Project Description

Interview with
NOAH CHURCH
from
DAVE, THE BAND

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

.

.

When did dave the band come to be? Where did your band name come from?
The genesis of the band was back in 2007, when Gabe and I were in high school. We started the band so we could play in the school talent competition. We played Smells Like Teen Spirit but didn’t get in. Somewhere along the way we decided to call ourselves dave. It was a bad idea.

How would you describe your sound? Rock? Indie rock?
High voltage yoch n roll!!!
On paper, we’re a pretty standard rock band, but I like to think there’s more to us than that. As a wise man once said; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We listen to a massive variety of music and try to take influence from everything that we find inspiring, so our sound is not just influenced by straight-up rock.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
It’s hard to pick just one!! For a long time, Built to Spill were the most inspiring band to us. Over the last few years though, I’ve become obsessed with Pinegrove and Big Thief. They’re both bands with a tried and true rock line-up but they’ve still been able to forge an identity that’s undeniably their own.

Your debut album “Slob Stories” comes out August 28! Can you share the origins or inspiration behind the release?
The origin of the album is just a couple of slobs from Newcastle working their asses off to go overseas and make a record. The name Slob Stories was a slip of the tongue from Gabe one day and I thought it would perfectly sum up what the record we were making was about.

How does this release progress or evolve on your previous work?
I was interested in showcasing a different side to our songwriting for this release. In the past, we’ve written a lot of bangers with the intention of going off live. We’ve still done that on Slob Stories and it will always be a huge part of our sound, but this time we tried to compliment that with some tender and thoughtful moments.

.

.

What was the creative process of making “Slob Stories” like? Where did you record the album?
We recorded the album in Chicago with Steve Albini. We recorded it in three days and mixed it on the fourth day. The next day Steve drove the tapes to the mastering place in Chicago and we had the album back and finished within the week!

Is there a song from the album that you could tell us a little about? Perhaps one you are especially proud of writing?
I’m really proud of Footy Socks. It’s the sort of song that I probably wouldn’t have considered showing the guys if I’d written it a few years earlier. Now that a few people have heard the album, a lot of them are mentioning Footy Socks as a standout. It’s so different from the other tracks and I think people have been taken by surprise.

Who are your biggest music influences?
Built to Spill, Cloud Nothings, Hop Along, You Am I, Pinegrove, Big Thief, Silver Jews, Death Cab for Cutie, The Lemonheads, Custard, A Tribe Called Quest.

You have performed with some of your music influences! Is there a live performance you have done with someone who inspired you, that stands out for you?
Playing with British India a few years back was awesome. In high school, they were a huge influence on us and their live show is sick. They just play the hits! We left one of our t shirts and some stale croissants in their green room before the show and when they came onstage that night Declan was wearing the shirt. I’m not sure if he they ate the croissants though.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Yasiin Bey, because he is “da man”.

.

.

What is next for you in 2020? Where do you see yourselves in a years’ time?
We’re going to try and record our next album by the end of the year. Hopefully, in a year’s time we’ll be back playing live shows! If not, I’ll just be surfing and playing with my MPC at home a lot.

Do you have any longer-term dreams or aspirations for dave the band?
We just want to keep doing what we love doing. By going overseas and recording with Steve Albini we ticked off the biggest bucket item list. I can die a happy man now.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience?
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Any Pinegrove album
Artist – David Lobb
Movie – Frank
Place to visit – My Mum’s when she cooks dinner
Venue to play – The Lass O’Gowrie
Food –  Bagel with cream cheese and vegemite (at Frothers Espresso)
Drink – Pints of Balter at the Espy
Person in History –  Bill Hicks
Tattoo – I’m not allowed to get a tattoo

.

.

Check out DAVE THE BAND below

Facebook
Instagram

.

DAVE THE BAND
release their debut album

SLOB STORIES
today

Watch the video for new single CAPSULE

Head to Instagram for  ‘WHICH DAVE ARE YOU?’  filter

Album launch show tonight!

(Full news story HERE)

.

CLICK ON PIC TO VIEW NEWS

.

AMNPLIFY – DB