Ausmuteants interview with Kurt
It’s hard to even talk about Ausmuteants without sounding
like a raving madman or a dedicated music nerd.
They have this really cool sound that boarders on the early 80’s disco
synth that permeated mainstream and an extremely dirty post-punk snarl to
offset the dissonant pop melodies and infectious synth lines. I’m not usually too much for bands that are
big on synth but the seemingly random madness of Ausmuteants really sweeps me
off of my feet every time I hear it.
There’s a healthy dose of The Mummies lo-fi, take it as it is approach
to recording music that has slowly evolved throughout Ausmuteants back catalog
that’s extremely interesting to hear.
Coming from Australia these days most of the stuff that you hear about
is either dead ahead punk rock or some serious retro-psych but Ausmuteants are
out there doing their own thing and they’re doing it damned well. The synthesizer feels a lot more like a
keyboard or something warbling and spouting off these deranged melodies that
crumble and implode on themselves dissolving back into the catchy harmonies and
beats of the songs. I dare you to listen
to this music and not tap your foot.
Guitar freaks have no fear either as there’s some seriously gnarly
fuzzed out guitar gurgling and chocking, sputtering out these mangled post-punk
riffs the entire time the bass and drums must be interwoven in some sort of
ancient ritual, because they are summoning the thunder! With such a strange, seeming hodge-podge of
influences and such a brash approach to the creation of most of their music
Ausmuteants could be just another one of those dime-a-dozen post-punk bands
wallowing in their own well deserved obscurity, instead they’re brazenly
burning their own trail into the treacherous Aussie to international music
scene and casting their vote for wildly original music garnering a dedicated
listening base, rather than caving to some absurd notion of appealing to everyone. If you need some Spits, Chrome or The
Screamers in your life and have long since exhausted their back catalog but
need something more, something new, something new and individual I suggest you
give the links below a listen because this is going to be right up your
alley… One of the Kurts had some time
while waiting for the Metro lately and had a chance to fill us in on what we’re
missing so dig it brothers and sisters, Ausmuteants!
like a raving madman or a dedicated music nerd.
They have this really cool sound that boarders on the early 80’s disco
synth that permeated mainstream and an extremely dirty post-punk snarl to
offset the dissonant pop melodies and infectious synth lines. I’m not usually too much for bands that are
big on synth but the seemingly random madness of Ausmuteants really sweeps me
off of my feet every time I hear it.
There’s a healthy dose of The Mummies lo-fi, take it as it is approach
to recording music that has slowly evolved throughout Ausmuteants back catalog
that’s extremely interesting to hear.
Coming from Australia these days most of the stuff that you hear about
is either dead ahead punk rock or some serious retro-psych but Ausmuteants are
out there doing their own thing and they’re doing it damned well. The synthesizer feels a lot more like a
keyboard or something warbling and spouting off these deranged melodies that
crumble and implode on themselves dissolving back into the catchy harmonies and
beats of the songs. I dare you to listen
to this music and not tap your foot.
Guitar freaks have no fear either as there’s some seriously gnarly
fuzzed out guitar gurgling and chocking, sputtering out these mangled post-punk
riffs the entire time the bass and drums must be interwoven in some sort of
ancient ritual, because they are summoning the thunder! With such a strange, seeming hodge-podge of
influences and such a brash approach to the creation of most of their music
Ausmuteants could be just another one of those dime-a-dozen post-punk bands
wallowing in their own well deserved obscurity, instead they’re brazenly
burning their own trail into the treacherous Aussie to international music
scene and casting their vote for wildly original music garnering a dedicated
listening base, rather than caving to some absurd notion of appealing to everyone. If you need some Spits, Chrome or The
Screamers in your life and have long since exhausted their back catalog but
need something more, something new, something new and individual I suggest you
give the links below a listen because this is going to be right up your
alley… One of the Kurts had some time
while waiting for the Metro lately and had a chance to fill us in on what we’re
missing so dig it brothers and sisters, Ausmuteants!
Listen
while you read: https://soundcloud.com/ausmuteants
while you read: https://soundcloud.com/ausmuteants
What is
Ausmuteants lineup right now? Is this
the original lineup or have you all made any changes over time?
Ausmuteants lineup right now? Is this
the original lineup or have you all made any changes over time?
Kurt: Synth, singing
Kurt: Drums
Kurt. Bass
Kurt: Guitar
I love trying to
figure out what other bands people have been in but I have to admit that
nothing beats cheating… Are any of you
in any other active bands at this point?
Have you released any music with anyone else in the past? If so can you tell us a little bit about
that?
figure out what other bands people have been in but I have to admit that
nothing beats cheating… Are any of you
in any other active bands at this point?
Have you released any music with anyone else in the past? If so can you tell us a little bit about
that?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Frowning Clouds, Leather Towel, Wet Blankets, Hierophants, School
Damage, The Solid Beam, Frenzal Rhomb, Cleaners From Venus. Kurt: Living Eyes, Wet Blankets, String
Theory, Anti Fade (label). Kurt: Bonniwells,
Cancer, Councilor of Aging, Pink Muscle, Saliva Twist. Kurt: Eye Gouge, Love Shy, Anarchoi,
Regurgitator
Frowning Clouds, Leather Towel, Wet Blankets, Hierophants, School
Damage, The Solid Beam, Frenzal Rhomb, Cleaners From Venus. Kurt: Living Eyes, Wet Blankets, String
Theory, Anti Fade (label). Kurt: Bonniwells,
Cancer, Councilor of Aging, Pink Muscle, Saliva Twist. Kurt: Eye Gouge, Love Shy, Anarchoi,
Regurgitator
Where are you
originally from?
originally from?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Central Coast of New South Wales / Geelong / Wellington / Canberra.
