Chinese Burns interview with Xavier Prosciutto and “Lucky” Ben
I don’t know when the dust is going to settle in Australia
again, god knows I hadn’t heard anyone besides dedicated Aussie freaks talk
about the scene for almost a decade.
These days it seems like Australia is just pouring out amazing punk
bands though, super-star cross-collaborations and more than enough lo-fi rock
than you can shake a stick at. And the
thing really crazy thing about it is that most of the music is rally damned
good! While there’s the often discussed
Eddy Current Suppression Ring and The UV Race, I don’t hear a lot of people
talking too much about a lot of my personal favorite projects going on in
Australia. Chinese Burns were together
for a while, long enough to release a single and play a couple of shows. Then they broke up. After the single sold out, people were
clamoring for more material and wanting to see a show, the band reformed. Loud, crude, lo-fi, primal as all hell, most
definitely punk and stinking of The Cramps and The Gories, Chinese Burns are
just what the doctor ordered if you haven’t had a night out on the town in a
while. Their music is like a cloud of
alcohol induced amnesia, two-minutes of your life you’ll never get back you
know kicked ass but for the life of you, you will never remember. Brilliant statements like “Calculator”,
“Steal Your Prayers” and “Not My Girl” are crude and minimalistic to say the
least and not everyone will be able to align themselves behind the, at times,
manic sound of Chinese Burns. If however
you’re like me and you enjoy riding the waves of these deliciously distorted
and spastic singles, you’ll find yourself transported off to another time and
place where shit doesn’t seem to be quite so serious or matter so fucking
much! I’m of the firm belief that
everyone needs some face-melting two-minute in and out, jab to the brainstem
type music from time to time and this is the real deal here. In short Chinese Burns are loud, they’re
crude, they’re brilliant, disturbed, catchy and at times almost
unintelligible. If you like real punk
music this is the ticket for you my friend!
Take two singles and call me in the morning cause you’re gonna have a
hell of a hangover, it’s been a while since you partied like this…
again, god knows I hadn’t heard anyone besides dedicated Aussie freaks talk
about the scene for almost a decade.
These days it seems like Australia is just pouring out amazing punk
bands though, super-star cross-collaborations and more than enough lo-fi rock
than you can shake a stick at. And the
thing really crazy thing about it is that most of the music is rally damned
good! While there’s the often discussed
Eddy Current Suppression Ring and The UV Race, I don’t hear a lot of people
talking too much about a lot of my personal favorite projects going on in
Australia. Chinese Burns were together
for a while, long enough to release a single and play a couple of shows. Then they broke up. After the single sold out, people were
clamoring for more material and wanting to see a show, the band reformed. Loud, crude, lo-fi, primal as all hell, most
definitely punk and stinking of The Cramps and The Gories, Chinese Burns are
just what the doctor ordered if you haven’t had a night out on the town in a
while. Their music is like a cloud of
alcohol induced amnesia, two-minutes of your life you’ll never get back you
know kicked ass but for the life of you, you will never remember. Brilliant statements like “Calculator”,
“Steal Your Prayers” and “Not My Girl” are crude and minimalistic to say the
least and not everyone will be able to align themselves behind the, at times,
manic sound of Chinese Burns. If however
you’re like me and you enjoy riding the waves of these deliciously distorted
and spastic singles, you’ll find yourself transported off to another time and
place where shit doesn’t seem to be quite so serious or matter so fucking
much! I’m of the firm belief that
everyone needs some face-melting two-minute in and out, jab to the brainstem
type music from time to time and this is the real deal here. In short Chinese Burns are loud, they’re
crude, they’re brilliant, disturbed, catchy and at times almost
unintelligible. If you like real punk
music this is the ticket for you my friend!
Take two singles and call me in the morning cause you’re gonna have a
hell of a hangover, it’s been a while since you partied like this…
Listen
while you read: http://chineseburns.bandcamp.com/
while you read: http://chineseburns.bandcamp.com/
What is Chinese
Burns’ lineup these days? Has this
always been your lineup or have you all made any changes since the band
started?
Burns’ lineup these days? Has this
always been your lineup or have you all made any changes since the band
started?
