King of The North – Andrew Higgs took some time out to chat with us!
You’ve just completed a Residency at Cherry on Wednesday nights with Strangers from Sydney. How did that go for you guys? Any highlights?
It was fucking great fun! Strangers are an awesome band and blokes, we are looking forward to playing with them more in Sydney through October. Highlight.. was using all their gear and not having to lug my own and the killer turnouts/ shows we had for a school night. It really flicks our switch to see people supporting local original Rock n Roll. Thanks to everyone for coming down!
So you’re on a Double A-side cherry-red 7-inch vinyl single with Money For Rope. How did this come about exactly?
Thinking of something smart to say? Nah too hungover. The truth is we were asked by Cherry.
Where did you record and how was that experience?
At Hothouse in St Kilda. It was a great experience. We were in the middle of recording our E.P at the time so it was really cool to work with new guys at a different (great) studio. The vibe was really relaxed and we feel we got a pretty good take of the song. The only downside was me falling down the stairs (with my guitar cab) and dislodging my pelvis upon loading out. Shit house.
You’re a 2-piece act that does sound like a 5-piece rock act. What’s the secret?
Knowledge, dexterity and technology.
Your single is called ‘Hope Is For The Faithless’, can you tell us a bit about it, cos that sounds pretty heavy?
Its a really fun song to play live and we were keen to hear how it sounded recorded. The guys did a great job and we were stoked with it. We used to start our set with this song and so it evolved into having a riff after riff sort of intro then we would start the song. We decided to record this version of the song with the intro. It makes quite an impact and probably sounds heavy because it’s at 10 from the start. The song is based on an idea that hope is almost a negative emotion or concept and when you have ultimate and definite belief in something hope is irrelevant. i.e Hoping for things to change or happen really means that you lack believe (faith) that they actually can. Hence, hope is for the faithless.
Danny your drummer got quite emotional recently on the anniversary of John Bonham’s death. What’s he like as a drummer? And as a bloke?
Best rock drummer in Australia, best beard and best mate. Re: Bonzo, you can’t help who you love.
You’re a full-time musician trying to make a living from King of the North. What is it going to take for you guys to “make it”?
Real Estate, food, clothing, car and petrol prices to decrease dramatically! and www.kingofthenorth.com.au/merch :)
Your single launch is at Cherry. It seems to be your spiritual home. How important is Cherry to you guys and the Melbourne scene?
Huge! The reason we love cherry is because it provides a place for quality bands do grow and do their thing. Enough people really don’t understand the cultural importance that quality live music venues have. They are the universities and schools for real bands working and learning their craft. They are a meeting place for like minded individuals celebrating the beauty that is real music. Cherry does all that and more. From soul night to blues night to all the original gigs by so many awesome bands, the place is steeped in musical culture. There is respect and from a musicians point of view its great to viewed and appreciated as an artist not as “tonight’s expense”. Also James Young is the only man who can pull off a red suit this side of graceland.
Friday 5 October Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane Melbourne Presents:
Cherry Singles’ Double A-Side 7-inch Launch with two of Melbourne’s finest up-and-coming rockers MONEY FOR ROPE and KING OF THE NORTH.
Tix $13, only from the Cherry Door.
