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

Around Australia - The Black Gypsies

Melbourne rock outfit The Black Gypsies are a weave of jangled, fuzzed guitars that will fairly quickly bring to mind the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club upon listening.

The Black Gypsies are principally one man's baby, that man being Cale Mason. Mason writes all the songs and for the four track EP that was released last year he recorded the vocals, guitar and bass whilst leaving only the drums for former Children Collide drummer Ryan Caesar.

The aforementioned EP 'Revelations' was fairly well received, even prompting such review lines as "a very possible ARIA winner" and claims the Black Gypsies had outdone Johhny Cash on the track 'God's Gonna Cut You Down'. Hyperbole to be sure but there's nothing to suggest that those assertions won't be proved correct if Mason continues on his current path.

The Black Gypsies - Facebook - Bandcamp - Unearthed