X: Still the original
lineup, although on occasion Brad goes walkabout so we’ve had a few fill-ins on
bass from time to time.
lineup, although on occasion Brad goes walkabout so we’ve had a few fill-ins on
bass from time to time.
Are any of you in
any other active bands at this point? I
know most scenes often have a lot of cross-pollination but the Aussie scene
seems extraordinarily prone to it. Have
you all released any music with any other bands? If so can you tell us about it?
any other active bands at this point? I
know most scenes often have a lot of cross-pollination but the Aussie scene
seems extraordinarily prone to it. Have
you all released any music with any other bands? If so can you tell us about it?
Ben: My previous
bands with proper releases are Feelin’ Lucky and R.A.D.. Bands with demos only were Leftwaffe and The
Seventeens.
bands with proper releases are Feelin’ Lucky and R.A.D.. Bands with demos only were Leftwaffe and The
Seventeens.
X: Bands with
releases are Fancy Boys and more recently Happy Times. I played drums on a Nobunny German release
earlier last year too. Some other bands
I’ve been in are Filth Dimension, Halfheads, Eat Laser Scumbag and Borkum Riff
that have put out tapes/CDs.
releases are Fancy Boys and more recently Happy Times. I played drums on a Nobunny German release
earlier last year too. Some other bands
I’ve been in are Filth Dimension, Halfheads, Eat Laser Scumbag and Borkum Riff
that have put out tapes/CDs.
Where are all you
originally from?
originally from?
X: We formed in
Melbourne around 2008 but all knew each other from previous bands in Brisbane
(Queensland) where we lived previously.
Now we’re all back living in Queensland albeit in different towns.
Melbourne around 2008 but all knew each other from previous bands in Brisbane
(Queensland) where we lived previously.
Now we’re all back living in Queensland albeit in different towns.
How would you
describe the local music scene where you grew up? Was it very influential or did it play a very
large role in your life and formation of musical tastes growing up?
describe the local music scene where you grew up? Was it very influential or did it play a very
large role in your life and formation of musical tastes growing up?
Ben: My older brother
used to go see the Onyas and Big Bongin’ Baby in the mid-90s. I was too young but he’d come home with these
crudely recorded records and hilarious, obnoxious flyers which made me think,
“Anyone can do this!”
used to go see the Onyas and Big Bongin’ Baby in the mid-90s. I was too young but he’d come home with these
crudely recorded records and hilarious, obnoxious flyers which made me think,
“Anyone can do this!”
Were your homes
very musical when you were growing up?
Were either your parents or any of your parents musicians or extremely
interested or involved in music?
very musical when you were growing up?
Were either your parents or any of your parents musicians or extremely
interested or involved in music?
X: Not musicians but
definitely into music, they used to go see the Easybeats, Billy Thorpe, AC/DC,
Masters Apprentices, The Coloured Balls…
Aaaaarrgh!
definitely into music, they used to go see the Easybeats, Billy Thorpe, AC/DC,
Masters Apprentices, The Coloured Balls…
Aaaaarrgh!
Ben: Music was mainly
from older brothers on car trips; The Cult, Guns n Roses, Beastie Boys,
anything with swearing really ha-ha.
Then came Nirvana…
from older brothers on car trips; The Cult, Guns n Roses, Beastie Boys,
anything with swearing really ha-ha.
Then came Nirvana…
What was your
first real exposure to music?
first real exposure to music?
X: Saw AC/DC at the
Melbourne tennis centre on their ‘Hells Bells’ tour when I was five or six, the
giant bell above stage is forever etched in my brain, ROCKIN’!
Melbourne tennis centre on their ‘Hells Bells’ tour when I was five or six, the
giant bell above stage is forever etched in my brain, ROCKIN’!
Ben: Watching Rage
(an Australian music TV show) religiously and taping stuff off the radio.
(an Australian music TV show) religiously and taping stuff off the radio.
X: Yeah, getting a
dual-cassette deck did wonders.
dual-cassette deck did wonders.
If you had to pick
one defining moment of music; a moment that changed everything and opened all
of the infinite doors of possibilities to you, what would it be?
one defining moment of music; a moment that changed everything and opened all
of the infinite doors of possibilities to you, what would it be?
X: Well I played
drums when I was really young but stopped.