Central Coast of New South Wales / Geelong / Wellington / Canberra.
What was the local
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows when you were growing up? Do you feel like it played a large role in
shaping your musical tastes or the way that you play today?
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows when you were growing up? Do you feel like it played a large role in
shaping your musical tastes or the way that you play today?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I and Kurt (guitar) used to go to a lot of hardcore punk shows held at
local PCYC’s (Police Citizen’s Youth Club) because they were all ages and we’d
see bands like Straight Jacket play with touring bands like the Regulations and
Limp Wrist. Then the dumpster diving
dreadlock’s kinda did my head in and I stopped going to those shows.
I and Kurt (guitar) used to go to a lot of hardcore punk shows held at
local PCYC’s (Police Citizen’s Youth Club) because they were all ages and we’d
see bands like Straight Jacket play with touring bands like the Regulations and
Limp Wrist. Then the dumpster diving
dreadlock’s kinda did my head in and I stopped going to those shows.
Was your home
musical at all? Were either your parents
or any of your relatives musicians or extremely involved or interested in
music?
musical at all? Were either your parents
or any of your relatives musicians or extremely involved or interested in
music?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Kurt (drums)’s dad used to play in the Geelong band BORED!, he has a
very good record collection. Kurt
(bass)’s dad likes some of our statuses on Facebook, so he knows what’s
up. Kurt (guitar)’s dad likes to buy TV series
and throw out the covers. My dad is
really into bands like The Kinks, The Who and lots of old blues guys. I’m sure all of them had a very big influence
on what we do.
Kurt (drums)’s dad used to play in the Geelong band BORED!, he has a
very good record collection. Kurt
(bass)’s dad likes some of our statuses on Facebook, so he knows what’s
up. Kurt (guitar)’s dad likes to buy TV series
and throw out the covers. My dad is
really into bands like The Kinks, The Who and lots of old blues guys. I’m sure all of them had a very big influence
on what we do.
What do you
consider your first real exposure to music?
consider your first real exposure to music?
Kurt (synth/singing):
AC/DC Powerage tour, 1978 on the Australian program RAGE.
AC/DC Powerage tour, 1978 on the Australian program RAGE.
If you had to pick
one defining moment of music that changed everything for you, a moment that
opened your eyes to the infinite possibilities of music and blew the gates of
perception open, what would it be?
one defining moment of music that changed everything for you, a moment that
opened your eyes to the infinite possibilities of music and blew the gates of
perception open, what would it be?
Kurt (synth/singing):
The solo in Freebird.
The solo in Freebird.
When and why did
you decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music?
you decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Chicks love wimpy guys with feelings.
Chicks love wimpy guys with feelings.
What was you first
instrument? When and how did you get it?
instrument? When and how did you get it?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Onyx Strat copy for Christmas 1996.
Onyx Strat copy for Christmas 1996.
When and how did
the band meet?
the band meet?
Kurt (synth/singing):
When I moved to Geelong and joined Frowning Clouds I met all the other
Kurts. Originally we thought we would
start a band called The Kurts, because it was uncanny that we all had the same
first name. But the idea got old very
quickly.
When I moved to Geelong and joined Frowning Clouds I met all the other
Kurts. Originally we thought we would
start a band called The Kurts, because it was uncanny that we all had the same
first name. But the idea got old very
quickly.
What led to the
formation of Ausmuteants and when was that?
formation of Ausmuteants and when was that?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Kurt (drums) and I were just sick of all the three chord garage music in
our home town. It kind of lost its
spark. Being a longtime fan of The
Screamers and Chrome and beginning to find an interest in disco, I thought we’d
try something different. The other two
were into a mixture of hardcore, post punk and disco. Also we all had the same name.
Kurt (drums) and I were just sick of all the three chord garage music in
our home town. It kind of lost its
spark. Being a longtime fan of The
Screamers and Chrome and beginning to find an interest in disco, I thought we’d
try something different. The other two
were into a mixture of hardcore, post punk and disco. Also we all had the same name.
Is there any
shared creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
shared creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
Kurt (synth/singing):
No fat chicks.
No fat chicks.
I’ve only ever
read your name and I must admit that I think I know how it’s supposed to be
pronounced but I’ve still not quite wrapped my head around the intended meaning
of the name. What does the name
Ausmuteants mean or refer to? Who came
up with it and how did you go about choosing it?
read your name and I must admit that I think I know how it’s supposed to be
pronounced but I’ve still not quite wrapped my head around the intended meaning
of the name. What does the name
Ausmuteants mean or refer to? Who came
up with it and how did you go about choosing it?
Kurt (synth/singing):
We were playing music sometime in 2011, and afterwards we were sitting
around drinking some tang while listening to Os Mutantes. We thought it would be funny to rip off their
name but make it AUSSIE.
We were playing music sometime in 2011, and afterwards we were sitting
around drinking some tang while listening to Os Mutantes. We thought it would be funny to rip off their
name but make it AUSSIE.
Where’s
Ausmuteants located at these days?
