2010 Nominee Q+A: Little Red
| 2010-09-30 08:00
Melbourne-based pop band Little Red [pictured right] are nominated for Best Single or EP at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for their song 'Rock It' [music video embedded above].
Ahead of this year's awards night - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with Tom Hartney (vocals, tambourine and harmonica) and Adrian Beltrame (guitars, vocals) to talk independent music.
What are your favourite musical moments of 2010 so far, guys?
Tom: The best moment so far would be the Saturday night at Splendour in the Grass, because it just kept getting better and better. It was a long moment, lasting for several hours, beginning with Tame Impala, then Wolfmother and culminating in a great display of rock n roll supremacy by The Strokes.
Adrian: Witch Hats live at Ding Dong, because they are sick.
Favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist?
Tom: My favourite Aussie song is 'Desire Be Desire Go' by Tame Impala [audio embedded below]
Actually, it could be any of the songs of their album, they're all amazing. That's partly the great thing - it's not a collection of songs, it's a journey for the ears! Great psychedelic chord changes, great instrument sounds, great lyrics and with a pulsating beat through the whole thing. What more could you want?
Adrian: 'Slow Dance' by Money For Rope, because I like Rick Parnaby in red jeans. [live footage embedded below]
What does being independent mean to you?
Tom: Being independent means exactly that - you are in control of your destiny, your image and your music. Most importantly your music I suppose. You don't have to make any compromises and pretend to be something you're not.
Adrian: Means we drink lots of Jagermeister.
What's the biggest challenge you face as an independent musician?
Tom: You don't have the buying power of the big labels. They can get you onto the number one radio station and show whether you're good or not but you really have to be persistent and work hard as an independent musician to get the same exposure.
Adrian: I can't think of any. Independent is the way to go!
Conversely, what's the best thing about being independent?
Tom: The best thing is you don't have your reputation and image tarnished by being associated with products you don't endorse. You don't have to be seen to be kissing too much arse!
Adrian: Get to do what you wanna do, be what you wanna be!
As a band, what would you ultimately like to be known and remembered for?
Tom: I hope we are remembered as a band that people had fun listening to.
Adrian: Lots of good songs, and good album covers.
Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist?
Tom: The best video of all time by an Aussie artist is obviously 'Long Way to the Top' by AC/DC [embedded below], because it is classic Melbourne.
It is not pretentious or pornographic, it is completely real and it focuses the viewer's attention on the excitement of the song!
Adrian: 'Don't Fight It' by The Panics, because I like Drew Wootton.
What's the best thing about being associated with AIR and the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards?
Tom: Hopefully we'll get some free Jagermeister at the awards.
Adrian: Being involved with people who make music. It's the best!
Finally, which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'?
Tom: I'm sure they all do but if Tame Impala aren't independent then maybe The Frowning Clouds. I like them.
Adrian: Eagle and the Worm.
Thanks for your time, guys! For more info on Little Red, 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/
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