Sauce

Described as a garage girl pop band with the warts ‘n’ all grunt of Motorhead, Bendigo’s The Killerbirds have recently been drinking the Cosmic Psychos under the table while flogging the guts out of their self-titled debut EP. They spoke to me before this rowdy rock circus hits Hobart’s Brisbane Hotel this month.

So what are the feelings of the band right at this time? What’s been going on of late, musically?
The vibe in the band at the moment is great! We are having a blast getting to travel and spend a lot of time together, causing mayhem. Recently been touring with the Cosmic Psychos – that has been an interesting experience to say the least. They have been keeping us up way past our bedtime.

So how was it growing up in, from what I’ve read, such a non-rock community? What drew you to it if it was never around?
We all had different reasons; a couple of us come from musical families. I was just a dud that stumbled on a good thing. Well, we found each other at least – amongst the herd of rednecks and footy heads – so I suppose it wasn’t all bad.

Why did you choose the band name “Killerbirds”?
Because we like shootin’ ducks and native wildlife, and we thought it was pretty ironic seeing as though we kill birds and are cool chicks as well. Duh … No, not really …

Out of the bands you have played with so far, who has put on the best stage performance? And who do you think has been the best musically, live?
Gee, that’s a tough one. We have been lucky enough to play with some amazing bands over the past year … Cosmic Psychos always put on a mighty show, except they drink all the beer and use all our make up. Musically, I’d say Kate Derago is a bit of an asset to the Australian music community – she’s from Bendigo just like us. We often get compared to her.

From what I understand, you are a relatively new band, how do you feel about the upcoming gigs with the Cosmic Psychos? Are you excited?
Yes, good and yes.

I also noticed you have a show coming up in Hobart. What kind of show do you plan to bring to Tasmania?
Hard rock. That’s all we know.

You have a four-track EP to your name already. Are you planning on bringing out an LP in the near future? How far have you come already since the EP was released?
What’s an LP? As soon as someone gives us some money we will go back into the studio.

What is your favourite track off the EP, and why? Which one is the best to play live?
We don’t actually sit down and listen to our own music, so it’s difficult to be objective. If I had to choose, probably Naughty is the New Nice, ‘cause it’s meaty-as.

I noticed on your video clip that you get a fair few people to your shows. Where do the most numbers turn up at your shows?
Adelaide folk are always very receptive – they love their live music action. We always have a great time there. Most of the footage in that clip was taken in Adelaide.

And when was your favourite moment at a show, either playing, or attending someone else’s show?
When Prue went stacks-on the crowd in Adelaide, and knocked a guy out with her bass.

The Killerbirds and the Cosmic Psychos go stacks-on Hobart’s Brisbane Hotel on the 29th of September.