2010 Nominee Q+A: Calling All Cars
| 2010-09-27 17:30 | Written By:
Melbourne rock band Calling All Cars [pictured right] are nominated for Best Hard Rock or Punk Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for their debut LP Hold, Hold, Fire. The music video for the title track is embedded above.
Ahead of this year's awards night - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with Calling All Cars' bassist, Adam Montgomery, to talk independent music.
What's your favourite musical moment of 2010 so far, Adam?
I have two. Supporting AC/DC back in Feb/March. It was such an amazing experience for the band and everyone involved. Not something any of us are going to forget quickly.
The other would be releasing our debut album back in March. You only get to release one debut record and we are really happy with ours. Phew!
Favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist?
'Loveless' by Children Collide [audio embedded below].
It's a track from their new record. Such a smokey, haunting feel to the whole song. I just really dig it. These guys can do slower songs with a heap of charm, without slipping into cheesy ballad territory. Not always easy to do.
What does being independent mean to you?
It really means everything to us. The main point being we are completely in control of every decision that has to be made. Everything we do is on our terms and thats the way we dig it. At no point do we feel as though we've missed out on an opportunity that may have come our way if we were on a major. Maybe 20 years ago things would have been different, but now we really feel like we have the same opportunities and options as any band on any label, major or otherwise.
What's the biggest challenge you face as an independent musician?
Initially, I think just getting some money behind you to record, advertise etc is the toughest thing. If you can successfully get through that period without selling too much of your soul, things are all good.
As a band, what would you ultimately like to be known and remembered for?
Releasing records we are ultimately happy with and putting on good, consistent live shows. All the other stuff will be forgotten quickly. If we can look back in 20 years time and feel good about both those things, we'll be content with our contribution to music.
What's the best thing about being associated with AIR and the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards?
Best thing by far is having our music and album recognised and appreciated by our peers. So many good Australian albums are released every week, so to be in a shortlist that's considered to be the best six in that particular category feels really fucking good.
Which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'?
I think Young Revelry from Perth. We are currently on tour with them and they are the best band I have seen in a while. For lovers of quiet, loud, quiet heavy indie music. Similar to the sounds of 'And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead' and 'Pixies'
Finally, who do you think is going to win your category this year? Who deserves runner-up?
Well, I am not entirely sure as we are in a category with really heavy bands, which is not really my thing. But if I had to pick one I would say Parkway Drive as they have done so well for themselves. I don't think an Australian band who are so heavy, has ever had the kind of success those guys are enjoy now. It's really impressive.
Thanks for your time, Adam! For more info on Calling All Cars, visit their MySpace.
The 5th Annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards are held at The Forum Theatre, Melbourne on Friday October 1st, 2010, featuring live performances from British India, Cloud Control, The Amity Affliction, M-Phazes, Sally Seltmann and Joe Chindamo. Doors open at 8:00pm; tickets are $29+BF and available now via Ticketmaster.
For more info on AIR and Australian independent music, visit http://www.ausindies.com.au/
