Milwaukee punk quartet Direct Hit! are headed to Australia for the first time ever and they have collected a neat local lineup to accompany them.
Since the international pickup of their 2016 Fat Wreck Chords LP Wasted Mind, Direct Hit! stand at the forefront of punk, showing exactly what can be done with the genre.
An apt and jubilant exploration of hardcore hallucinogen, Wasted Mind borrows themes from classic stories, releasing an unnerving narrative about never ending acid trips and drug-fueled partying. Bringing the high-energy punk output to Australian venues will guarantee a outrageous and righteous time.
Singer and guitarist of Direct Hit! Nick Woods talks about music, inspirations and the expectations of this strange land down under.
CD: What is the underlying message to your most recent release, and what was the main influence behind its production?
NW: Really it’s just a bunch of dumb stories about drugs, just like all of our records are dumb stories about whatever. Ostensibly, it follows a person’s ups and downs through a lifetime of hallucinations and ups and downs, and the people they meet and hurt and fall in love with, and the experiences they have, all filtered through the lens of a variety of substances. I like to think beneath the surface, it’s an album about perception, and how fragile reality or identity can be.
CD: Each musician has a different lyrical style. Where do you draw inspiration when it comes to writing new music?
NW: I’ll have a dream or a nightmare, or watch a movie, or read a book, or meet someone new who tells me a story… there’s all kinds of different places. I’ll get a vision in my head, and write a soundtrack. Lyrically, it’s just telling the story about what I’m seeing inside my own brain. Or a thought I have, or a joke.
CD: As the first ever tour down under, what are your expectations of Australia?
NW: I actually have family in Australia who’ve lived there my whole life, but I’ve never had a chance to visit them. They tell me it’s like a wilder version of the States, honestly – More expensive, and with crazier animals, and free-er people. I’m really excited! A couple of my friends have almost drowned after being pulled into the ocean by the undertow.
CD: In regards to expectations of Aus, what is the weirdest urban legend that you have heard about our country?
NW: Honestly, I’ve heard plenty of weird shit about Australia that’s totally real. I saw that video of that insane kangaroo trying to chest-bump its way through the person’s window. And I watched that movie about the Snowtown Murders. Both of those are fucked enough!
CD: Each support band reinforces the importance of local music, how did you choose these bands?
NW: I didn’t – Our pal Brock did who knows the lay of the land better than we do booked everything. That’s part of the fun of touring, hearing new and up and coming music in new cities. We do know a lot of people who’ve toured with The Decline before, and have nothing but awesome stuff to say about them as a band and as people.
CD: Beyond the tour, what are your plans with the music when you return to the USA?
NW: We’ve been recording a lot lately, actually, demoing material for a new album, and trying new stuff out. Hoping to record it this fall! We’re spending a week in Florida playing shows for the Fest in October, but beyond that we don’t have too much planned, besides planning itself. I’m pumped about doing new stuff!
Direct Hit! are joined by Perth band The Decline for the duration of the tour, whilst highly regarded bands such as Nerlinger, Wasters, Raised As Wolves, and Foley will join for one off shows.
Direct Hit! are set to play Hamilton Station Hotel on September 1st, with support bands EBOLAGOLDFISH and Hack The Mainframe.
