Melbourne indie darlings British India have released their latest album Controller today. Bassist Will Drummond took time out of their current tour to chat with us. As a bonus, they also gave us a double pass to one of their upcoming shows for a lucky Bonds reader!
Hey Will! Thanks for taking time to chat with us. Tell us about your latest album Controller. This album has been born through a lot of hardship. Our band room flooded and we had to relocate to a shop front in Preston, Melbourne. Within two minutes of us starting to jam, we had our Osteopath neighbours banging profusely on the door. Needless to say the room wasn't remotely sound-proofed. With the help of our manager's friend Danny, we were able to construct a room within a room. After several months of not writing a note, we were able to write what is now Controller. What inspires your music and songwriting? Initially it was being with three of my great friends and learning to play music to impress girls. I guess nothing has changed. What’s the best gig you’ve ever played? Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass 2010 are the highlights. Massive and receptive crowds. They are moments that really stay with you. If I wasn't in a band then there would be no other reason for me to be onstage in front of that many people. What’s on your must-have list when touring? Toiletry bag. If you forget that you are in for an expensive weekend replacing everything just so you can smell nice and not look like the wild man from Borneo. You know how much razors cost?! There should be a parliamentary inquiry into the price of MacPower razor prices.
British India (l-r): Matt O'Gorman, Declan Melia, Will Drummond and Nic Wilson
What’s on your rider? 36 beers, a bottle of tequila, orange juice, two bottles of chardonnay, water, Red Bull and fruit. If you weren’t a band what would you be doing? Travelling non-stop. I would be that guy who works for two weeks here and two weeks there - just to see every part of the world I could. After I got bored of that I would study again and become a cog in this society somehow. What’s your fave music to listen to? I love the sound of a good guitar tone. There is nothing better than driving down the highway with the sound of Mick Taylor, Jimi Hendrix or Neil Young wailing away on a solo. Do you have a fave memory of Bonds? You'd have to ask my ex-girlfriends. FAST FIVE Tell us your fave… Holiday destination: Japan. Food: I will try anything once so I find it hard to pinpoint one. Place in Australia: Melbourne or far north Queensland. Karaoke song: It Never Rains in Southern California by Albert Hammond Jr. Pick-up line: You smell like trash, may I take you out?Win a double pass to see British India live!
Leave a comment on this post and tell us your fave British India song and why in 25 words or less. Entries close Friday 29th March. One lucky winner will get to choose which show they want to attend. Read our Terms & Conditions.Check out British India's latest single, Summer Forgive Me: http://youtu.be/HOQPV8g_tGc
Controller Tour Dates
Tickets on-sale now via oztix.com.au April 5 Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Gold Coast QLD April 6 The Hi-Fi, Brisbane VIC April 12 The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW April 13 Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW April 19 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC April 20 The Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast QLD April 24 The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide SA April 25 The Prince Of Wales, Bunbury WA April 26 Settlers Tavern, Margaret River WA April 27 Capitol, Perth WA May 3 ANU Bar, Canberra ACT May 4 Blood Sweat & Fears, Darwin NT May 18 The Wool Exchange, Geelong VIC11 years ago