Ausmuteants located at these days?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Geelong / Melbourne – OSTRALIA (Australia).
Geelong / Melbourne – OSTRALIA (Australia).
What’s the local
music scene like there?
music scene like there?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Better than most places.
Better than most places.
Are you very
involved in the local music scene? Do
you book or attend a lot of shows?
involved in the local music scene? Do
you book or attend a lot of shows?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I used to go to a lot of shows, but I play a lot of shows. So now I can’t really be bothered as
much. I like to see friend’s bands and
I’ll always try to make it to an outta town band that I like, or a local Total
Control/Constant Mongrel show.
I used to go to a lot of shows, but I play a lot of shows. So now I can’t really be bothered as
much. I like to see friend’s bands and
I’ll always try to make it to an outta town band that I like, or a local Total
Control/Constant Mongrel show.
Do you help to
record and or release any local music?
If so can you talk briefly about that?
record and or release any local music?
If so can you talk briefly about that?
Kurt (synth/singing):
That’s mainly Kurt (drums). We
usually get our friend Mikey to do it.
Tom (The Wuss) Hardisty is also the other head honcho in Australia when
it comes to recording.
That’s mainly Kurt (drums). We
usually get our friend Mikey to do it.
Tom (The Wuss) Hardisty is also the other head honcho in Australia when
it comes to recording.
Do you feel like
the local music scene has played a large or important role in shaping the way
that you all sound or in the history of Ausmuteants, or do you think you all
could be doing what you’re doing and sound like you do regardless of your
location and surroundings?
the local music scene has played a large or important role in shaping the way
that you all sound or in the history of Ausmuteants, or do you think you all
could be doing what you’re doing and sound like you do regardless of your
location and surroundings?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I think seeing Total Control in 2009 definitely had one of those “Hey,
they are playing good music that isn’t about loving/hating girls, maybe I can
try that” effect on me. We have all been
into weirdo post punk type music for a while, so we would probably still be
doing a similar thing.
I think seeing Total Control in 2009 definitely had one of those “Hey,
they are playing good music that isn’t about loving/hating girls, maybe I can
try that” effect on me. We have all been
into weirdo post punk type music for a while, so we would probably still be
doing a similar thing.
I am coming to
terms with the fact that I’m not awful at it, but I somehow feel like I’m
selling a band short or something when I try and describe their sound with our
giving them an opportunity to speak for themselves. I just feel like whatever I see in the music
is going to be muddied by my own perceptions, interests and stuff. How would your describe Ausmuteants sound in
your own words to our readers who might not have heard you before?
terms with the fact that I’m not awful at it, but I somehow feel like I’m
selling a band short or something when I try and describe their sound with our
giving them an opportunity to speak for themselves. I just feel like whatever I see in the music
is going to be muddied by my own perceptions, interests and stuff. How would your describe Ausmuteants sound in
your own words to our readers who might not have heard you before?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Fake synth punk.
Fake synth punk.
Can you tell us
who some of your major musical influences are?
What about influences on the band as a whole rather than just
individually?
who some of your major musical influences are?
What about influences on the band as a whole rather than just
individually?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Individually: bands from Killed By Death, Can’t Stop It, Messthetics,
compilations… Country Teasers, The Fall,
Chrome and John Douglas. As a band:
Chrome, The Screamers, Ramones and Regurgitator.
Individually: bands from Killed By Death, Can’t Stop It, Messthetics,
compilations… Country Teasers, The Fall,
Chrome and John Douglas. As a band:
Chrome, The Screamers, Ramones and Regurgitator.
Can you tell us a
little bit about Ausmuteants’ songwriting process? Is there someone who comes to the rest of the
band with a riff or more complete idea to work out and finish with the rest of
the band? Or is there a lot of jamming
that takes place amongst the band that you all work out and distill into a song
over a process of exchange among the band?
little bit about Ausmuteants’ songwriting process? Is there someone who comes to the rest of the
band with a riff or more complete idea to work out and finish with the rest of
the band? Or is there a lot of jamming
that takes place amongst the band that you all work out and distill into a song
over a process of exchange among the band?
Kurt (synth/singing):
For the stuff that’s already been released, generally it’s me or Kurt
(drums), but the newer stuff it has more of a band feel. It’s better that way.
For the stuff that’s already been released, generally it’s me or Kurt
(drums), but the newer stuff it has more of a band feel. It’s better that way.
Do you all enjoy
recording? As a musician myself I think
that most of us can really appreciate the end result. Holding an album in your hands is one of the
greatest feelings in the world, but getting there, actually getting everything
recorded and sounding the way that you want, well that’s a horse of another
color. How is it recording for
Ausmuteants?
recording? As a musician myself I think
that most of us can really appreciate the end result. Holding an album in your hands is one of the
greatest feelings in the world, but getting there, actually getting everything
recorded and sounding the way that you want, well that’s a horse of another
color. How is it recording for
Ausmuteants?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Recording Ausmuteants is fun. We
just have delicious food, and sometimes Kurt (guitar) brings pornos.
Recording Ausmuteants is fun. We
just have delicious food, and sometimes Kurt (guitar) brings pornos.
Do you all do your
own recording DIY style with your own equipment and personnel or do you utilize
studio environments when recording?
own recording DIY style with your own equipment and personnel or do you utilize
studio environments when recording?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Yeah, sometimes. Sometimes I
forget that I have a 4-track.
