Sydney indie-folk outfit Tin Sparrow are releasing Fair & Verdant Woods, their new EP, on Friday 13 April ahead of their EP tour. They’ve already set free two singles – which have both garnered support from community radio and triple j – and spent time on the road with Husky and Matt Corby. Come May, Tin Sparrow will be doing a massive 28 date national tour in support of Boy & Bear, but first Matt Amery, lead singer Tin Sparrow, took time to write to us with some answers to our Spotlight…
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
In year 6 I played Danny Zuko in Grease. I don’t know if John Travolta really inspired me, but I did think he was pretty awesome.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
Millencolin at Macquarie University. It was awesome. I was 13 years old and really short and had an amazing time crowd surfing (until I fell through the crowd and hit the floor).
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
I have stolen all my dad’s records (he has an impressive collection) just recently I took The Church – Hindsight collection, Neil Young – After The Gold Rush, Crosby Stills and Nash – Crosby Stills and Nash, a greatest hits by Queen and The Cure – Greatest Hits.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
The Zombies – Odessey and Oracle.
How do you find new music?
I just ask bands that we play with for their top 5 albums and go from there.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
Right before we go on, the band usually sing a few harmonies, but other than that I don’t really have a ritual, sometimes I will sit by myself for a couple of minutes before the show and think about all the songs we are going to play. I have a lucky charm my friend made me which is always hanging from the neck of my guitar.
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?
I would hold a happening in a small hall and get 10 bands to play at the same time. I don’t care what bands played, as long as they are all different genres, and people could go in the hall one at a time.
When you’re Rolling Stones Big, what are you going to request on your rider: don’t be shy. We want specifics!
Cool Fruits – I love those lollies and can’t find them anywhere anymore.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
I would love to collaborate with Paul Kelly. I just think he is a great lyricist.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Driving.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Our new EP is Fair & Verdant Woods. It’s out Friday 13 April.
TIN SPARROW Fair & Verdant Woods EP TOUR
Thursday 19th April – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney
Special guests: Pear Shape and Boy Outside
Friday 20th April – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
Special guests: Lowlake
Saturday 21st April – Grace Darling, Melbourne
Special guests: Buckley Ward and Jumpin Jack Williams
Sunday 22nd April – Grace Darling, Melbourne
Special guests: Buckley Ward
Friday 27th April – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (free show)
Special guests: TBA
Saturday 28th April – Railway Friendly Bar, Byron Bay (free show)
