Project Description

Interview with

BUGS

Interviewer – Mirrin Gray

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Hailing from Brisbane, Bugs are a lighthearted group of mates who find joy in crafting infectiously happy pop music, and packaging it up with a dose of honest and relatable songwriting. With an ever-growing slew of supporters in tow, Bugs are quickly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands the country has to offer.

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For any new fans, how did it all begin? Where did you develop your interest in performing music?
Personally I started playing orchestral stuff in primary school, my parents love for music heavily influenced my childhood. I was a tubby little 10 year old lugging a Tuba around school – VERY cool at that age haha.

What kind of music did you grow up on? Which artists inspired you?
When I was much younger I was obsessed with lipstick pop like Spice Girls, eventually growing into my teen angst phase I graduated to Pop / Punk – I’ve always really loved clever pop music though. There may have been a regretful Jack Johnson period in between – I was a coasty surfer boy after all, had to fall into that stereotype at some point.

What makes your band unique? What is it that you think fans resonate with?
I think we’re just honest and that resonates with people who feel like they can relate to the themes of our songs. I don’t know if it’s necessarily unique but after witnessing so many artists falsify their ‘brand’ or ‘persona’ over the last few years of playing, it has solidified my commitment to be a true representation of who we are as people. Our music is just an extension of who we are as naturally introspective and empathetic mates. And it’s just fun, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Your new song Something’s Bound To Go Bad has a more emotional approach than previous releases. What made you decide to go in this new direction? What does this song mean to you?
I think we chose it as the single because it means the most in terms of emotional weight. I’ve always written songs in a self analytical context with deep emotional intent, so again I think it ties in with wanting to put our most real and meaningful ideas forward.

How did the video come about?
We basically just brainstormed it with our incredible mate Matisse, she was such a pleasure to work with and made the whole process fun & easy. We took the basic concept of the idea to her but she really took control and took on so much creative direction it was amazing. We were really lucky when I put the call out on FB for a friend willing to shave their head that our mate Dan Simpson put his hand up. One of the most straight up lovely humans you will ever meet so again it just added to the happiness of the day. Also Brock was surprisingly right on board with getting dressed up as an old woman which made for some hilarious moments walking around his home suburb of Indooroopilly.

Tell us about your upcoming album Self Help. What has the process of creating it been like? Do you enjoy recording?
Recording it has been a lot of hard work, the most of which falls on Brock as he is our engineer. It’s been a labour of love as we are independent, managing time between our full time jobs can be difficult and lead to fatigue but after all the chipping away to sit back from a distance and listen to what we have achieved makes me personally very proud. And as much as it is hard work, once you’re there doing it you realise how lucky you are. I am dumbfounded by how talented and charismatic the other two are, I think we all have a good balancing energy due to variance in our personal quirks that really helps to make the whole studio process more enjoyable. Also the advantage of recording in our drummers house (which is a professional studio) makes it all feel like it means something pretty special.

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How has your musical style grown and changed since your debut album?
I think I’m just a little bit better at guitar now, and Jordan and I have learnt how to fill more sonic space between us – as a three piece we always want the focus to be on sounding as good or better than our recordings. I guess as we’ve all played together more and more we learn what works better in terms of sacrificing parts for the overall benefit of a song, those little things hopefully come through on the new record as a step forward. At least I think people who have been following us from the early days will hopefully hear the progression.

You’ve been a part of some amazing Aussie festivals and Yours & Owls is coming up. How do you find the festival crowds? Any particular memories jump out for you?
Festivals are a huge privilege to ever be involved in, crowds can be both great and a bit intense but generally the hedonistic attitude of being at a camping event doesn’t manifest in negative behaviour for the most part. People are generally really happy to be there. I think playing Hills are Alive in regional Vic will always stand out for me – it was hailing 10 minutes before we played and about 6 degrees (it had been a low of 24 the day before when we were in Brisbane :|). I literally had my hands on my butt cheeks side of stage to keep them from cramping. As soon as we got into it the crowd was unreal and the rain stayed away by some miracle so it was a really special moment. Also playing Bigsound last year was a huge highlight, just getting the opportunity to do something you love in front of industry heavyweights is again something we didn’t take for granted. And to have it in our backyard? Brisbane is the best city in the world.

If you could pick absolutely anyone to bring on tour with you, whom would you pick and why? (Dead or Alive)
RAAVE TAPES, without any doubt in the world. Any chance to see my interstate friends.

What has been your proudest career achievement so far?
I guess just surviving this long as a band – a lot of people give up or find something else to pursue and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that but yeah I think the fact that we are such good friends after so many years is the biggest thing I have gained from this band. The friends we have made through playing music are what makes me most proud of what we have achieved, that’s what matters most to me personally.

What are your major goals or milestones for the future? 
Keep having loads of fun, influence people where possible in a positive way and maybe if we’re super lucky get overseas for a nice chunk of time to make some new mates!

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Clean – Soccery Mommy. Flawless record.
Artist – Cloud Nothings or atm Lizzo.
Movie – OG Jurassic Park
Place to visit – THE GONG or Radelaide
Venue to play – R.A.D (RIP)
Food –  Pizza every day all day. Or croissants.
Drink – Don’t mind a glass of Shiraz.
Person in History –  My mum.
Tattoo – I’ve only got one super cheesy one I got when 17 of a treble clef with a wave and peace sign in it – again, COASTAL SURFY VIBES STEROETYPE. Can’t escape it now.

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Check out BUGS below
Bandcamp | Facebook  | Instagram 

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AMNPLIFY – DB