Yeah, sometimes. Sometimes I
forget that I have a 4-track.
Is there a lot of
prep work that goes into a recording session for Ausmuteants where you get all
the changes and the arrangement worked out just the way you want it? Or is the recording process more of a
flexible one where things have a little bit of room to change and evolve?
prep work that goes into a recording session for Ausmuteants where you get all
the changes and the arrangement worked out just the way you want it? Or is the recording process more of a
flexible one where things have a little bit of room to change and evolve?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Nah, we have a practice or two the week before. Then we work out all the four-part harmonies
and record each note individually so we can give each note its own EQ. Our Amusements album had four-hundred and
fifty-six tracks per song with at least eleven different plug-ins on each
track.
Nah, we have a practice or two the week before. Then we work out all the four-part harmonies
and record each note individually so we can give each note its own EQ. Our Amusements album had four-hundred and
fifty-six tracks per song with at least eleven different plug-ins on each
track.
Can we talk a
little bit about your back catalog now?
Your debut release was a full-length for ANTI FADE records, Split
Personalities which was originally released as a ultra-limited cassette and later
released as a still pretty limited run of 100 CD-Rs. Was the recording of the material for Split
Personalities very different than your earlier single? Was it a fun, pleasurable experience for you
all? Who recorded this material? When was that recorded? Where was that recorded at and what kind of
equipment was used?
little bit about your back catalog now?
Your debut release was a full-length for ANTI FADE records, Split
Personalities which was originally released as a ultra-limited cassette and later
released as a still pretty limited run of 100 CD-Rs. Was the recording of the material for Split
Personalities very different than your earlier single? Was it a fun, pleasurable experience for you
all? Who recorded this material? When was that recorded? Where was that recorded at and what kind of
equipment was used?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I think it was recorded early 2011, maybe May or June. Very pleasurable. This is just Kurt (drums) and me. It was recorded on a couple of different
4-tracks that Kurt (drums) had. I can’t
remember what they were called. We mixed
it all on the free program Audacity. I
remember we miced up the snare through a fuzz pedal, into a small practice amp
and recorded the first song while on the phone to my mum. It was limited to 33 copies, later done on CD
in an edition of 100; we may have some copies left.
I think it was recorded early 2011, maybe May or June. Very pleasurable. This is just Kurt (drums) and me. It was recorded on a couple of different
4-tracks that Kurt (drums) had. I can’t
remember what they were called. We mixed
it all on the free program Audacity. I
remember we miced up the snare through a fuzz pedal, into a small practice amp
and recorded the first song while on the phone to my mum. It was limited to 33 copies, later done on CD
in an edition of 100; we may have some copies left.
You released the
Ah… What An Ugly Face Every Face Is 7” in 2012 for Heinous Anus Records. Was that a limited release or is it still in
print? If it was limited do you know how
many copies it was limited to? Can you
tell us a little bit about the recording of the material for that single? Where and when was it recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used?
Ah… What An Ugly Face Every Face Is 7” in 2012 for Heinous Anus Records. Was that a limited release or is it still in
print? If it was limited do you know how
many copies it was limited to? Can you
tell us a little bit about the recording of the material for that single? Where and when was it recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Ah… What an Ugly Face Every Face Is.
This is just Kurt (drums) and me again. These songs are recorded the same way as the previous cassette, maybe on
a better 4-track? But we put a lot more
time into them. I think they sound
pretty good for what they are. I bugged Will
and Lincoln who play in Housewives, the best band in Sydney, and also run
Heinous Anus Records to put out the 7”…
I didn’t even have to convince them, which I found odd. The best part about this 7” is that Sam
Wallman the best artist in Australia, did the artwork for it. Limited to 300.
Ah… What an Ugly Face Every Face Is.
This is just Kurt (drums) and me again. These songs are recorded the same way as the previous cassette, maybe on
a better 4-track? But we put a lot more
time into them. I think they sound
pretty good for what they are. I bugged Will
and Lincoln who play in Housewives, the best band in Sydney, and also run
Heinous Anus Records to put out the 7”…
I didn’t even have to convince them, which I found odd. The best part about this 7” is that Sam
Wallman the best artist in Australia, did the artwork for it. Limited to 300.
You started off
2013 strong with the awesomely titled 100 Ausmuteants Fans Can’t Be Wrong…
100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can single again for ANTI FADE records. Did you all write the four songs that made up
100 Ausmuteants Fans Can’t Be Wrong… 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can
specifically for the single or had they been around for a while looking for a
home? Can you tell us about the
recording of that material? Is that a
limited release and if so do you know how many copies it’s limited to?
2013 strong with the awesomely titled 100 Ausmuteants Fans Can’t Be Wrong…
100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can single again for ANTI FADE records. Did you all write the four songs that made up
100 Ausmuteants Fans Can’t Be Wrong… 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can
specifically for the single or had they been around for a while looking for a
home? Can you tell us about the
recording of that material? Is that a
limited release and if so do you know how many copies it’s limited to?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Kurt (guitar) brought a porno to the recording session. These songs all originally appeared on the
Split Personalities tape but were rerecorded with the whole band and Mikey
Young, you know what bands he plays in, because we thought he could make them
sound better. We were right, as per
usual. Although I think somewhere in
between the two would be best, the new ones were pretty polished. Limited to 300 copies again.
