We catch up with Melbourne's Loon Lake to look back at the year past, talk about their new EP Thirty Three, support slots, BIGSOUND, managers, touring and much much more...

Hey guys thanks for taking the time out to chat with us, how has 2012 been for you so far?

No worries, 2012 has been brilliant. We got in Triple J's next crop, we have had some amazing supports, a single (Cherry Lips) that is pretty successful and now selling out our own shows! We couldn't be happier. All this and the mighty Roos are currently perched at 6th on the ladder.!

You just released your new EP Thirty Three as a free download, why was that?

We wanted to give back to our fans. These days it’s not really about money with things like EPs, its more about getting it heard by more people and we figured it might spread and reach more ears if it was free, everyone loves free shit!

What sort of direction has this EP taken you in comparison to last year’s Not Just Friends EP?

We hope it’s widened our audience - it kind of opened us up to trying new things. It’s a pretty diverse EP, a lot more so than Not Just Friends. There are more mature moments and we hope people will realise we can make music with a bit more substance. We didn't want to be pigeon holed into that "indie, summer, catchy guitar pop" we still love that but we want room. I think with Cherry Lips, even though it ticks some of those boxes, its more dancey, even R&B and I hope that it’s kind of a stepping stone for us to branch out and try new things. It gets pretty boring writing music that is all similar. This EP is all about change. Now when we release our next song, a dub step, grind core, hard tech, minimal, maximum, psych trance, soft house, mountain beard bear pop, club anthem, no one will batter an eyelid?

You’re in the middle of a national tour which I hear is going rather well, how have the shows been so far? Have audience’s responded positively to the new material?

Brilliant, Radelaide was the first one and it was off its head. Amazingly warm crowd. Every time we play there it gets better. The new stuff has been going down a treat, we can't believe how many people know the words which makes us realise it really was a great idea to give away the EP free beforehand. We had never played Cherry Lips live so they were the first ones to hear it and it just went nuts. As a musician there isn't much of a better feeling than this. I seriously couldn't stop smiling. I actually thought to myself, you have to get rid of this cheesy grin, but I couldn't. So fun.

You’ve supported the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs and Girls. What were those shows like?

We were first of the three so in terms of crowd they weren't all time, but lots did make an effort and we just played like we would any show and gave it our all. We learnt a hell of a lot to. It was a very professional outfit running that whole tour. They even had a little tour book that had a guide of the best places to eat and shop in every city. We are working on one now. The venues and stages were brilliant, it’s a dream to play places like that and it gave us a real taste of how different and exciting things could be if we keep progressing. So much room on stage. I actually really like the Kaisers so seeing them perform every night was a real treat. Deep Sea Arcade are a brilliant band too. All in all I think it was a great thing to be involved in.

You’re on the line up for the coveted BIGSOUND conference in Brisbane next month. That must be pretty exciting?

Yep, this will be our third year in a row. First year was when Triple J awarded us the unearthed prize to play, then last year we played on our own right and packed our room out and this year I think we get an even better slot. It’s brilliant for us to see how things grow every year. Also I find the festival itself to be just perfect. There is just so much great music and its set up so well, I totally enjoy that place and you meet some really great people.

Are there any bands on the bill you’re keen to check out?

The Cairos - they rule, we went on tour with them with Bluejuice and they were ripper blokes and I think they will be a huge band in the future. Clairy Brown and the Bangin’ Rackets, Flume, Hungry Kids, Step Panther and the Delta Rigs but geez there is allot of good bands there. I honestly think people don't realise just how good this thing is

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?

Astronaut, pro surfer or what I am doing anyhow because only managers make money in music... a Signwriter.

How are you preparing for the end of the world this year?

Oh I forgot about that. Refer to question above, Astronaut. I’ll get around to building a spaceship when this tour is over and then I am out of here. Just me, Megan Fox, Miranda Kerr and some farm animals (there isn't much food up there)Actually, I just realised, does the end of the world mean the end of space too or just earth? So confusing.

Once the tour duties are wrapped up, what’s in store for Loon Lake to see out 2012?

As many festivals as we can get, although we don't seem to be getting much love so far, writing writing writing so we can release a killer debut album and possibly building a spaceship.

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BRISBANE
Alhambra Lounge
Friday 17 August
Tickets available via: www.oztix.com.au

MAROOCHYDORE
Solbar
Saturday 18 August
Tickets available via: www.oztix.com.au

WOLLONGONG
The Patch
Thursday 23 August
Tickets available via: www.oztix.com.au

SYDNEY
GoodGod Small Club
Friday 24 August
Tickets available via: www.oztix.com.au

NEWCASTLE
The Cambridge Hotel
Saturday 25 August
Tickets available via: www.moshtix.com.au

MELBOURNE
THIRD SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED!
Ding Dong Lounge
Thursday 30 August

Tickets available NOW via: oztix.com.au

MELBOURNE – SOLD OUT!
Ding Dong Lounge
Friday 31 August

MELBOURNE - SOLD OUT!
Northcote Social Club
Saturday 1 September