One night when I was probably about fourteen I heard a band rehearsing
down the street, went outside for a better listen and it was a Led Zeppelin
cover band, from that moment on I decided to persist with drums again. Does anyone remember laughter?
drums when I was really young but stopped.
One night when I was probably about fourteen I heard a band rehearsing
down the street, went outside for a better listen and it was a Led Zeppelin
cover band, from that moment on I decided to persist with drums again. Does anyone remember laughter?
Ben: Listening to
Minor Threat at fourteen and going, “Shit, imagine how good it would be to
play guitar in this band.”
Minor Threat at fourteen and going, “Shit, imagine how good it would be to
play guitar in this band.”
When did you
decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music and what
brought that decision about?
decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music and what
brought that decision about?
Ben: My mate Norm and
I were already fed up with Brisbane music around 2000. We liked the Toilet Rock bands but they
didn’t play much and we wanted to start a snotty Rip-Off style punk band. It was almost impossible to find a
drummer. We actually had a demo of KBD
covers, like that would’ve helped!
I were already fed up with Brisbane music around 2000. We liked the Toilet Rock bands but they
didn’t play much and we wanted to start a snotty Rip-Off style punk band. It was almost impossible to find a
drummer. We actually had a demo of KBD
covers, like that would’ve helped!
Where’s Chinese
Burns located at these days?
Burns located at these days?
X: Ben’s moving back
to Brisbane next week, we’re nearly a functioning band again.
to Brisbane next week, we’re nearly a functioning band again.
Ben: We’ve been lucky
enough to keep putting out records despite the disconnection.
enough to keep putting out records despite the disconnection.
How would you
describe the local music scene there?
describe the local music scene there?
X: Venues: After
being spoiled in Melbourne it’s pretty depressing coming back to the handful of
“pay to play” style venues up here and they get away with bullshit; I have
attached a graph explaining this. Bands: Enough interesting bands but stunted.
being spoiled in Melbourne it’s pretty depressing coming back to the handful of
“pay to play” style venues up here and they get away with bullshit; I have
attached a graph explaining this. Bands: Enough interesting bands but stunted.
Are you very
involved with the local music scene? Do
you book or attend a lot of local shows?
Do you help record and or release any local music?
involved with the local music scene? Do
you book or attend a lot of local shows?
Do you help record and or release any local music?
X: I help out the
Hobos (Swashbuckling Hobo) and we put on the occasional show at Club Sandwich.
Hobos (Swashbuckling Hobo) and we put on the occasional show at Club Sandwich.
Do you feel like
the local music scene has been very influential on Chinese Burns or do you
think you could have accomplished what you have regardless of your location and
surroundings? Did the local scene play a
large role in the sound of Chinese Burns?
the local music scene has been very influential on Chinese Burns or do you
think you could have accomplished what you have regardless of your location and
surroundings? Did the local scene play a
large role in the sound of Chinese Burns?
Ben: We were new to
Melbourne at the time so not really. We
probably would’ve sounded the same in Brisbane.
Melbourne at the time so not really. We
probably would’ve sounded the same in Brisbane.
How and when did
you all originally meet?
you all originally meet?
Ben: I met Brad by
begging for a Feelin’ Lucky show with the Hymies in 2001. Would’ve met X at an Eat Laser show.
begging for a Feelin’ Lucky show with the Hymies in 2001. Would’ve met X at an Eat Laser show.
What led to the
formation of Chinese Burns? When was
that?
formation of Chinese Burns? When was
that?
X: All ended up in
Melbourne.
Melbourne.
Is there a shared
creed or mantra that the band lives by?
creed or mantra that the band lives by?
Ben: Chicken salt on
all chips.
all chips.
X: Worm juice.
I laugh every time
I hear your name, what does Chinese Burns mean in the context of the band
name? Who came up with it and how did
you go about choosing it as the band name?
I hear your name, what does Chinese Burns mean in the context of the band
name? Who came up with it and how did
you go about choosing it as the band name?
X: It’s a Kung fu
move where you grab someone and twist their arm skin in different directions, a
friction burn.
move where you grab someone and twist their arm skin in different directions, a
friction burn.
