Project Description

Interview with

KOSTA TSOURDALAKIS

of

UNLUCKY

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Interviewer: Maggie Sapet

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Unlucky

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Melbourne trio Unlucky was born out of the quiet safety of the suburbs and regular day jobs. Not content to settle in suburban banality, the incendiary three-piece is an explosive reaction to the growing insidiousness of world events. Unlucky are the much needed voice of dissent in an age of absolute corruption.

The musically and intellectually ferocious trio has just released their debut EP entitled ‘Before It’s Too Late’. It features current single, ‘Replay Rewind’, that is equal parts punk rock and hip hop. The release precedes the EP launch show at Melbourne’s famed Cherry Bar next weekend.

Check out what Unlucky’s Kosta Tsourdalakis (guitar/bass) had to say about ‘Replay Rewind’, the ‘Before It’s Too Late’ debut EP, the upcoming launch show at Cherry Bar and so much more about the Unlucky story to date!

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How and when did the band form?

We’ve had a couple of line-up changes in the past but the current Unlucky formed about two years ago. We started out kind of jamming around with some friends and when we lost our bassist and drummer and had Kristina (Tsourdalakis, drums) step in, we changed our approach a little. I feel like we really started making music when we became a three-piece. The lack of members really forced us all to be extra creative and pushed us in a whole different direction musically.

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Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I can only speak for myself, but I’d say one of the key reasons behind me picking up a guitar was directly linked to my Uncle Con. At a very early age he introduced me to bands like Led Zeppelin and System of a Down. ‘Black Dog’ was the first song I learnt on guitar and that initial hype has pushed on through to the present day. Additionally, having the opportunity to tour Australia and play shows with some of my closest friends, is what continually motivates me to keep on pushing.

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Who are your main musical influences?

Anyone that hears our stuff will say we must have been inspired by Rage Against the Machine and no doubt, in the early days of this band, Rage Against the Machine was what we would bump in the car on the way to shows (or late night Maccas runs). Nowadays, I’d say our influences have gotten so varied it’s almost impossible to pinpoint what’s floating around. Anything from Immortal Tech to Mutemath to DFA 1979, to more local guys like DZ Deathrays and even century old music from the island of Crete, is what seems to be on the spin these days.

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What is the inspiration behind ‘Replay Rewind’?

We just wanted to make a track that you could jump to but at the same time listen to and have it really soak in. We had wanted to make a track directly revolving around the theme of indoctrination for a while. This was us reflecting on events that were taking place in our lives personally and things we saw taking place around society that we thought needed a banger accompaniment to be fully understood. Musically, we were looking to experiment a little with structure and tone and break the boundaries of genre that too many musicians find themselves confined by these days.

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What are the themes explored on the debut EP ‘Before It’s Too Late’?

We cover everything from personal life experiences, to politics and social and cultural topics that we feel aren’t getting heard elsewhere. If I had to sum up the entire EP in one word thematically, I’d say the EP focuses on the subject of ‘Indoctrination’.

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Unlucky Before It's Too Late

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What can we expect from the upcoming EP launch show at Cherry Bar?

Mayhem and two incredibly talented opening bands.

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What is the point of difference with Unlucky?

I’d say what makes Unlucky different is that we’re real. We’re raw both live and in the studio and say what needs to be said regardless of if we think people will be open to hearing it out loud. We stand up for what we know to be just, even if it sometimes it seems like the whole world is against us. Musically, I’d say we pull off a dynamic not commonly seen. Essentially, we’re three people trying to sound like 20 whilst encouraging positive social change through songs that break the typical structure.

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What has been your most memorable career highlight to date?

Every moment we play music is a highlight! If I were to narrow it down to one event, I’d have to say having the opportunity to play Sydney’s Metro Theatre and bringing a bunch of mates along for the trip. It would have to have been one of the greatest times we’ve experienced as a band to date.

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What is something you would like to achieve career-wise that you haven’t done yet?

Getting some radio play on Triple J would be incredible and maybe hopping on a few festival gigs.

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If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?

I reckon Unlucky would go off in any venue, whether it’s the Evelyn Hotel down the road or Rod Laver Arena. To us, it’s not so much the venue, but the incredible crowd that makes a gig the most memorable.

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Connect with UNLUCKY

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

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Unlucky Before It's Too Late EP Launch Show

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