2. You guys are big on playing at surf festivals,
on the beaches and amongst the surf community
in general - what’s some of the best memories or
shows you’ve had in that capacity and how was
the tour you just finished?
Album tours are weird because every album is
different and takes some getting used to. My agenda
is always to play as much new stuff as I can because
it’s fresh and the crowd have their own agenda
sometimes. It can be a battle of attrition sometimes
but I enjoy it. We’ve been lucky enough to play quite
a lot of big festivals and I couldn’t possibly single
one out. I will say, playing music anywhere near the
beach is always a highlight!
4. Can you please explain
how you expect the new
record will take you and the
band into 2015 and beyond?
We have a new stage show that
is influenced by a lot of music
I love such as dub, hip hop
and dancehall. We’re running
synths, MPC samplers, tape
echoes and a horn section.
3. What was your best surf for 2014,
can you tell us where, when and
describe the session? (Or worst if
that’s more interesting haha!)
It hasn’t been a year of a whole lot of
amazing waves for me because I’ve
been so busy. I’ve had a couple of really
good days at some secret spots around
home (Sydney) though. A highlight
was surfing a reef near my house late
one afternoon by myself and having a
giant whale breach about 100 feet from
where I was sitting. Its belly was lit up
in the afternoon light and there wasn’t
another soul around to see it. Craziest
thing I’ve seen in the surf.
5. Is this album indicative of the musical direction you
want to take the band in the future and if so, how?
It’s hard to say because it’s always my priority to do things
I haven’t done before but I like where it’s at. As time goes
on I’m caring less and less about what is ‘popular’ and
am becoming more focused on making the best, heaviest,
most original sounding music I can. I don’t want to sound
like anyone else.
6. If you had to choose between, love,
music and surfing, what order would you
prioritise them in?
Love, surfing and then music.
Upcoming Gigs //
BYRON: The Great Northern Jan 8
COOLANGATTA: The Cooly Hotel Jan 9
BRISBANE: The Triffid Feb 13
MAROOCHYDORE: Solbar Feb 14
www.matmchughmusic.com