You have been busy over the past few months with gigs and festival dates including Falls and Queenscliff. How have you enjoyed playing the bigger festivals?
We loved it so much and it is exactly where we want to be. It’s such a nice feeling. We are very lucky men.
You’ve spent some time writing and recording a new EP over the summer as well. Do you find it easier to write whilst on the road?
Ideas are gathered on the road. We spend a lot of time talking about music and our inspirations. These long conversations spent in the car have made us more aware of what we want to do so when it comes to sitting down on Saturdays we are all on the same wavelength.
How is the new EP sounding? When can we expect to hear it?
This new EP has a lot of life in it. It’s really shown how the band is growing and captures a great moment in our history. It’s exactly what an EP should be and you can expect to hear it In April.
You have an upcoming show at the Ding Dong Lounge on Saturday 2nd March where you’ll be joined by Pretty Littles and Temple Of Tunes. There’s a family connection with drummer Yan’s dad a member of Temple Of Tunes. Are you excited to be able to share the stage with family?
My dad has always been a great support in my musical career and life in general. It only seems fitting for him to show his support as a support for our Ding Dong show. I can’t wait and would love to do this more often.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I’d love to tell you we stand in a circle holding hands, whilst I saying a prayer and singing a gospel number, but realistically we… you know what? That is exactly what we do. Every time!
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
I was 13 and saw The Ataris play in an abandoned shed in San Francisco. This band called Diesel Boy opened. Pretty cool gig but if you want something embarrassing, I went to a concert
and saw Aaron Carter, Jessica Simpson, Sugar Ray, and Shaggy. Shaggy is still cool though.
What’s on high rotation on your iPod at the moment?
This American Life podcasts as well as Noise in My Head RRR. But if its bands you are after then Velvet Underground, SIgur Ros, Pink Floyd, Tame Impala, and Frank Ocean.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and what inspired you to get on stage?
I grew up as a Ukrainian Cossack dancer, up until I was 20 years old. I began when I was about 7 and had been dancing since then. That was my first real live performance in front of an audience. It’s all about entertainment and making the audience enjoy themselves.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Hmm, songwriting with Paul Kelly and Nick Cave would be cool.
What does the rest of 2013 hold for Howlin’ Steam Train?
So far all we can say is that we will be playing Deni Blues Fest in March and continue writing new music and get better at our instruments. We have also planned on recording once again in August. This will be more of a double A side and something a little different and directional.
