2013 has been a massive year for The Mountains so far. Out of the 100 or so gigs you’ve played this year, which stand out in your memory, for good or bad reasons?
Yeah, it’s been a real fun , full on year. We have been really lucky to just cruise up and down the coast playing tunes and meeting so many legends on the way. In regards to standouts…. so many, but for me (Pete) I think the Newcastle show/night with The Delta Riggs and walking who was amazing. Everyone one killed their shows and we had some real bro time after. Super fun. Also the whole may tour with achoo bless you! Was real gnarly.
You’re first EP, Country Doors, was released back in August, where and when was it recorded?
It was recorded in late 2012 at REC studios. Engineered by Mr Craig Wilson. A cool time, but it was real stagnant process as we kinda did the tracks months apart , but I’m stoked its out and those songs mean a lot to me .
How did you find the recording process?
Ha, I guess I touched on it a bit . As i said before it was really cool working with Craig and the studio is fucking huge . So it was nice to get busy in a full on environment. But it was hard to keep momentum going when your doing a session once a month. Having said that we learnt heaps from recording in ‘big’ studio. Craig is a kick too. Funny man, I’m pretty sure we have him his first cone during those sessions. Hope ya still smoking big guy.
How were the tracks from Country Doors received by live audiences? Any clear crowd favourites?
Mostly really well. I found the more rural we went , the more an audience would give us feedback re: the show , what songs they liked, what they thought of our beards etc . In club shows ‘1984’ and ‘Loose Jaw’ seem to get the bums moving. Although ‘Sun’ is real nice point in the set too.
And you were back in the studio for EP number two in September, was it easier this time around?
Not so much easier, it just came together a lot smoother for us. The songs were all written real quick about a month before we hit the studio with Mark. We were real precise with the arrangements and hooks as we didn’t have time to jam on a tune for a couple of months. I think the deadline to get songs together was a real cool thing for us. So I personally felt more excited rather than nervous to get in there.
Did you enjoy recording with Mark Myers? He’s done some great work with The Middle East and others in the past, what did he bring to your sound and the recording process in general?
Man Myers is a trip. Love the guy. Just had a beer with him yesterday as he is on town with his band ‘The Starry Field’ (brilliant band). In regards to working with him. It was fantastic. Living in his crib in cairns for a week drinking beers and tracking all day is heaven to me (and the lads). Marks approach to making our record was real chill. He only really tagged in when he had a real vibe for a part. Which I loved as I’m a bossy fucker. But yeah, he was great, had a real impact on our vocals and guitar tones, his ears a top notch . We are all massive middle east fans from way back , so it was so rad to get up there and meet the band and play music with them and have them sit in the booth whilst your doing vocals. A real trip. Living where you are recording, no distractions and just making a record. Winning.
Does this second EP have a title yet? And when can we expect it to drop?
Not as yet, I’m trying to dwell on what the whole things about. But we should have a name very soon. It should be out by March/April next year hopefully. We have been sending mixes back and forth to Mark and super excited on how its all sounding. Definitely a newer direction than Country Doors.
What can audiences expect at your upcoming hometown gig at Brighton Up Bar, will you be playing songs off the upcoming EP?
Oh for sure, maybe the whole six tracks. What to expect? Some real good vibes with a shot of country a hint of surf and a dash of physc . Oh and hopefully a bunch of lords (you) sweating it out with us.
The Mountains Show
WHAT: THE MOUNTAINS + EDWARD DEER + DIREWOLF
WHEN: 14th November
WHERE: BRIGHTON UP BAR
THE DAMAGE: $10 PRESALES