Chinese Burns
seems kind of obvious when you first listen to it as far as influences but the
farther you dig the more you hear, can you tell us who some of your major
musical influences are? What about the
band as a whole rather than just individually?
seems kind of obvious when you first listen to it as far as influences but the
farther you dig the more you hear, can you tell us who some of your major
musical influences are? What about the
band as a whole rather than just individually?
Ben: I think The
Gories were the band we all subconsciously brought to Chinese Burns to begin
with. As lame as it may sound, I think
we definitely wanted to keep it on the punk end of things as opposed to the
pseudo-psychedelic crap that was/is doing the rounds. A sense of humour is important too.
Gories were the band we all subconsciously brought to Chinese Burns to begin
with. As lame as it may sound, I think
we definitely wanted to keep it on the punk end of things as opposed to the
pseudo-psychedelic crap that was/is doing the rounds. A sense of humour is important too.
I am pretty good
at picking out good bands and I’d like to think I’m fairly good at talking to
them. What I am not good at though is
describing what they sound like. I’ve
never subscribed to labels as I was always one of the losers that ends up on
the short end of the stick when that happens.
As a result though I have a difficult time describing music to people
who might not have been exposed to it before.
Rather than me taking some awkward stab at describing what Chinese Burns
sounds like how would you describe your sound in your own words to your readers
who might not have heard you before?
at picking out good bands and I’d like to think I’m fairly good at talking to
them. What I am not good at though is
describing what they sound like. I’ve
never subscribed to labels as I was always one of the losers that ends up on
the short end of the stick when that happens.
As a result though I have a difficult time describing music to people
who might not have been exposed to it before.
Rather than me taking some awkward stab at describing what Chinese Burns
sounds like how would you describe your sound in your own words to your readers
who might not have heard you before?
X: ‘The Wire’
recently described us as being chased by a hive of angry bees. That sums up one of us at least.
recently described us as being chased by a hive of angry bees. That sums up one of us at least.
Ben:
“Unlearned” is another good descriptor used recently.
“Unlearned” is another good descriptor used recently.
Can we take a
little bit of time and talk about Chinese Burns’ songwriting process? Is there someone who approaches the rest of
the band with a riff or more finished idea to compose and work out with the
rest of the band or is there a lot of jamming and exchange of ideas when the
band gets together to play that evolves into a song with a lot of cooperative
work?
little bit of time and talk about Chinese Burns’ songwriting process? Is there someone who approaches the rest of
the band with a riff or more finished idea to compose and work out with the
rest of the band or is there a lot of jamming and exchange of ideas when the
band gets together to play that evolves into a song with a lot of cooperative
work?
X: Most songs are
structured around a bass line which we mutate off. If we don’t get it quickly our attention
spans reject it and we go get something to eat.
structured around a bass line which we mutate off. If we don’t get it quickly our attention
spans reject it and we go get something to eat.
What about
recording? How do you all handle
recording? Does Chinese Burns go into
the studio to record or is it more of a DIY thing on your own time, turf and
terms?
recording? How do you all handle
recording? Does Chinese Burns go into
the studio to record or is it more of a DIY thing on your own time, turf and
terms?
X: We’ve recorded a
few different ways but the common factors are that it’s with someone we know,
trust and that it’s cheap. We recorded
some stuff early on with Nick Pratt from Deaf Wish and Mikey Young from Eddy
Current Suppression Ring in Melbourne which became the first two 7 inches. And the last two 7 inches have been done at
Swashbuckling Hobo HQ in Brisbane with Dr. Rock. I also personally recorded some stuff which
made it onto the Windian 7”.
few different ways but the common factors are that it’s with someone we know,
trust and that it’s cheap. We recorded
some stuff early on with Nick Pratt from Deaf Wish and Mikey Young from Eddy
Current Suppression Ring in Melbourne which became the first two 7 inches. And the last two 7 inches have been done at
Swashbuckling Hobo HQ in Brisbane with Dr. Rock. I also personally recorded some stuff which
made it onto the Windian 7”.
Do you all enjoy
recording? As a musician myself I think
that most of us can really appreciate that final product, there’s not a whole
lot in the world that beats holding an album your hands knowing that it’s yours
and that you made it. Getting there
though, getting all of those tracks laid down.
That recording can be extremely stressful on a band to say the
least. How is it in the recording for
you all?
recording? As a musician myself I think
that most of us can really appreciate that final product, there’s not a whole
lot in the world that beats holding an album your hands knowing that it’s yours
and that you made it. Getting there
though, getting all of those tracks laid down.
