INTERVIEWS

Naked Dwarf Interview - Feb 2006

The Go Set have a legacy already. As punk rock as punk rock gets: simple riffs, the occasional left field instrument, political, everyman lyrics. This vibe is reinforced with their latest release “The Hungry Mile”. Justin Keenan, true to form, tells us how it was, is, and always will be.

“All of the stories are very local, and the politics and social perspectives are particularly Australian. It really pisses me off when Australian bands sing in American accents, and consequently I think our vocals sound quite different to lots of people. They aren’t really used to Australian accents in music. The album has a real ‘wild colonial boy’ feel too I think, with lots of folk instruments, and dirty guitars.”

With some in studio help from the likes of Rob Younger (Radio Birdman) producing, and Donnie Dureau (Blueline Medic) and Mark Wallace (Weddings Parties Anything) offering some great advice, The Go Set’s recording of the new album “The Hungry Mile” was the same – but different.
“We spent a lot longer on the whole process this time around. I wrote a lot more songs, and we spent a lot more time jamming and in pre-production. I think that made things a lot better, and more efficient when it came to recording. Essentially we stuck to a similar formula as last time though, and lots of the tracks were recorded in only one or two takes. We had a great time making it – and got to share our recording process (and quite a few cases of beer) with people that we really admire.”

As with all things Go Set, the album name is of great significance. “‘The Hungry Mile’ is a poem that was written by Ernest Anthony in the 1930’s depression. It describes the plight of migrant workers, and the long walk from their inner city housing slums down to the docks where they worked as slave labour. Essentially, the story of The Hungry Mile is a pivotal point in the formation of Workers Unions, basic minimum wages, and workplace reform. It set some basic standards for all people in the workforce.”

As with most bands, time takes hold and evolution is both forced and chosen. Drummer and good mate Ben Cuthbert is heading off overseas in pursuit of love (awww!), thus the search for a new drummer is on. “Question is, do we get a sessional drummer to fill in just for the tour, or try to find a band member. We’ll know soon enough I guess.” The answer is rumoured to be found, but we’ll wait for the official announcement on that one.

Part time guitarist, part time mandolin player, Baxter is getting all grown up too. Turning 29 the night of an Espy gig in January, and set to marry in February, it’s proving to be a big year on and off stage. Shenanigans planned for the buck’s night are quintessentially Go Set. “Baxter has simple tastes – there’ll be beer, boobs, and probably the odd fist fight.”

The first release from the album is ‘Davey’. Although warmly received by fans and media alike, Keenan believes there better still to come. “I don’t think ‘Davey’ is the best song on the record, or the most likely to get airplay. We just thought it was a good idea to put a fast punk song out first to get the people who already know the band into it. It’s a fairly raw energy type song, and the video clip is complete chaos – we actually ended up with a fair damage bill after that clip!!”

Ah yes, the woes of the punk rock band. Then there’s all the business behind the scenes. “This time around we’ve actually hired a publicity company to look after all of our promotion over the next few months. The campaign starts on Feb 20th, so hopefully a couple of album tracks will get added to radio. I know that Rage are already playing the video, and I know the Bnet in NZ (which is the equivalent of Triple J) have it in high rotation.”

With a jam packed tour booked and waiting, there’s one calendar highlight that screams sell out. The launch gig at St Kilda’s infamous Gershwin Room at the Esplanade Hotel, on St Patrick’s Day. The diehard fans are even organizing their own party buses to get to and from the gig, including jelly shots and guaranteed full moon. They’re a great idea considering the percentage of fans that come from rural areas. “Lots of people actually travel a fair way to come to our shows, which is really encouraging, and it’s also the motivation for wanting to continue to tour those areas.” “Yeah, the buses are a great idea – and it means that people get picked up and dropped off at home, so they don’t have to even contemplate drink driving. Makes for a real party atmosphere too. That gig will be huge.” And if you can’t make the green celebration, don’t stress. Every show The Go Set put on involve three elements – copious amounts of alcohol, fantastic tunes, and half naked jigs shared by band and crowd. What more is there?!

“The Hungry Mile” is out on March 6th through MGM, and the Australian/NZ tour dates run from March 8th to June 13th. More info is at www.thegoset.com.au