Maids are definitely up there as one of our favourite Newcastle bands. They thrash and wail, and generally put on a rollickingly sweat-drenched live show. They’re just about to head our way on their latest tour, set to rip through The Cambridge next Friday 14 August. We had a chat with singer/drummer, Sean, about life on the road (manginas and all), and getting pumped to show Newy a good time…
So, you’re well and truly in the thick of your ‘Happy Here Right Now’ Tour – What’s the thing you love most about touring?
When reflecting on the experience, it’s super hard to narrow it down to one thing that we love most. For me personally, it was awesome to be pushing our music and the Maids vibe, but overall, the opportunity to make new relationships with amazing people and bands is really special.
And the thing you don’t love so much about touring?
This will sound pretty bratty, but honestly, carrying/lugging gear can suck it.
Any funny/weird/mildly incriminating stories from the road so far?
Some tough drunk dude was ruining the vibe for our Perth show. I called him out on it and told him to leave if he wanted to fight, etc. When we finished the show, he was outside with a cop car and an ambulance. Turns out he had no one to fight but his friends. He left with a pretty bashed up face and Matt got a great photo with the cop car (mangina and all). Hit up our Instagram @maidsband.
Your tour started in WA and will take you all across Australia – Does it ever feel a bit surreal when you see people from the other side of the country in the front row of your shows, singing along to all your songs and getting into your music?
Yeah absolutely. We’ve gotten around a bit now and made some great friends and fans. If someone sings our songs, head bangs, or parties along with us, we always make sure to welcome them into the Maids family – we value that kind of thing a lot.
The new single ‘Happy Here Right Now’ has received a great response, and recently scored a spot in Triple J’s Home & Hosed ‘Top 5 Aussies Songs of the Week’ – That’s gotta be a pretty awesome feeling, does that kind of exposure put the pressure on for the next single, or do you just roll with it?
We felt a lot of pressure in producing ‘Happy Here Right Now’ – trying to come up with the perfect song and formulating things a lot. I guess that could be perceived as a good thing based on the outcome with Home & Hosed, but I think that overall, pressure is detrimental to our process. The next single will be approached with much more artistic freedom and we are pumped to surprise our audience again.
You’re just about to head our way for the single launch at The Cambridge – What can Newcastle expect from a Maids live show?
We are so excited for the Newcastle show. Such an amazing line up. Sometimes we psych ourselves out when we play in Newcastle (it can be a bit intimidating), but this time round all we want is to have fun. We kinda see it like a sweet party with all of our friends. Our live show isn’t perfect but we guarantee a great time. We will put every part of ourselves into our set… even if it means broken necks.
5 FAVOURITE THINGS WITH MAIDS…
Favourite stage you’ve ever played on?
Personally, I prefer no stage. On the floor with the crowd where there is no feeling of superiority between us and the punters rules. I want to be level with them so Maids and the crowd are more connected. Sorry for dodging the question…We vibe at The Small Ballroom.
Favourite post-gig ritual?
Couple of pingerz and hitting up kingerz.
Favourite band to see live?
Any band in WA. Pat Chow, Foam, Puck…
Favourite song of all time?
Never sure. ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries always makes me feel great.
Favourite meal of all time?
I haven’t had it yet, but at some point i’m pretty keen to do the drive-thru challenge: Some burgers from Maccas, chicken from KFC, maybe a thick shake or something from Hungry Jacks.
Don’t miss Maids tear it up with The Owls, Ornaments, Family Dog and Horegeous at The Cambridge Hotel next Friday 14th August – Get yo tix here: http://www.bigtix.com.au/products/2073-maids.aspx#.VcKaAxOqpBc
