Them Swoops are about to head to New York city to play CMJ. We caught up briefly with the band to chat about their trip, and find out how their recent Northcote Social Club residency went!
You recently finished up a residency at the Northcote Social Club – how did those shows go?
It was a lot of fun, we got to play with our friends’ bands each night and it was a cool way to catch up with people before we left for America.
Playing the same venue for a month must be a unique way to develop yourselves as a band – what are you taking away from the experience?
It gave us a chance to road test what we’d play in America but also to play some songs that we don’t always have time to play. Most shows we end up playing are capped at 30 minutes so the residency gave us an idea of how a full set feels, where we can tighten things up a little, where we can afford to stretch things out a little, etc. Every show we play feels like it makes us better as a band, even in small increments.
You played your last show with Oh Mercy, who’s already jetting around the US, did Alex have any advice for you heading over here? He’s done quite a few of these overseas jaunts over the years!
We actually played with Slow Dancer on the last night which is a side-project of Simon’s from Oh Mercy. Alex did come down to have a look though and we caught up. The only advice he gave us was to be at his show in New York and considering we’re on the same bill, it would be the least that we could do!
What are you expecting from your time in the US (non-musically)
Portion-size blow-outs & the urge to buy more things than we can afford (guitars/pedals/clothes/records).
It’s your first time over there as a band but have you visited before?
Most of us have been to America at least once, Chris hasn’t. It’s pretty amazing to get the chance to go over to play music though, especially after having our songs on the radio over there.
What are you expecting/hoping for from the shows?
Hopefully we’ll get to meet a lot of the people we’ve only had online contact with up until this point. It’d be great to meet people in the flesh who are either fans of the band or would like to work with us. There’s an amazing bunch of people who have worked really hard to get us to this point already, we’d like to go and put on a good show for them and tell them thanks.
Is there anyone else playing CMJ you’re hoping to see?
The Aussie BBQ line-up looks absolutely mental and even though we’ve either played with or seen most of the bands on the bill it will be a definite highlight. Also looking forward to seeing World’s End Press, their new album is the business.
What can we expect from your performances?
It’ll be 30 minutes worth flying around the world for.
What will the rest of 2013 be holding for you? And any plans in line for 2014 as we race towards the end of the year…?
We’re playing Paradise festival in November and New Year’s Eve at a yet to be announced event in the city of Melbourne. Next year we’ll be working towards releasing our debut album and hopefully heading back to the States, if they’ll have us, or anywhere else in the world!
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NYC CMJ Shows
Wed, 10/16 @ Fontana’s
Pirate Party
2:30pm Set
Fri, 10/18 @ Studio at Webster Hall
CAA Showcase
8:30pm Set
Sat, 10/19 @ The Delancey
Sounds Australia Showcase
11:30pm Set
