Drenched in Brisbane pride, power pop-rock outfit Babaganouj have grown a legion of fans since their 2011 inception. Looking forward, the trio of writers is set to record three EPs in 2016, showcasing each member's vocal talents. Tomatrax caught up with Charles Sale from the band to ask a few questions.
You are planning on releasing three EPs, what made you decide this approach rather than one album?
We can't really afford to get away into a studio for a long period of time to record a totally cohesive album, so the three EP idea worked for us. It worked for MBV and Courtney Barnett so why not us huh!
Each EP will be showcasing each member's vocals, how do you work out which member sings which songs?In the great tradition of Husker Du, 'whoever writes it sings it'. That's kinda how we work, though I'd like to write a song for the others in the future.
What made you pick 'Do rite by me tonite' as the first single?It's just a super poppy one that has been our vibe for a while. It's a bit more 'cyclical' in the drum feel; more dancey than usual. It's influenced by what I was listening to at the time of writing, which includes the Wedding Present and Charli XCX.
Your first EP of the year will be out this month, how will the rest of the EP compare with the first single?The plan for each EP is to have three 'full' tracks and one sorta 'pulled back' song. So there's 'Do Rite With Me Tonite' as track one, then two more rock songs and a lil' acoustic number. It flows nicely.
Where did the title Pillar of light come from?It's a lyric from 'Do Rite With Me Tonite'. I'm not really sure what it means, but I suppose it's meant to be abstract but kinda phallic.
When will the second and third EPs be released?The 2nd is scheduled for early July, and the 3rd for November! I'm excited to get 'em out. But there is still more work to be done with recording and videos and photos and artwork ahh.
You'll be touring the country later this month, what can fans expect from your show?The glorious noise of our guitars and drums with us trying to sing in tune over that. I think the band is getting better and better and although we lost our full time drummer, we've been getting some good drummers on board to fill in who complete the din nicely.
You appeared on Smudge's tribute album, how did that come about?We got to play with Smudge a while ago in Brisbane which was totally great, and Adam from the band asked us later on via email if we would record something for the album. I think ours turned out nicely! Everyone should have a listen.
If you could appear on any other tribute album, what would it be?Oh damn I dunno, maybe a Lemonheads tribute to complete the picture!
What do you have planned once your upcoming EPs are out?I plan on sleeping then playing one million gigs to people around Australia and maybe even the world if we can find some money somewhere. We might have to compile the EPs on a physical disc at some point, then maybe record an actual album. Make sure to buy our stuff please and thank you!
BABAGANOUJ HEADLINE TOUR
Friday 22nd April 2016 Waywards, Sydney NSW
Saturday 23rd April The Toff In Town, Melbourne VIC
Sunday 24th April 2016 Spotted Cow, Toowoomba QLD
Friday 29th April 2016 The Helm, Sunshine Coast QLD
Saturday 30th April 2016 Minimum Wage Club, Shark Bar, Gold Coast QLD
Friday 6th May 2016 Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
