Jay Interview for DMWC Films 2021

Introduction and Background

Jay is a member of the band Frenzal Rhomb, where he sings and plays bass. He is also involved in other bands, including the Neptune Power Federation and the Chinese Burns Unit. Frenzal Rhomb has been active for about 120 years (humorously exaggerated), Neptune Power Federation for about 10 minutes, and Chinese Burns Unit falls somewhere in between.

Why People Should Attend Live Shows

Jay emphasizes that live shows offer something you can't get from watching online, such as the intense volume and the unique, sometimes unpleasant, atmosphere (e.g., the smell of the venue). He recalls the excitement of feeling slightly unsafe at shows during his youth, which added to the thrill of the experience.

The Australian Music Scene

Jay believes the Australian music scene is currently thriving and more inclusive than it has been in a long time. He contrasts this with the past, where the scene was more exclusive and narrow-minded. There is now a lot more collaboration between bands, with musicians supporting each other and playing in multiple projects.

Comparison to International Scenes

Jay notes that Australia has a unique sound, partly due to the increasing comfort of musicians singing in their natural Australian accents. He points out that Australia's smaller population means fewer people attend shows, but the scene still punches above its weight.

Impact of Lockout Laws in Sydney

Jay discusses how the lockout laws in Sydney negatively impacted the music scene, particularly by limiting the late-night creative interactions that often lead to new ideas and bands. He highlights the importance of the late-night hours after shows for networking and brainstorming, which were stifled by the lockout laws.

Community Aspect of the Music Scene

Jay describes the music community as both supportive and incestuous, with everyone knowing each other. This can be beneficial for collaboration but also leads to drama and competition. While it’s easy to find help (e.g., drummers, recording assistance), it also means that bands often know too much about each other’s personal lives, leading to conflicts.

Crazy Stories from Gigs

Jay shares a story about breaking his arm during a snowboarding festival in Canada while crowd surfing and singing simultaneously. He humorously recalls thinking his arm might be amputated. He mentions that injuries are common at gigs, both for band members and audience participants.

Should the Underground Stay Underground?

Jay believes that music should be accessible to everyone, and bands should have the opportunity to achieve success. He expresses frustration when bands that deserve recognition don’t get it, or when friends turn their backs on bands that become successful.

Challenges of Being a Musician in Australia

Jay discusses the societal pressure in Australia to pursue a conventional career path, contrasting it with Europe, where being in a band is seen as a legitimate career choice. He highlights the financial challenges of being a musician in Australia, where there is little support for those who choose music as a career.

Favorite Venues

Jay mentions several favorite venues in Sydney, including Marrickville’s Red Rattler, which has a good vibe and supports diverse acts. He also lists venues across Australia, such as the Crowbar in Brisbane, the Corner Hotel in Melbourne, and the Prince of Wales in Bunbury.

Bands to Watch

Jay struggles to name all the bands he loves but mentions a few, including The Naughty Boys, Coffin, and Canine. He promises to provide a more comprehensive list later.

C.O.F.F.I.N.

Canine

History of the Pet Food Factory

Jay started the Pet Food Factory in Redfern as a personal space to write and record music. Over time, it evolved into a studio where he recorded other bands. After the Redfern building was redeveloped, Jay moved the studio to Marrickville, where it continues to operate.

Future Goals in Music

Jay’s primary goal is to continue enjoying music and creating new songs. He finds inspiration in young, aggressive bands that push the boundaries of their abilities. He plans to keep working on multiple projects, including recording new albums with his bands and potentially touring in Japan.

Self-Promotion and Upcoming Projects

The Neptune Power Federation is working on a new record and planning a European tour with cover songs released as seven-inch singles. Frenzal Rhomb is in the process of recording a new album, with a large number of songs being written and whittled down. The Chinese Burns Unit is also working on a new record and considering a tour in Japan.

Conclusion

Jay expresses his love for the music scene and his desire to keep creating and supporting other musicians. He humorously mentions his dream of "bathing in cash" but ultimately values the creative and collaborative aspects of music.