That recording can be extremely stressful on a band to say the
least. How is it in the recording for
you all?
Ben: I always look
forward to recording. Then hate it while
it’s happening. Then love the finished
product.
forward to recording. Then hate it while
it’s happening. Then love the finished
product.
X: The last few times
we’ve done it we’ve had like three hours to get in and get out. That seems to work for us.
we’ve done it we’ve had like three hours to get in and get out. That seems to work for us.
Does Chines Burns
do a lot of preparatory work before you record?
Do you spend a lot of time working out compositions and arrangements
getting things sounding exactly the way that you want them to be? Or is it more of an organic experience when
it comes to recording where you have room to change things around and play when
you’re recording?
do a lot of preparatory work before you record?
Do you spend a lot of time working out compositions and arrangements
getting things sounding exactly the way that you want them to be? Or is it more of an organic experience when
it comes to recording where you have room to change things around and play when
you’re recording?
X: The structure and
the magic tricks are discussed, and when we have the opportunity we try to demo
songs. But when it comes to hitting
[REC], basically, it’s anything time.
the magic tricks are discussed, and when we have the opportunity we try to demo
songs. But when it comes to hitting
[REC], basically, it’s anything time.
Ben: I think it’s
cool when it comes out sounding differently than you had imagined.
cool when it comes out sounding differently than you had imagined.
Speaking of
recording let’s take some time and talk a little bit about your back
catalog. You’re first release that I
know of is the Can Dig 7” on Must Destroy Mankind Records in 2009, which was
originally a pressing of 200 copies although I know there has been a second
pressing of that single with an alternate cover. Can you talk a little bit about the recording
of the material for Can Dig? Was it a
fun, pleasurable experience for you all?
When and where was it recorded?
Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Do you know how many copies the second
pressing of that single was limited to?
recording let’s take some time and talk a little bit about your back
catalog. You’re first release that I
know of is the Can Dig 7” on Must Destroy Mankind Records in 2009, which was
originally a pressing of 200 copies although I know there has been a second
pressing of that single with an alternate cover. Can you talk a little bit about the recording
of the material for Can Dig? Was it a
fun, pleasurable experience for you all?
When and where was it recorded?
Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Do you know how many copies the second
pressing of that single was limited to?
X: Yep, Can Dig was
our first 7″ recorded by Mikey Tjhung at Brad’s house in Northcote. It was an afternoon thing and we seemed to
bust it out A-Okay. It was recorded onto
an 8-track 1/2″ tape reel-to-reel which we sent to Mr. Owen from Straight
Arrows to apply his tactics, with the end result as the Can Dig 7″. 200 original pressing that went quick, second
pressing with inverted black cover was only 150, even rarer! Probably should’ve done more.
our first 7″ recorded by Mikey Tjhung at Brad’s house in Northcote. It was an afternoon thing and we seemed to
bust it out A-Okay. It was recorded onto
an 8-track 1/2″ tape reel-to-reel which we sent to Mr. Owen from Straight
Arrows to apply his tactics, with the end result as the Can Dig 7″. 200 original pressing that went quick, second
pressing with inverted black cover was only 150, even rarer! Probably should’ve done more.
A year later in
2010 you were back in action with the Rohypnol 7” this time for Leather Bar
Records. Was the recording of the
material for this single very different than your previous single? When and where was it recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? I know the Rohypnol 7” was originally
released as a singles club edition of 100 copies but I also know there was a
second pressing. Do you know how many
copies that second pressing was limited to?
2010 you were back in action with the Rohypnol 7” this time for Leather Bar
Records. Was the recording of the
material for this single very different than your previous single? When and where was it recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? I know the Rohypnol 7” was originally
released as a singles club edition of 100 copies but I also know there was a
second pressing. Do you know how many
copies that second pressing was limited to?
X: Same session as
Can Dig where we put down about eight songs.
For Rohypnol we used Mikey’s mix to ‘vary it up’. This pressing was around 300, I think, of
single-sided Rip-Off Records style record with two different versions of the
artwork.
Can Dig where we put down about eight songs.