Kurt (guitar) brought a porno to the recording session. These songs all originally appeared on the
Split Personalities tape but were rerecorded with the whole band and Mikey
Young, you know what bands he plays in, because we thought he could make them
sound better. We were right, as per
usual. Although I think somewhere in
between the two would be best, the new ones were pretty polished. Limited to 300 copies again.
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You also released
your sophomore full-length Amusements on Aarght! And Agitated Records last year
(2013). Did you all try anything new or
radically different when it came to the songwriting or recording for
Amusements? What can our readers expect
from Amusements? I know a lot of Aarght!’s
stuff is limited to a couple of hundred pieces, if that the case with
Amusements?
your sophomore full-length Amusements on Aarght! And Agitated Records last year
(2013). Did you all try anything new or
radically different when it came to the songwriting or recording for
Amusements? What can our readers expect
from Amusements? I know a lot of Aarght!’s
stuff is limited to a couple of hundred pieces, if that the case with
Amusements?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I wanted to have a mix of songs that ranged from disco to post
punk. I tried not to blatantly rip
things off, but post-recording I’ve realized that Duran Duran and The Monks
have been pretty heavily plagiarized in the songs “Flushing Problems” and “Bad
day”. “Bad Day” originally came from me
trying to do a weird synth version of The Kinks “You Really Got Me” and
“Flushing Problems” was me trying to do a Spits song with a disco beat. Recorded in the same session as the Bon Jovi
7”, two days in Geelong with Mikey, where we recorded twenty-three songs, most
of them done live. We overdubbed the
right hand of keyboard and vocals though.
We originally wanted to release all twenty-three songs on different 7”s
and an album but a range of friends with music know-how advised us to not
release garbage. My friend John Fitness
was very honest in what he liked and disliked.
Stan Richardly from Aarght Records was a huge help in making this record
better. He spent lots of time arguing
with us as to why certain songs needed to be dropped and spent weeks helping us
arrange the album so it flowed better. I
think this album is as good as it could be for our first album, despite having
some songs I wish I never wrote; “Stepped In Shit”. I think the next one will be recorded a bit
grittier, I think we were all just trying to go for a real hi-fi kind of sound
because lo-fi has been done to death.
Maybe we’ll settle on a nice medium from now on. Aarght did 600 LPs and Agitated did 300 CDs
maybe? I’m not sure of the number,
sorry.
I wanted to have a mix of songs that ranged from disco to post
punk. I tried not to blatantly rip
things off, but post-recording I’ve realized that Duran Duran and The Monks
have been pretty heavily plagiarized in the songs “Flushing Problems” and “Bad
day”. “Bad Day” originally came from me
trying to do a weird synth version of The Kinks “You Really Got Me” and
“Flushing Problems” was me trying to do a Spits song with a disco beat. Recorded in the same session as the Bon Jovi
7”, two days in Geelong with Mikey, where we recorded twenty-three songs, most
of them done live. We overdubbed the
right hand of keyboard and vocals though.
We originally wanted to release all twenty-three songs on different 7”s
and an album but a range of friends with music know-how advised us to not
release garbage. My friend John Fitness
was very honest in what he liked and disliked.
Stan Richardly from Aarght Records was a huge help in making this record
better. He spent lots of time arguing
with us as to why certain songs needed to be dropped and spent weeks helping us
arrange the album so it flowed better. I
think this album is as good as it could be for our first album, despite having
some songs I wish I never wrote; “Stepped In Shit”. I think the next one will be recorded a bit
grittier, I think we were all just trying to go for a real hi-fi kind of sound
because lo-fi has been done to death.
Maybe we’ll settle on a nice medium from now on. Aarght did 600 LPs and Agitated did 300 CDs
maybe? I’m not sure of the number,
sorry.
Where and when was
the material for Amusements recorded?
Who recorded it? What kind of
equipment was used?
the material for Amusements recorded?
Who recorded it? What kind of
equipment was used?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Allen Kelly’s studio in Geelong.
2012. Mikey Young. He used a Sebotron and Logic with some nice
mics and a nice attitude.
Allen Kelly’s studio in Geelong.
2012. Mikey Young. He used a Sebotron and Logic with some nice
mics and a nice attitude.
You are just
getting ready to drop a 7” on Goodbye Boozy Records one of the absolutely best
labels going on out there. Can you tell
us what’s going to be on there and when it’s scheduled for release?
getting ready to drop a 7” on Goodbye Boozy Records one of the absolutely best
labels going on out there. Can you tell
us what’s going to be on there and when it’s scheduled for release?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Gonna be out in a month. Also got
a 7” coming out on Easter Bilby Records pretty soon. The Goodbye Boozy release is called, Felix
Tried to Kill Himself. I had glandular
fever (mono) when on a European with my other band Frowning Clouds. On the plane home I felt like killing myself. I watched the movie The Odd Couple with
Walter Mattau, Tom Hardisty’s doppelganger, and Jack Lemon. There’s a scene in the movie where Felix
(Jack Lemon) loses his wife and job in the same day and tries to kill himself
several times while his friends are playing a game of poker. It made me feel better, so I wrote a song
about it. The recording is just me and
Kurt (drums) recording at Kurt’s house on his new Sebotron interface and Logic
pro, a step up from Audacity, huh? But
because it’s such a small run, I feel we’ll rerecord both songs with the whole
band for the next album.
