We are called Sleep Parade and are an alternative rock band from Melbourne. My name is Dan and I play drums. We are about to put out our second album called “Inside/Out” that we recorded with Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus).
You’re playing Rock The Bay on Saturday 16 February, is there anyone on the line-up you’re keen to check out?
Sleepmakeswaves are amazing so definitely those guys.
What can fans expect from Sleep Parade at Rock The Bay?
Rock The Bay will mark the live premiere of our new five-piece line-up so fans can expect a more expansive sound featuring three guitars in parts and more live synths and keys. All five of us sing so there will be a mini man choir happening and the set will feature a bunch of new songs from the forthcoming record.
INSIDE/OUT is due out soon, is ‘Dancing With The Enemy’ a good indication of what we can expect?
Dancing With The Enemy is an example of one of the moods on the new record. There are some songs that are rockier but also a number that feature varied instrumentation and atmosphere.
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INSIDE/OUT has also taken a while to get out there, any particular reason for the delay?
Well apart from the extensive touring that we did off the back of the first album we needed time to create something that we were really proud of. There were a lot of songs written for this album and it was a matter of sifting through them and taking time to see if they evolved into something amazing.
How has the process changed from this record and your debut Things Can Always Change?
We worked most of the songs in the rehearsal room first and did a number of demos. There were some songs that were written on the piano and keyboard that brought with it a whole different vibe. We wanted less layers and stronger melodies throughout this album and I feel that we achieved that.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I used to sing in the choir in primary school. I had a really high voice back then, not so high anymore unfortunately. Like a lot of teenagers growing up in the 90’s I got into Nirvana and then Rage Against The Machine and Smashing Pumpkins and that really lit the fire for me. It seemed very freeing to be on stage and express yourself in that way. Basically I wanted to be a rock star too!
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
I think it was Don Spencer the kid’s performer when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old with my mum. I can’t remember any of the songs now though.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Mum inherited my pop’s extensive jazz and classical music collection so I have taken my fair share from there. I’ve got lots of Joe Morello, Buddy Rich, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane albums. My dad actually gave me all of his old LPs too that includes a few mint condition Pink Floyd and Beatles records.
What new music are you enjoying at the moment?
Probably like everyone else in the world I am loving Frank Ocean’s record. He has an amazing emotive voice and the production on the album is really interesting. Other than that the new Grizzly Bear album is phenomenal. I had the pleasure of seeing them at Harvest Festival and they totally pull it off live too. I am also very much looking forward to the new Atoms For Peace record.
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?
Without a doubt Radiohead would be headlining. Sigur Ros, Flying Lotus and The Roots would be there too. Not sure where I would do it but probably somewhere exotic. I like the vibe of festivals like Harvest so I would cap it at about 15,000 people. In terms of features maybe a huge lighting rig and screens plus lots of Mexican food…
What’s coming up for Sleep Parade in 2013?
We will be releasing our new record “Inside/Out” in the coming months and will be hitting the road in support of it. Basically we will be spending many hours in the tour van!