For Rohypnol we used Mikey’s mix to ‘vary it up’. This pressing was around 300, I think, of
single-sided Rip-Off Records style record with two different versions of the
artwork.
You followed up
the Rohypnol single with Calculator 7” on Windian Records in 2011. I know Windian releases are usually pretty
strictly limited edition releases but they did two pressings of the Calculator
single each with different covers. Do
you know how many copies the Calculator single was limited to? Where and when was that material
recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used?
the Rohypnol single with Calculator 7” on Windian Records in 2011. I know Windian releases are usually pretty
strictly limited edition releases but they did two pressings of the Calculator
single each with different covers. Do
you know how many copies the Calculator single was limited to? Where and when was that material
recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used?
X: I think the stats
were 500 pressed with two covers again.
The shorter lot had the colour covers which everyone wanted. This was sort of thrown together from spare
tracks we had, “Caluclator” and “Kiss Fist” recorded by Nick Pratt, “Struggle”
recorded by myself onto the trusty ‘tascam 488’, and “Steal Your Prayers” was
another Mikey spare from the Can Dig session.
I fucked up when sending the masters and sent the unmastered file for
“Oh How I Struggle” which is on the pressing and it sounds kinda weak compared
to the others, whoops! Stoked to be on
Windian with our fellow Brisbane chums The Saints.
were 500 pressed with two covers again.
The shorter lot had the colour covers which everyone wanted. This was sort of thrown together from spare
tracks we had, “Caluclator” and “Kiss Fist” recorded by Nick Pratt, “Struggle”
recorded by myself onto the trusty ‘tascam 488’, and “Steal Your Prayers” was
another Mikey spare from the Can Dig session.
I fucked up when sending the masters and sent the unmastered file for
“Oh How I Struggle” which is on the pressing and it sounds kinda weak compared
to the others, whoops! Stoked to be on
Windian with our fellow Brisbane chums The Saints.
You put out the
Not My Girl 7” single on Swashbuckling Hobo Records in 2013 which had a
relatively large pressing number of 500 copies.
Was the recording of the material for the Not My Girl single very
different than your sessions for your earlier singles? Who recorded that material and where was
that? When was it recorded? What kind of equipment was used?
Not My Girl 7” single on Swashbuckling Hobo Records in 2013 which had a
relatively large pressing number of 500 copies.
Was the recording of the material for the Not My Girl single very
different than your sessions for your earlier singles? Who recorded that material and where was
that? When was it recorded? What kind of equipment was used?
X: Yep this was the
first Brisbane recordings we’ve done they were with Dr. Rock on a Tascam 688
cassette, everything prior was done in Melbourne.
first Brisbane recordings we’ve done they were with Dr. Rock on a Tascam 688
cassette, everything prior was done in Melbourne.
Does Chinese Burns
have any music that we haven’t talked about?
have any music that we haven’t talked about?
X: We did a split
7″ with Mad Macka (The Onyas / Boondall Boys) that came out in June via
MereNoise Records, another Brisbane label as part of a singles club deal. Brad made a video of it which you can see
here. That’s the most recent thing we’ve
recorded to date.
7″ with Mad Macka (The Onyas / Boondall Boys) that came out in June via
MereNoise Records, another Brisbane label as part of a singles club deal. Brad made a video of it which you can see
here. That’s the most recent thing we’ve
recorded to date.
With the fairly
recent release of the Not My Girl single are there any other releases in the
works or on the horizon at this point?
recent release of the Not My Girl single are there any other releases in the
works or on the horizon at this point?
X: Watch this space.
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With these
completely insane postage rate increases this last year I always try to provide
people with as many possibilities when it comes to buying imports as
possible! Where’s the best place for our
US readers to pick up copies of your singles at?
completely insane postage rate increases this last year I always try to provide
people with as many possibilities when it comes to buying imports as
possible! Where’s the best place for our
US readers to pick up copies of your singles at?
X: Great
question! Hit up USA – Easter BilbyDistro / Goner Records. They’ll cover
all your spectacular Australiana needs.
question! Hit up USA – Easter BilbyDistro / Goner Records. They’ll cover
all your spectacular Australiana needs.
What about our
international and overseas readers?
international and overseas readers?