Gonna be out in a month. Also got
a 7” coming out on Easter Bilby Records pretty soon. The Goodbye Boozy release is called, Felix
Tried to Kill Himself. I had glandular
fever (mono) when on a European with my other band Frowning Clouds. On the plane home I felt like killing myself. I watched the movie The Odd Couple with
Walter Mattau, Tom Hardisty’s doppelganger, and Jack Lemon. There’s a scene in the movie where Felix
(Jack Lemon) loses his wife and job in the same day and tries to kill himself
several times while his friends are playing a game of poker. It made me feel better, so I wrote a song
about it. The recording is just me and
Kurt (drums) recording at Kurt’s house on his new Sebotron interface and Logic
pro, a step up from Audacity, huh? But
because it’s such a small run, I feel we’ll rerecord both songs with the whole
band for the next album.
Does Ausmuteants
have any music that we haven’t talked about?
Maybe a single, or a song on a compilation that I might have missed?
have any music that we haven’t talked about?
Maybe a single, or a song on a compilation that I might have missed?
Kurt (synth/singing):
There’s a song on Anti Fade’s compilation New Centre Of The Universe I
can’t remember what the song is called, but it fucking sucks. Don’t bother with it. The comp is pretty good though. We did a bunch of covers early on, just after
the Cassette. We were going to release
them on a cassette, but then we realized that they were so much shitter than
the originals that what’s the point?
There’s a song on Anti Fade’s compilation New Centre Of The Universe I
can’t remember what the song is called, but it fucking sucks. Don’t bother with it. The comp is pretty good though. We did a bunch of covers early on, just after
the Cassette. We were going to release
them on a cassette, but then we realized that they were so much shitter than
the originals that what’s the point?
With the release
of the Amusements album late in 2013 you all were so busy with other stuff you
didn’t get a chance to do a proper album release show for almost four
months. Considering how busy you all
are, is there anything in the works or planned as far as upcoming releases go
or are you all taking it easy for a while maybe working on some new material
and or working with other projects?
of the Amusements album late in 2013 you all were so busy with other stuff you
didn’t get a chance to do a proper album release show for almost four
months. Considering how busy you all
are, is there anything in the works or planned as far as upcoming releases go
or are you all taking it easy for a while maybe working on some new material
and or working with other projects?
Kurt (synth/singing):
We’re all busy with other bands.
Frowning Clouds had an album released the same month as Amusements. Four of our bands are simultaneously
releasing 7”s with Goodbye Boozy.
Hierophants are recording an album next week. Living Eyes recorded an album last week. Leather Towel just mastered our album last
week. Everybody wants to play
shows. Touring takes time. Can’t please everybody.
We’re all busy with other bands.
Frowning Clouds had an album released the same month as Amusements. Four of our bands are simultaneously
releasing 7”s with Goodbye Boozy.
Hierophants are recording an album next week. Living Eyes recorded an album last week. Leather Towel just mastered our album last
week. Everybody wants to play
shows. Touring takes time. Can’t please everybody.
With the
completely insane international postage rate increases that have gone on the
last few years I try to provide our readers with as many possible options for
picking up import releases as I can.
Where’s the best place for our US readers to pick up your stuff?
completely insane international postage rate increases that have gone on the
last few years I try to provide our readers with as many possible options for
picking up import releases as I can.
Where’s the best place for our US readers to pick up your stuff?
What about our
international and overseas readers?
international and overseas readers?
Kurt (synth/singing): Saturno Records.
And where’s the
best place for our readers to keep up on the latest news from Ausmuteants like upcoming shows and album releases at?
best place for our readers to keep up on the latest news from Ausmuteants like upcoming shows and album releases at?
Kurt (synth/singing):
The YOGHURT BLOOD Facebook.
The YOGHURT BLOOD Facebook.
Are there any
major goals or anything that Ausmuteants is looking to accomplish in 2014?
major goals or anything that Ausmuteants is looking to accomplish in 2014?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Spend more time with our girlfriends / give up music.
Spend more time with our girlfriends / give up music.
Do you remember
what the first song that Ausmuteants ever played live was? Where and when would that have been at?
what the first song that Ausmuteants ever played live was? Where and when would that have been at?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Our first show was in Queensland two states away, with COBWEBBS, Keep on
Dancin’s, Hierophants, Bonniwells and Living Eyes. We had only practiced once and we played four
songs. From memory they were “Bushfire”,
“Sugar Coated Speeches” (dud song), “Morse Code” and “Carbon Monoxide”.
Our first show was in Queensland two states away, with COBWEBBS, Keep on
Dancin’s, Hierophants, Bonniwells and Living Eyes. We had only practiced once and we played four
songs. From memory they were “Bushfire”,
“Sugar Coated Speeches” (dud song), “Morse Code” and “Carbon Monoxide”.
Does Ausmuteants
spend a lot of time out on the road touring?
Do you enjoy life out on the road?
What’s life like with Ausmuteants on tour?
spend a lot of time out on the road touring?
Do you enjoy life out on the road?
What’s life like with Ausmuteants on tour?
Kurt (synth/singing):
We enjoy it. But we rarely do it.
We enjoy it. But we rarely do it.
What if anything,
do you all have planned as far as touring goes for 2014?
do you all have planned as far as touring goes for 2014?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Would love to go to America, but 2015 is definitely more doable.
Would love to go to America, but 2015 is definitely more doable.
