OAKLAND
I heard you've all been involved in playing different genres of music previously, how has the current Oakland posse and sound come to be?
I think our sound has become more defined as we’ve become more confident as a band. Hopefully we’ve moved beyond imitating or re-creating our favourite music, which was a great way to start, and really the only way to start when you don’t know what you’re doing. We want something else now. As for the current posse, I’d say it’s been about five years in the making… I came along way after the others were already rehearsing as Oakland. Then we needed a dedicated bass player and so Micky joined last year. He was handpicked from over one million candidates and was subjected to rigorous physical and psychometric testing. Turns out he’s real chill.
Does everyone dig and listen to the same type of music now/share similar influences when writing new songs or does the new stuff form like one of those Jackson Pollock paint splatters where everyone throws something in?
I think we all have pretty diverse tastes, but if we tried anything, er, Pollockian, I’m confident it would sound terrible. In fact, I’m sure lots of our ideas about what constitutes ‘good’ music are in conflict with each other, and I’d say that tension is a good thing. But I think everyone in the band shares an idea of the sound we’re chasing. Whatever ideas pop up either before or during rehearsal are generally in support of that.
What's the vibe on the whole Stagebound competition that you were nominated for by Pilerats?
Yeah, we were really happy to have been a part of that. And to be nominated by Pilerats is baller, because they’re baller, and it made me feel baller for a little while, which is all I need. There was some serious talent amongst the other nominations though, some of our favourite local bands. I saw Jacob Diamond as Big Splash and he rocked my world. Congrats to Great Gable and Slick Monks!
I think our sound has become more defined as we’ve become more confident as a band. Hopefully we’ve moved beyond imitating or re-creating our favourite music, which was a great way to start, and really the only way to start when you don’t know what you’re doing. We want something else now. As for the current posse, I’d say it’s been about five years in the making… I came along way after the others were already rehearsing as Oakland. Then we needed a dedicated bass player and so Micky joined last year. He was handpicked from over one million candidates and was subjected to rigorous physical and psychometric testing. Turns out he’s real chill.
Does everyone dig and listen to the same type of music now/share similar influences when writing new songs or does the new stuff form like one of those Jackson Pollock paint splatters where everyone throws something in?
I think we all have pretty diverse tastes, but if we tried anything, er, Pollockian, I’m confident it would sound terrible. In fact, I’m sure lots of our ideas about what constitutes ‘good’ music are in conflict with each other, and I’d say that tension is a good thing. But I think everyone in the band shares an idea of the sound we’re chasing. Whatever ideas pop up either before or during rehearsal are generally in support of that.
What's the vibe on the whole Stagebound competition that you were nominated for by Pilerats?
Yeah, we were really happy to have been a part of that. And to be nominated by Pilerats is baller, because they’re baller, and it made me feel baller for a little while, which is all I need. There was some serious talent amongst the other nominations though, some of our favourite local bands. I saw Jacob Diamond as Big Splash and he rocked my world. Congrats to Great Gable and Slick Monks!
Last year we lost a few venues, and a couple more opened up, which room and stage is your favourite to play on?
I really enjoyed the gigs we played at the Oddfellow last year. All the music I’ve watched there has sounded great, it’s a nice room and it’s in a basement, which makes it coooooool maaaaaaaan.
Which bands are doing it good in Perth right now?
Ohhh man, so many! Methyl’s Oh Inhuman Spectacle was such a strong release. The Spunloves are amazing too. Jacob Diamond. Also, if you haven’t already, you should go see These Winter Nights. They’re offensively talented and this year should be a big one for them.
When is the next Oakland release that I can tickle my earballs with?
We’re actually taking it pretty slow and steady. That last EP was a huge learning curve for us. I know it wasn’t the most polished release, but it helped to point us in the right direction. Now I’d say we’re more confident in our abilities as a band, and we want to give each track a little more love than before. We have a few ideas now. If all goes to plan, we’re probably looking to put out a new single probably sometime April, and another EP a little later in the year.
Lastly, do you guys find the new NSW Stoner Sloth campaign effective?
Yes. 100%. It totally changed my perception of sloths.
I really enjoyed the gigs we played at the Oddfellow last year. All the music I’ve watched there has sounded great, it’s a nice room and it’s in a basement, which makes it coooooool maaaaaaaan.
Which bands are doing it good in Perth right now?
Ohhh man, so many! Methyl’s Oh Inhuman Spectacle was such a strong release. The Spunloves are amazing too. Jacob Diamond. Also, if you haven’t already, you should go see These Winter Nights. They’re offensively talented and this year should be a big one for them.
When is the next Oakland release that I can tickle my earballs with?
We’re actually taking it pretty slow and steady. That last EP was a huge learning curve for us. I know it wasn’t the most polished release, but it helped to point us in the right direction. Now I’d say we’re more confident in our abilities as a band, and we want to give each track a little more love than before. We have a few ideas now. If all goes to plan, we’re probably looking to put out a new single probably sometime April, and another EP a little later in the year.
Lastly, do you guys find the new NSW Stoner Sloth campaign effective?
Yes. 100%. It totally changed my perception of sloths.