running Gun Sound are Brisbane's own self proclaimed Mod Soul Punks. Band members Julien James, Jeremy Neale and Michael Fletcher took the time to become 13 Questions more soulful below.

1. Who are your heroes?
Julien: Weller, Lennon and Batman
2. The first band you saw live?
Jeremy: Fleetwood Mac
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
Julien: The Step Inn. Good Atmosphere. No D!cks
4. What's the best (or dumbest) thing that's been said to you at/after a show?
Michael: "Play some surf music!"
5. Why 'Running Guns' as your band name?
Julien: Shrug. Because James and Mickey couldn't think of anything better?
6. What makes you cringe?
Michael: Orthotic shoes
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
Jeremy: Marbles from Mr Toys Toyworld
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Julien: The Sulphur Lights, The Black Lips, The Jam
Jeremy: Spandau Ballet!
9. The Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Michael: The Who - with Keith Moon
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAD things?
Julien: Some Girls is a good song.
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with Running Guns for one night only. Who do you choose?
Jeremy: Steve Norman - it's about time Running Guns got some New Romantic sax solos.
Michael: Enough of you New Romantic rot Jeremy... Bo Diddley
12. If someone wrote a biography for Running Guns what would the title be?
Julien: Running Guns Get Tight!
13. What can we expect from Running Guns in the near future?
Jeremy: Aluminium suits, lasers, phasers, warp drives, flying cars and the re-introduction of basketball cards as a popular trade item. A new EP and album later this year...

Running Guns - Website
Running Guns - Facebook

13 Questions with Bonfire Nights

Steve Foster and Ruth Nitkiewicz, the dynamic duo who make up Brisbane band Bonfire Nights (yes the whole band), took some time out from their busy schedules to talk to MMB. They got 13 questions further behind schedule below.
 

1. Who are your heroes?

Steve: I don’t think I have any, is that weird?

2. The first band you saw live?

Steve: Paul McCartney, when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I remember him playing Live and Let Die and Hey Jude, it was a pretty awesome first gig.

Ruth: Screamfeeder at Albert Park (as it was then known) when I was about 15 years old. I danced on stage like an idiot.

3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?

Steve: As an all round venue, it would have to be the Troubadour. The Valley can get a little crazy so going to the Troubadour feels like shelter from the storm. Lofly Hangar is also really cool, it just feels like a massive house party.

4. What’s the best (or dumbest) thing that’s been said to you at/after a show?

Steve: “Hey! Are you that drummer guy from that band, the Mess Hall, you guys are awesome, would you like me to buy you a drink?” To which I replied, “Yes I am, and I would like a drink.”

5. Why 'Bonfire Nights' as your band name?

Steve: We came up with it on bonfire night last year, which is celebrated on the 5^th of November in the UK. I remember when I was growing up there, that all the kids would build these huge bonfires and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes. It was always a really exciting time but also a little dark and scary, which in a way is reflected in the music, so it seemed appropriate.

6. What makes you cringe?

Ruth: David Koch. Seriously. Die already.

7. Describe the raddest heist you’ve ever pulled off. What’d you steal?

Ruth: British India’s rider. They deserved it.

8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?

Ruth: At the moment I’m loving Beaches, a band from Melbourne. Five girls that play fuzzy psychedelic tunes; they’re great.

Steve: Band of Skulls. In fact, we like a lot of bands beginning with the letter ‘B’: Blonde on Blonde, BRMC, Butcher Birds, The Beatles (see question 9), Breeders, Bat For Lashes….

9. The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

See question 8.

10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAAD things?

Ruth: I vomited in front of Devo, backstage at Splendour in the Grass 2008. Not my finest hour.

11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with 'Bonfire Nights' for one night only. Who do you choose?

Marc Bolan.

12. If someone wrote a biography for 'Bonfire Nights' what would the title be?

“Is That It?”

13. What can we expect from 'Bonfire Nights' in the near future?

We’re launching our debut EP in July, and will be touring interstate in the coming months.

Bonfire Nights - Website

Bonfire Nights are playing the Troubadour May 14 & 25

13 Questions with Buick Six

John Ryan, singer/guitarist for Brisbane's own 'Buick Six' took some time out from taming Griffins to converse with MMB. He just got 13 questions more authoritative below.