Who are some of
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to play with?
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to play with?
Kurt (synth/singing):
The Real Numbers, Constant Mongrel (Interview here), Nun, UV Race, Total
Control, Straight Arrows, Tyvek, Nobunny was surprisingly good, Pronto,
Multiple Man, Useless Eaters, Cobwebbs…
There’s a bunch. We try not to
play with bands we don’t like.
The Real Numbers, Constant Mongrel (Interview here), Nun, UV Race, Total
Control, Straight Arrows, Tyvek, Nobunny was surprisingly good, Pronto,
Multiple Man, Useless Eaters, Cobwebbs…
There’s a bunch. We try not to
play with bands we don’t like.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Kate Bush.
Kate Bush.
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
Kurt (synth/singing):
One time we played with our shirts off.
One time we played with our shirts off.
Do you give a lot
of thought to the visual aspects of the band, like artwork that represent you
on flyers, posters and cover artwork, that kind of thing? Do you have any defecto or go-to artists that
you turn to with those kinds of needs?
If so, who is that and how did you originally get hooked up with them?
of thought to the visual aspects of the band, like artwork that represent you
on flyers, posters and cover artwork, that kind of thing? Do you have any defecto or go-to artists that
you turn to with those kinds of needs?
If so, who is that and how did you originally get hooked up with them?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Sam Wallman’s artwork on the first 7” was killer. We like to keep it black and white. I love the artwork that bands on either side
of punk (proto/post) did. Real shitty
photocopies. Think The Gizmos, early
Tuxedomoon, Crime, Television Personalities, Swell Maps… Y’know, I don’t need to name drop more.
Sam Wallman’s artwork on the first 7” was killer. We like to keep it black and white. I love the artwork that bands on either side
of punk (proto/post) did. Real shitty
photocopies. Think The Gizmos, early
Tuxedomoon, Crime, Television Personalities, Swell Maps… Y’know, I don’t need to name drop more.
Do you have a
preferred medium of release for your own music?
With all of the various methods of release available to artists today
I’m always curious why they choose and prefer the methods that they do. What about then you’re listening to and or
purchasing music? If so, why?
preferred medium of release for your own music?
With all of the various methods of release available to artists today
I’m always curious why they choose and prefer the methods that they do. What about then you’re listening to and or
purchasing music? If so, why?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I don’t think this question makes sense.
But I’ll give it a shot. I prefer
releasing music on vinyl. Because
I don’t think this question makes sense.
But I’ll give it a shot. I prefer
releasing music on vinyl. Because
a) it sounds the best
b) it feels great holding it
c) it is expensive to press, so you don’t want to release
throw away garbage
throw away garbage
d) you get what you pay for
I like to buy it because of points a b and c. I think cassettes sound pretty good, but I
never play them and don’t like releasing them for that reason. I have no problem with digital files. I listen to my iPod all the time and it
sounds fine.
never play them and don’t like releasing them for that reason. I have no problem with digital files. I listen to my iPod all the time and it
sounds fine.
Do you have a
music collection at all? If you do, can
you tell us a little about it?
music collection at all? If you do, can
you tell us a little about it?
Kurt (synth/singing):
All of us have a pretty big record collections with most of the names
I’ve already dropped. After rent, I
probably spend the remaining money from my paychecks on records and food.
All of us have a pretty big record collections with most of the names
I’ve already dropped. After rent, I
probably spend the remaining money from my paychecks on records and food.
I grew up around a
pretty large collection of music and it seemed simply endless when I was a
kid. I was encouraged from a pretty
young age to listen to and enjoy it and I remember wandering up to these
endless shelves of music and grabbing something completely at random. I would pop it into the player, kick back in
the bean bag, read the liner notes, stare at the artwork and let the experience
transport me away. Having something real
and concrete to hold in my hands always made for a more complete listening
experience, and allowed for this rare and brief glimpse inside the minds of the
artists responsible for creating it. Do
you have any such connection with physically released music?
pretty large collection of music and it seemed simply endless when I was a
kid. I was encouraged from a pretty
young age to listen to and enjoy it and I remember wandering up to these
endless shelves of music and grabbing something completely at random. I would pop it into the player, kick back in
the bean bag, read the liner notes, stare at the artwork and let the experience
transport me away. Having something real
and concrete to hold in my hands always made for a more complete listening
experience, and allowed for this rare and brief glimpse inside the minds of the
artists responsible for creating it. Do
you have any such connection with physically released music?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I used to always buy records at random.
I very rarely do it now, unless somebody who’s taste I trust (Dan at
Distort or John ex Wooly Bully) recommends me it. I’ve also grabbed some random records from
this shop in Melbourne called Round and Round.
It is hands down the best affordable record store in Australia. If you got the cash, maybe you should check
out Vicious Sloth though. Generally I
listen online before I buy something, because I’m not made of cash and it is
2014.
I used to always buy records at random.
I very rarely do it now, unless somebody who’s taste I trust (Dan at
Distort or John ex Wooly Bully) recommends me it. I’ve also grabbed some random records from
this shop in Melbourne called Round and Round.
It is hands down the best affordable record store in Australia. If you got the cash, maybe you should check
out Vicious Sloth though. Generally I
listen online before I buy something, because I’m not made of cash and it is
2014.
