After the release of their 3rd EP “Go Wild!” back in November 2015 and an east coast Australian tour, Melbourne’s The Dead Heir have released their latest video “Hand”. The band have taken inspiration from early 60s love songs and dropped a slow/melodic tune with some dreamy synth lines thrown in.
Last year the psych rockers created an extremely addictive video game which included knocking back long necks at local pubs around Melbourne. The latest idea from the five piece was to organize a local gig and charge $1 to slap one member from the band. Needless to say there was quite the line for some cheap slaps.
In this interview, we chat about influences, their newest project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
We like the kind of music that can be enjoyed as much through earphones on a couch on a Sunday afternoon as it can be in a crowded bar when you’ve forgotten how to stand up straight and you can taste colours. Hence, psych rock.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
What is this, like, four years now?
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I could harp on about our musical influences (or could I? I’m just the drummer) but the main thing that keeps us writing and performing is the beautiful people who play and listen to music in this fine city, Melbourne. We make music to share it, to play with people we love, to make new friends and to get sweaty with strangers.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
We wanted to release something fun and interesting to herald the end of this long, cold winter and welcome the spring to come.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’m answering this question at a psychedelic DJ session at The Retreat. The song I’m listening to has been going for about 40 minutes. It’s got bulk depth. But the last sweet gig I saw was Parading, Masco Sound System and Flyying Colours at The Northcote Social Club. Blew my mind.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Mp3 for practicality, vinyl for sentimentality.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp for sure. I don’t think we’re fancy enough for Apple or Spotify just yet. Bandcamp has always been chill to bands at all stages of their careers.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The only real challenge we face is that we live in a city full of amazing bands. Any night a group of people choose to come and see us, out of all the possible acts playing that evening, we feel blessed.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
We gig. Mostly around Melbourne. The Curtin, The Tote, The Evelyn, The Gaso and Old Bar are our favourite places to be. Come find us there, whether we’re playing or not. Never live steamed before. We prefer to see people looking back at us.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Facebook is great. You can find our songs on bandcamp. Also, look out for us on tinder.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Feel free to check out our various off-shoot vanity projects: Foot, Hot Sludge Fundae, The Lying Weasels, The Backs and Loveboner.
