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Interview with
DAVID McCORMACK
from
CUSTARD

(8th October 2024)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Watch the full interview below

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Part 1

**Custard’s David McCormack on Music, Memories, and Their New Album *Suburban Curtains***

In a candid chat, I sat down with David McCormack from the iconic Australian band, Custard. If you grew up in the 90s, Custard was part of the soundtrack to your life. Their distinctive brand of alt-rock helped define an era, and they’ve been a fixture of the Aussie music scene ever since. But for McCormack and his bandmates, Custard is more than just nostalgia – it’s a passion they’ve sustained for over three decades.

From their humble beginnings in Brisbane to their latest album *Suburban Curtains*, Custard’s journey is full of highs, breaks, and a lot of great tunes in between.

### From High School to Hits

McCormack reminisces about his early days with Paul Medew, Custard’s bassist, when they were just two mates from Brisbane. Their first band, Who’s Gerald, was formed in the 80s and, in McCormack’s own words, “was terrible.” Yet, as any musician knows, the first steps are always the roughest. Eventually, the duo formed Custard in 1989 and haven’t looked back since.

The 90s brought success, record deals, and plenty of Triple J airplay. But like all long-term bands, Custard had its ups and downs. McCormack recalls a hiatus in the 2000s, where the band took a break for nearly 10 years. “We all needed a little break from each other,” McCormack explains, “but we got back together around 2009 and just kept going.” And they’ve been going strong ever since.

### The Sound of Custard: Unchanging and Timeless

When asked to describe Custard’s sound, McCormack delivers a refreshingly honest take: “unchanging.” For him, sticking to a formula that works has been key to the band’s longevity. “If you went back and listened to all our albums, you’d be hard-pressed to differentiate them. We’ve got a formula, and we’re sticking to it.”

It’s this consistency that keeps fans coming back, year after year. Custard’s sound, with its jangly guitars and laid-back melodies, still resonates with audiences. According to McCormack, “The formula works. Fans show up because they know what to expect, and that’s a comforting thing.”

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### New Album *Suburban Curtains*: A Nostalgic Throwback

Custard’s latest album, *Suburban Curtains*, drops on October 11th. For McCormack, it’s a deeply personal record that harks back to his childhood in Brisbane. “The name reminds me of growing up in the suburbs in the 70s and 80s,” he says, thinking of the “crazy 70s curtains” that hung in every house. With its roots firmly planted in the past, the album is a reflection on life, memory, and the passing of time.

The recording process was as authentic as the music itself. The band traveled to Tasmania’s Mona studios, using an eight-track tape recorder that once belonged to Abbey Road. “It was good to have the limitation,” McCormack notes, explaining how working with just a few tracks made the process more creative and focused.

### Highlights of *Suburban Curtains*

For McCormack, one of the standout tracks is “Getting Over You,” a song that had been sitting in his back pocket for years. “It’s one of those songs that you just hold onto and wait for the right moment,” he says. Another personal favorite is “FNQ,” a song inspired by the distinct vibe of Far North Queensland. After spending time up north, McCormack was struck by the sense of home he felt upon landing, and that emotion is woven into the track.

### Looking Forward, Not Back

While Custard may be a band steeped in nostalgia, McCormack makes it clear that they’re not ready to fade away just yet. “This will be our fourth album in the reformation period, and who knows how many more we’ll make,” he muses. But one thing’s for sure: Custard is here to stay, and they’re still making music that hits all the right notes.

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Part 2

In the second part of Dave Bruce’s interview, they dive deeper into a lighthearted yet insightful conversation. The artist talks about music, long-term goals, life lessons, and some fun, quirky rapid-fire questions.

Dave asks for a track to listen to, and the artist recommends one specific to Melbourne: “I Never Loved Melbourne Until I Met You.” When trying to get an idea of Custard’s music, “Apartment” is suggested. They discuss the band’s upcoming tour, mentioning the lineup, including The Fauves and The Stress of Leisure, and how the three bands share a love for loud guitars and a “healthy disrespect for the music biz.”

The artist reflects on the nature of the music industry, from streaming revenue to the challenges musicians face. They joke about crazy moments like driving non-stop from Brisbane to Melbourne in a van and share admiration for iconic figures like Jimi Hendrix, emphasizing how he was a traditional yet revolutionary musician.

The conversation shifts to philosophical reflections about life and living in the moment, with advice for younger generations to not overthink, but just do what feels right. The artist notes how every moment has potential, whether big or small, referencing Mandela’s experience in prison to illustrate how life can be full wherever you are.

A series of “favorites” questions follows, revealing that this favorite album is The Beatles’ *White Album*, favorite artist is Bob Dylan, favorite movie is *No Country for Old Men*, and favorite historical figure is Leonard Cohen. There’s a brief reflection on how Cohen and Dylan were unique figures in music, whose humor and talent were often underrated. The artist also mentions having a tattoo of his late dog, the Chief, which holds deep sentimental value.

To end the chat, Dave praises the artist for being comfortable in their own skin, remarking how natural and easy the interview flowed. They share mutual appreciation, agreeing to continue collaborating and working together.

This interview blends humor, deep reflections, and personal insights, giving fans a great sense of who the artist is and what they stand for both musically and personally.

Be sure to check out *Suburban Curtains* on October 11th. Fans old and new will find something to love in Custard’s timeless sound.

*Stay tuned to Amnplify for more exclusive interviews with your favorite bands, and don’t forget to follow Custard on their latest musical journey!*

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Follow CUSTARD
Website   Facebook   Instagram   YouTube

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Watch the full interview below

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Press Release 3rd October 2024 (below) HERE

CUSTARD
‘Open The Curtains’
National Tour
with THE FAUVES and
THE STRESS OF LEISURE
begins next month

CUSTARD latest single SOMEDAY out NOW
Double album Suburban Curtains out OCT 11 on ABC Music
DOUBLE VINYL, CD and CASSETTE – preorder here:
DIGITAL / VINYL, CD & CASSETTE

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AMNPLIFY – DB