The hotly tipped duo of Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou were included on the incredibly successful Finn Tribute album He Will Have His Way, with their version of “Better Be Home Soon” garnering interest within the music industry. The band also took out the 2009 Deadly Award for ‘Most Promising New Talent in Music’ and a Q Song award for their song “Paint My Cup.” They’re now touring the country in support of their debut self-titled album and Jeremy Marou took time out of his hectic tour schedule to chat with Nikki Williams.
How did you guys meet and why did you decide to start playing music together?
Tom and I are both from Rockhampton (we both have very big families…). Tom is 2 years older them myself. We went to different schools, had different friends… but both met up playing music. I was in a cover band (Keep Left).. the singer of this band was mates with Tom. Tom would often come to our gigs and play his original songs in our set breaks. The rest is history really. Tom approached me one day just after the ‘Keep Left’ thing fell apart and we starting playing around with Tom’s originals. Tom and I together from the start simply felt right.
What other well-known artists would you say your music is similar to?
I guess people compare us alot to Pete Murray – this could be because Pete has helped us a lot with our music journey, also we recorded our EP with Pete at his home studio. You can hear the Pete Murray influences in our music. I however think you can hear a range of styles (artists) in our music from Jack Johnson – Keith Urban – Crowded House etc. I think influences are reflected in the album sounds.
How did the name Busby Marou come about?
Thomas Busby & Jeremy Marou – obviously our last names…. and it was so much better than Tom ‘n’ Jerry! Much to Mr Buzz’s (Tom’s dads) disgrace, as he was a fan of the Tom ‘n’ Jerry name.
What made you decide a combination of your names was an effective band name – did you have any other names you considered?
We didn’t really talk about the name in too much depth, sort of just happened… I wanted to call ourselves ‘Thomas and his black mate’… Tom didn’t think this would be ‘culturally appropriate’.
Has being an indigenous act ever affected your music practice – for example has there been any discrimination, expectations that fans have for live performances etc?
There is discrimination everywhere. We don’t see ourselves as an ‘Indigenous Act’, we are simply two mates that play and enjoy music, I just happen to be a Torres Strait Islander. My culture is something that I am proud of and would never deny, but it is something we as a two friends who play music do not focus on.
It’s funny how some people come to our shows expecting Didgeridoos and island drums, this is not the case at all…. you will hear good music though.
You’ve supported some pretty big names in the industry. Are there any stories from the road you’d like to share?
We are fortunate enough to cross over a number of music genres, eg. country – supporting Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Rock bands – Birds of Tokyo… Woodford Blues and Roots festival, etc. I’m a country fan myself, so meeting Tim McGraw’s band was a real highlight… I was actually more hoping to meet Faith Hill though….
How was Busby Marou picked from the masses of bands around Australia to be developed and ultimately become a somewhat household name? How did you go from being a relatively unknown band to a name that many people recognise and know?
This is something that hasn’t happened overnight.. We have put a lot of effort into playing a lot of shows. We have been fortunate enough for a couple of lucky breaks along the way. I think it’s the honesty in the music that people can actually relate too. We sing about real people, real places & life experiences… people can relate to this.
What else is coming up for the rest of this year?
Playing the rest of this tour. So far we have sold out 3 out of our 3 shows which was really unexpected for me.
We have a few more really exciting supports towards the end of the year, and hoping to head overseas next year. I guess we are also thinking about heading back to the studio at some stage for pre production for another album…fingers are crossed!!!
Friday 15th July 2011 @ Northcote Social Club
w/ special guests Avalanche City and Jackson McLaren & The Triple Threat
301 High St, Northcote, VIC
Tickets from www.northcotesocialclub.com / 03 9486 1677 / Available from the venue
Saturday 16th July 2011 @ The National Hotel
w/ special guests Jackson McLaren & The Triple Threat
191 Moorabool St, Geelong, VIC
Tickets from www.oztix.com.au
Thursday 21st July 2011 @ Heritage Hotel
w/ special guests Avalanche City & Jackson McLaren
240 Princes Hwy, Bulli, NSW
Tickets from www.oztix.com.au / Available from the venue
Friday 22nd July 2011 @ CBD Hotel
w/ special guests Avalanche City & Jackson McLaren
471 Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Tickets from www.bigtix.com.au / Available from the venue
Saturday 23rd July 2011 @ 34B
w/ special guests Avalanche City & Jackson McLaren
Q Bar, 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW
Tickets from www.moshtix.com.au / 1300 GET TIX