1. Who are your heroes?
Tim Rogers, Thurston Moore, Tony Montana, Duke Nukem, Jack White, Simply Red, Stevie Nicks...
2. The first band you saw live?
Sunk Loto. I think my ears are still ringing. One of the greatest gigs I've ever seen
3. What's your favourite Brisbane music venue?
The Tivoli... great sound and great people. Oh, and we loved The Arena because it had this dirty, hollow feel about it. Our friends from Perth, The Silents, put us on the door when they supported the Living End there - still one of the greatest nights I've ever had.
4. What's the best (or dumbest) thing that's been said to you at/after a show?
"I absolutely hate mixing bands like you - you guys all need lessons, especially you with your singing". - sound guy at a particular University bar we played last year. So that's obviously the best thing we've had said to us.
5. Why 'Buick Six' as your band name?
We stole if from a Bob Dylan song of the same name - it's such a great song. We also chose it for the comedic value - plenty of people stuff it up and say "Brick Six" or rude things such as "Buick Dicks" or "Buick Shits".
6. What makes you cringe?
Lemons. And Justin Bieber. Did we mention Justin Bieber? Oh and ants! They're all over my house at the moment.
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
This is epic - one time at a Numbers Radio gig on the Gold Coast, I stole a really expensive pepper grinder... one of the big ones! I just tucked it in the arm of my jacket and walked out. To this day it gets used in many of Nick's dishes (he is a qualified chef). I want to follow up with another heist to steal a matching salt grinder. This evidence is going to put me in jail isn't it?
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
The Silents - definitely our favourite Aussie band
Young Revelry - write songs that remind us of Jane's Addiction
The Medics - a band from North QLD: talented chaps
Oh Ye Denver Birds - a lot of talent there
DZ - will do huge things in their career
9. The Beatles or Rolling Stones?
That's a very hard question... The Beatles. A band we have grown up listening to and the greatest band of all time. Nick can sing every song word-for-word off Revolver... this is great when we have long car trips together because his singing voice is superb. Ahem...
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAD things?
How did you know about this? We may/may not have stolen some sandwiches that belonged to a high-profile band when we supported them... don't want to mention any names here. We eat lots of carbs - that's really a bad thing.
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with 'Buick Six' for one night only. Who do you choose?
John Bonham. And we wouldn't even play - we'd just let him play the Moby Dick drum solo and sit off to the side and watch.
12. If someone wrote a biography for Buick Six what would the title be?
"A Griffin is not just a dragon - it's also a bass player"
13. What can we expect from Buick Six in the near future?
A lot of new material - fact. We have a new home studio set-up going on, so it's demo heaven right here. Our live show is going to incorporate a bit more variety and we'll be touring Australia by the end of the year.

Buick Six play their next show in Brisbane on June 5 at The Troubadour
Buick Six - Website

13 Questions with The Solomons

The Solomons are a rock band from down in Melbourne. You've probably heard of the place. I think it's near Sydney? Anyhow, Tim Rogers likes’em, so should you. They just got 13 Questions sexier below.

1. Who are your heroes?
Super Ted, Dylan, Gavan Brown (see Q10)
2. The first band you saw live?
Most likely a marching band
3. What's your favourite music venue?
The Forum in Melbourne
4. What's the best (or dumbest) thing that's been said to you at/after a show?
Tim Rogers said we were alright. Hopefully that wasn't a dumb thing to say
5. Why 'The Solomons' as your band name?
Because we're wise
6. What makes you cringe?
Lame offspring of good musicians. (Good offspring are okay)
7. Describe the raddest heist you've ever pulled off. What'd you steal?
A traffic cone on the Hume highway
8. What bands should people reading this be listening to?
Right now, to quote a once trendy London muso, "there's nothing on the TV nothing on the radio that means that much to me". It's not about bands and albums at the moment, it's all about "sounds" and internet singles by bands with ridiculous band names. And people wonder why album sales are dropping. Give the people what they want, rather than forcing them to want what they get.
9. The Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Yes
10. You are guilty of shameful things. What are these BAAAD things?
Cass and I support Collingwood
11. You can choose one musician, alive or dead, to perform with 'The Solomons' for one night only. Who do you choose?
Alive.
12. If someone wrote a biography for 'The Solomons' what would the title be?
Waiting For Something To Happen
13. What can we expect from 'The Solomons' in the near future?
Hopefully some interstate dates including Brisbane (which may already be announced by the time someone reads this)

The Solomons - Website