O-Kay, randomness Galore with I Heart Hiroshima.
» Rocket Science - Zoo, The, QLD - May 2, 2008
» Rocket Science - Cambridge Hotel, NSW - May 2, 2008
After spending some time gathering their random thoughts, eating muffins, and writing some music, ‘I Heart Hiroshima’ are back to wow loyal fans once again.
Having just released an EP, ‘ Punks’ and an album ‘ tuff teef’, one thing you should come to expect from ‘ I heart Hiroshima’s members, Matt and Susie, is the un-expectant.
When asked about their latest ep/work ‘ punks’, Matt explained,
‘Well in truth it's not really an EP, more of a muscly single. it's got the track "punks" from the album plus some other songs that are really really good.’
‘It’s the single plus a few cheeky b-sides thrown in for good measure. Fresh beats, spiritual ditties and mad dedications.’ Susie added.
Despite the Australian music industries’ fondness for Kylie Minogue’s, Silverchair and The (shudder) Veronica’s, I heart Hiroshima have done the hard yards to impress their followers on the local music scene. Hailing from Brisbane, the group formed after discussion of a ‘ jam’ at a house party for a former member, Susie reflects that it was ‘ solid gold’.
Being in a band must be hectic, a confusing mix of good times and bad in a competitive industry, and Whilst they have completely different and exciting personalities, the pair share a fondness for the band ‘ Ratatat.’, Matt enlightened me on his thoughts on the music industry, and the high’s and low’s.
‘I wouldn't call it competitive at all from my experiences, everyone is generally quite kind, even if they come off as arrogant to begin with. all of my bad experiences have come from other, "on the road too long" type things. best experience though, has to be playing two shows with Ratatat. those guys are amazing.’
Whilst Susie was more up-front, after clearly having a bad run of luck.
‘Worst - having bronchitis whilst having to sit in a Tarago for 14hrs. Also being accosted by “iced-up” middle-aged-off-duty-mothers-of-two who want to take me home and have their best friend and Polynesian dancer perform a private routine for me.
Best - playing with Ratatat, raddest dudes and music. Oh and also being accosted by “iced-up” middle-aged-off-duty-mother-of-two who wanted to take me home and have her best friend and Polynesian dancer perform a private routine for me. Epic.’
Although they’ve supported ‘ The Grates’ on tour, being hit on by mothers, and Supporting Ratatat, Life in the band hasn’t always been about raunchy routines and great support gigs. The band know a thing or two about bad luck, and have learnt the hard way about the skill of organisation.
After being invited to play at the popular ‘ South by Southwest’ festival, visa troubles cost them this opportunity, although Susie assures me it wasn’t because of ‘a) our bands name or b) that we had criminal records.’, but not to worry, they still made it to the Gold Coast Big Day Out, and hint that they would love to play more festivals in the future, perhaps another appearance at Big Day Out is on the cards?
‘ I Heart Hiroshima’ have also copped a lot of heat about their title, with many people associating it with the Infamous bombings in WW2, and warfare, a sore topic in today’s society.
Matt explains the theory behind it (or lack of)‘Well, the name was made up by susie and our ex-member mel. i was never let in on any real meaning but i always figured it is a sympathetic name. we have taken a fair amount of crap for it (which i still don't understand), but to me the name of something isn't in any way important or interesting (as long as it doesn't REALLY suck).
After having seemingly bullied Matt into the title, Susie redeemed herself explaining her views on the band name.
‘If you’re searching for controversy in regards to the title I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. It was concocted whilst lying on a rug in a Brisbane Park, it’s alliteration, it’s cute, it’s in no way controversial unless you want to be over analytical and cryptic about it.’
One other fact that should be taken into accound when considering ‘ I heart Hiroshima’, don’t’ analyse anything.
The band remain optimistic about their success in the industry, even with the evident lack of support most Australian acts receive. Reflecting on whether they feel there is a lack of support for little Aussie bands.
MATT: I guess in a way i do, but it's just too complicated these days. I was talking to a friend the other day about an idea he had to basically gain as much support as possible. I'm not going to tell you what it is of course because the idea belongs to my friend. i don't really mind not being supported, when I go out to a bar I don't like it to be packed with people.
SUSIE: We have been ridiculously lucky in regards to our ‘musical path’ if you will. We have played lots of fun shows, toured many times, had 3 - soon to be 4 – releases, printed shirts, been organized and driven around and at all times maintained complete creative control of our band. I feel pretty damn good about the way my band has been going since we started. But yes, of course some bands really struggle to get off the ground, but I wouldn’t be speaking from experience if I said anything in regards to that, because we’ve been lucky enough to have never really experienced the whole “struggling artist” vibe. Yeah we still sleep on couches and have day jobs, but we’ve got it pretty sweet all the same.
Following their tour with ‘ The mint chicks’, I heart Hiroshima have some Big Big plans for the future, with Susie planning to create ‘ Big time parties and dedications to the late Biggie Smalls, 2Pac, Ez-E and Lisa “Left-eye” Lopez. And maybe some shows in between all that.’
And matt pondering ‘Probably do about 3 thousand tours this year and then who knows? the only expectations or hopes that I could really say would be playing with Bruce, and playing with Explosions in the Sky. other than that maybe touring the US with Ratatat. well, i guess i started with plans and then crashed over to wishes. I apologize.’. Whilst the majority of these future plans are speculation, it is confirmed that I heart Hiroshima will be touring around the country yet again, supporting Regurgitator during October.
