We’re the Universal, a band from Melbourne and Geelong who like to play music that the kids like. Three old friends – Evan, Cameron and Blair – and one new guy who we’re friends with because he plays the drums – Isaac. As for the music, it’s all about the energy – we play two guitars that cross and interweave, little angular riffs and jangly chords. Strings break, voices go hoarse and one time a cymbal cut a guitar lead in half by accident. We’re on tour at the moment with The Jungle Giants and Toucan – so far only played in Adelaide, but it was genius. We’re also touring our new EP, Thrill House, which you can only buy at these shows which end with us playing a big old launch at Northcote Social Club in Melbourne. You can also catch us at shows coming up in Brisbane, Gold Coast, two Sydney shows, Canberra, Newcastle and Geelong.
Answered by Evan, Blair, Isaac & Cameron
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
B: I remember playing some weird composition on an organ at my Dad’s work when I was 9. The Rolling Stones kicked some sense into me when I was about 11 and I’ve been playing ever since.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
B: Billy Joel at Rod Laver. It was brilliant! You can have my share of the rider anyway.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
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B: My Dad steals from me! I still can’t find my copy of Aphex Twin’s ‘Druqks’. He must have burned it to try and save me from its sheer evil
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
B: Always: Morton Feldman, Jim O’Rourke, 10cc and Albert Marcoeur.
Currently outstanding: Kimbra, Judee Sill and Squarepusher’s new record.
How do you find new music?
C: Usually word of mouth through friends with similar tastes, or from blogs that I subscribe to. The internet is a magical place.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
C: Does it count as a lucky charm if you drink 5 of them before playing?
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
E: If I could curate it, I would assume I also have magical powers, so this will be a festival of dead legends and bands who hate each other too much to play together. Three nights. Headliners: The Doors, The Beatles, The Smiths. Anyone could come as it would be free (this is probably like some sort of heaven anyway), and they wouldn’t need food after the nourishment of sweet music.
When you’re Rolling Stones Big, what are you going to request on your rider: don’t be shy. We want specifics!
I: Our last gig up in Sydney had us eating fancy cheese and crackers and drinking red wine from plastic cups on a mouldy hostel room floor. I’d take all that, but substitute the mouldy floor with a Persian rug.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
I: I’d love to collaborate with Lior – One of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, and of one my big influences. He creates songs that have such a meaning and a character. He also signed my neck after one of his concerts, so there’s a genuine connection there. I wonder if he still remembers that…
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
I: Taking a bath, in a volcano, while drinking appletinis..
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
August 30 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC – EP Launch
August 31 – Bended Elbow, Geelong, VIC
We’re touring our EP, but you can only buy it on tour so far. After the tour is over we’ll be selling it online . Until then, why not get a free copy of the first track and our first single, Sexual Intellectual? Here it is: www.triplejunearthed.com/TheUniversal
For more info on the band go to: www.facebook.com/theuniversalrock
