Aching Aussies Sick Puppies were brought together by a mutual love of Silverchair. Now they’re poised to surpass their heroes as Oz’s most sought after export. Now based in L.A., the band is in the midst of a knock down, drag out US tour that’ll take them from Alaska clear to New York City. If you haven’t heard their monster hits, “All The Same” or “My World,” maybe you’re familiar with their reinventions of hits by Smashing Pumpkins or Destiny’s Child. Either way, you’re about to get real familiar with the band because they’re tied down to the Hot Seat and they’re expecting you.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: Each tour we travel with 2 crew members…
We went through 14 of them last year. At a festival in Florida I climbed a very tall speaker stack and prepared to jump off. Instead of helping me from plunging to a nasty fall on this wobbly unstable stack, my guitar tech stood along and watched with the audience (giving me a thumbs up - think Bill & Tedd’s Excellent Adventure) as I tried my best not to kill myself. Then when I landed, my guitar pedals cut out. Instead of checking the wires, my guitar tech simply ran over and started bashing pedals with his hands!
This may not sound all that rock n roll but when your on stage for all this and trying to cope… time just stops.
Q: What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
A: Philosophy. I’ve never had a chance to learn much of that except from my parents and guides. It is definitely one of the more important subjects in this life.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: Portland, Maine. Cause it’s a beautiful waterfront town with kids that love to rock. And we sell out every time we go there now!
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Don’t ever tell someone you love them unless you mean it.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
A: Breaking Benjamin (both records) and the soundtrack to Once.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: Entourage! I love how all the characters are so equally F#$%ED UP! Yet you still want them all to win.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
A: Michael Jackson. I was about 9 or 10. It was the biggest thing I’d ever seen. A spectacle beyond belief. He flew out of the arena on a jet pack from stage. Yet I still didn’t want to do anything like that until I saw Silverchair play on the outside veranda of Radio City Music Hall. Cause they were my age.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Emma, Mark and my tape recorder.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Incubus, Silverchair, Rage against the Machine (does anyone have tickets?) Stephen Sondheim, Danny Elfman, Muse, Fiona Apple, Emma Anzai.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Do as much good as you can
for as many people as you can
as often as you can
wherever you can
for any reason you can
For as many days as you have.