And where’s the
best place for our readers to keep up with the latest news like upcoming album
releases and shows at?
best place for our readers to keep up with the latest news like upcoming album
releases and shows at?
X: We have a website or just facey.
Are there any
major goals that Chinese Burns’ are looking to accomplish in 2014?
major goals that Chinese Burns’ are looking to accomplish in 2014?
Ben: I’d be happy to
keep churning out the singles. Maybe
even an LP (gasp) one of these days.
keep churning out the singles. Maybe
even an LP (gasp) one of these days.
X: Yeah and play some
long overdue shows south of the border.
long overdue shows south of the border.
Do you remember
what the first song that Chinese Burns ever played live was? If so, do you remember where and or when that
was?
what the first song that Chinese Burns ever played live was? If so, do you remember where and or when that
was?
X: No idea on the
song, but our first show was at the Birmingham Hotel in Fitzroy in 2008.
song, but our first show was at the Birmingham Hotel in Fitzroy in 2008.
Ben: We used to open
with “Babba Diddy Baby”, so possibly that.
with “Babba Diddy Baby”, so possibly that.
Do you all enjoy
touring? Do you spend a lot of time on
the road? How is it on the road for
Chinese Burns?
touring? Do you spend a lot of time on
the road? How is it on the road for
Chinese Burns?
Ben: We’ve never done
a proper tour but our Sydney show was definitely our worst show, closely
followed by Toowoomba. Both with
Straight Arrows, so maybe it’s their fault.
a proper tour but our Sydney show was definitely our worst show, closely
followed by Toowoomba. Both with
Straight Arrows, so maybe it’s their fault.
What do you all
have planned as far as touring goes for 2014 so far?
have planned as far as touring goes for 2014 so far?
Ben: Playing in
Brisbane sort of counts as touring now, so the Sulphur Lights LP launch show in
February is about it.
Brisbane sort of counts as touring now, so the Sulphur Lights LP launch show in
February is about it.
You all have
played with some seriously awesome bands over the years! Who are some of your personal favorites that
you’ve had a chance to share a bill with?
played with some seriously awesome bands over the years! Who are some of your personal favorites that
you’ve had a chance to share a bill with?
X: Deaf Wish, Ooga
Boogas, Straight Arrows, James Arthur, Nobunny, 10k Cheese Block, The Stabs,
quality!
Boogas, Straight Arrows, James Arthur, Nobunny, 10k Cheese Block, The Stabs,
quality!
Ben: For sure. We’ve had to knock back a few shows with
great bands too, thanks to the tyranny of distance.
great bands too, thanks to the tyranny of distance.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Ben: Doesn’t matter
as long as it’s in one of ‘dem big busses.
as long as it’s in one of ‘dem big busses.
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
X: Probably one of
the best things I’ve seen at a show was from my brother in-laws band Turnpike
who were playing this dilapidated venue.
There were stairs leading up to the toilets behind the band and one of
the steps had fallen through, so people were walking back down the stairs and
falling through the gap landing on the drummer.
About three people fell through like Lemmings, it was hilarious! No one was seriously injured, I think.
the best things I’ve seen at a show was from my brother in-laws band Turnpike
who were playing this dilapidated venue.
There were stairs leading up to the toilets behind the band and one of
the steps had fallen through, so people were walking back down the stairs and
falling through the gap landing on the drummer.
About three people fell through like Lemmings, it was hilarious! No one was seriously injured, I think.
With all of the
various methods of release available to artists today I’m always curious why
they choose and prefer the particular mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to and or purchasing music? If
so, why?
various methods of release available to artists today I’m always curious why
they choose and prefer the particular mediums that they do. Do you have a preferred medium of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to and or purchasing music? If
so, why?
Ben: All vinyl for
physical releases because the people who listen to vinyl buy it. Records are fun, expensive and less
disposable. MP3s are for sale on
Bandcamp but you don’t really expect people to buy them.
physical releases because the people who listen to vinyl buy it. Records are fun, expensive and less
disposable. MP3s are for sale on
Bandcamp but you don’t really expect people to buy them.
Do you have a
music collection at all? If so can you
tell us a little bit about it?
music collection at all? If so can you
tell us a little bit about it?