If you can’t tell
I love my music. But there’s always been
one major problem that bothered me more than any other; portability. Digital music has all but eliminated that
problem overnight, but the real game changer has been the combination of
digital music and the internet. Together
they’ve not only exposed people to an entire cosmos of music that they
otherwise would never have been aware of and for bands willing to promote an
online presence it seems to be somewhat levelling the playing field allowing
them to get their stuff out there and interact way more easily with their fan
base. On the other hand illegal
downloading is running rampant in the industry, or what’s left of it, and the
face of what most of us grew up with and consider to be the music industry is
rapidly changing to say the least. As an
artist during the reign of the digital era what’s your opinion on digital music
and distribution?
I love my music. But there’s always been
one major problem that bothered me more than any other; portability. Digital music has all but eliminated that
problem overnight, but the real game changer has been the combination of
digital music and the internet. Together
they’ve not only exposed people to an entire cosmos of music that they
otherwise would never have been aware of and for bands willing to promote an
online presence it seems to be somewhat levelling the playing field allowing
them to get their stuff out there and interact way more easily with their fan
base. On the other hand illegal
downloading is running rampant in the industry, or what’s left of it, and the
face of what most of us grew up with and consider to be the music industry is
rapidly changing to say the least. As an
artist during the reign of the digital era what’s your opinion on digital music
and distribution?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I illegally download everything.
If the bands care, fuck them.
Maybe they should have got a proper job if they care about money. I buy records that are worth buying. The majority of the stuff I download on a
whim, I wouldn’t buy because half the time it’s generic.
I illegally download everything.
If the bands care, fuck them.
Maybe they should have got a proper job if they care about money. I buy records that are worth buying. The majority of the stuff I download on a
whim, I wouldn’t buy because half the time it’s generic.
I try to keep up
with as much good music as I possibly can, but even with all the time that I
devote and all the methods that I utilize keeping up with even one-percent of
the amazing stuff going on out there is absolutely impossible. Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I should be listening to that I might not have heard of before?
with as much good music as I possibly can, but even with all the time that I
devote and all the methods that I utilize keeping up with even one-percent of
the amazing stuff going on out there is absolutely impossible. Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I should be listening to that I might not have heard of before?
Kurt (synth/singing):
My girlfriend just played me the new recordings of her band Chook Race,
Hit Factor #1. As stated earlier, my
favourite local bands, apart from the ones I play in, are Total Control and
Constant Mongrel. There are hundreds of
great ones, and thousands of terrible ones.
My girlfriend just played me the new recordings of her band Chook Race,
Hit Factor #1. As stated earlier, my
favourite local bands, apart from the ones I play in, are Total Control and
Constant Mongrel. There are hundreds of
great ones, and thousands of terrible ones.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
Kurt (synth/singing):
I like a lot of the stuff on Total Punk Records. I just picked up a cool record by Lumpy and
The Dumpers which I’ve been spinning a bit lately.
I like a lot of the stuff on Total Punk Records. I just picked up a cool record by Lumpy and
The Dumpers which I’ve been spinning a bit lately.
Thank you so much
for taking the time to do this, I know ti was extensive but hopefully it
something you can look back on it ten years and really have a good document of
where the band had been and where you were headed from here, I know it’s been
awesome learning so much about the band for me personally! Before we call it a day, is there anything
that I possibly could have missed or that you’d just like to take this
opportunity to talk about with me or my readers?
for taking the time to do this, I know ti was extensive but hopefully it
something you can look back on it ten years and really have a good document of
where the band had been and where you were headed from here, I know it’s been
awesome learning so much about the band for me personally! Before we call it a day, is there anything
that I possibly could have missed or that you’d just like to take this
opportunity to talk about with me or my readers?
Kurt (synth/singing):
Nah, I think the forty-eight answers covered most things we’ve done in
the past few years! Hopefully some kid
misses the train and has a spare two hours to read half of this interview!
Nah, I think the forty-eight answers covered most things we’ve done in
the past few years! Hopefully some kid
misses the train and has a spare two hours to read half of this interview!
ROVE LIVE RULES
DISCOGRAPHY
(2012) Ausmuteants –
Split Personalities – Cassette Tape, CD-R – ANTI FADE records (Cassette tape
limited to 33 copies, CD-R limited to 100 hand numbered copies)
Split Personalities – Cassette Tape, CD-R – ANTI FADE records (Cassette tape
limited to 33 copies, CD-R limited to 100 hand numbered copies)
(2012) Ausmuteants –
Ah… What An Ugly Face Every Face Is – 7” – Heinous Anus (Limited to ? numbered
copies)
Ah… What An Ugly Face Every Face Is – 7” – Heinous Anus (Limited to ? numbered
copies)
(2013) Ausmuteants –
100 Ausmuteants Fans Can’t Be Wrong… 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can – 7” –
ANTI FADE records
100 Ausmuteants Fans Can’t Be Wrong… 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can – 7” –
ANTI FADE records
(2013) Ausmuteants –
Amusements – CD, 12” – Aarght!/Agitated Records
Amusements – CD, 12” – Aarght!/Agitated Records
(2014) Ausmuteants –
Felix Tried to Kill Himself – 7” – Goodbye Boozy Records (Limited to ? copies)
Felix Tried to Kill Himself – 7” – Goodbye Boozy Records (Limited to ? copies)
(2014) Ausmuteants –
? – 7” – Bilby Records (Limited to ? copies)
? – 7” – Bilby Records (Limited to ? copies)
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
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