Ben: Hundreds of LPs
and 7″s but I keep it pretty streamlined these days. Sold almost half my collection when I moved
to Melbourne and haven’t regretted it.
and 7″s but I keep it pretty streamlined these days. Sold almost half my collection when I moved
to Melbourne and haven’t regretted it.
X: Ugly enough, with
something fruity every now and then.
something fruity every now and then.
I grew up around
what I considered a pretty sizable collection of music and learned to really
appreciate physical releases from an early age.
There was an undeniable magic about being able to go over to the shelf
and randomly pull off an album, read the liner notes and stare at the artwork
while the music transported me away to another world. There’s always been a connection in my mind
between music and a physical album, something to hold and experience that makes
for a more complete listening experience; at least for me. Do you have any such connection with
physically released music?
what I considered a pretty sizable collection of music and learned to really
appreciate physical releases from an early age.
There was an undeniable magic about being able to go over to the shelf
and randomly pull off an album, read the liner notes and stare at the artwork
while the music transported me away to another world. There’s always been a connection in my mind
between music and a physical album, something to hold and experience that makes
for a more complete listening experience; at least for me. Do you have any such connection with
physically released music?
Ben: I mainly started
buying records in the mid-90s because they were cheaper than CDs and am now
loving Spotify. The rising cost of vinyl
has me only buying “must haves” and local stuff.
buying records in the mid-90s because they were cheaper than CDs and am now
loving Spotify. The rising cost of vinyl
has me only buying “must haves” and local stuff.
X: Yeah for sure,
buying records off bands at shows is another way to establish this connection,
basically helps you remember the gig. I
tried to understand Spotify but couldn’t deal with it, now I don’t know how to
uninstall it.
buying records off bands at shows is another way to establish this connection,
basically helps you remember the gig. I
tried to understand Spotify but couldn’t deal with it, now I don’t know how to
uninstall it.
As much as I love my music collection, and I do love
it! Ask my girlfriend and she will tell
you about the growing stacks and piles of stuff that consume her living space on
a daily basis ha-ha! But as much as I
love my music collection there’s always been a few fundamental problems with
it, namely portability. Digital music
has taken care of that problem, it still blows my mind that I can essentially
carry my entire music collection around on a phone! With the good comes the bad though and while
digital music, especially when teamed with the internet, has exposed people to
a whole universe of music that they otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to,
it’s also destroying decades of work and infrastructure and rapidly changing
the face of the music industry as we know it.
As a musician during the reign of the digital age what’s your opinion on
digital music and distribution?
it! Ask my girlfriend and she will tell
you about the growing stacks and piles of stuff that consume her living space on
a daily basis ha-ha! But as much as I
love my music collection there’s always been a few fundamental problems with
it, namely portability. Digital music
has taken care of that problem, it still blows my mind that I can essentially
carry my entire music collection around on a phone! With the good comes the bad though and while
digital music, especially when teamed with the internet, has exposed people to
a whole universe of music that they otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to,
it’s also destroying decades of work and infrastructure and rapidly changing
the face of the music industry as we know it.
As a musician during the reign of the digital age what’s your opinion on
digital music and distribution?
Ben: People who want
to make a living from music must adapt or die.
Having everything at your fingertips is fantastic. People making music for fun don’t need to
worry about it.
to make a living from music must adapt or die.
Having everything at your fingertips is fantastic. People making music for fun don’t need to
worry about it.
X: If they want to
take the relationship further they can buy your record and “take you home”.
take the relationship further they can buy your record and “take you home”.
I try to keep up
with as much good music as is humanly possible and while the internet helps and
I spend more time than I would like to admit talking to the local record shop
employees, poring over bins there and listening to random links online, but a
lot of the best tips that I get come from other musicians. Is there someone that I should be listening
to from your local scene or area that I might not have heard of before?
with as much good music as is humanly possible and while the internet helps and
I spend more time than I would like to admit talking to the local record shop
employees, poring over bins there and listening to random links online, but a
lot of the best tips that I get come from other musicians. Is there someone that I should be listening
to from your local scene or area that I might not have heard of before?
Ben: Lovely Legs,
Flying Sorcerer, Thee Hugs.
Flying Sorcerer, Thee Hugs.
X: Stink Bugs, Future
Shocks, Arbuckle
Shocks, Arbuckle
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
Ben: Native Cats,
Ausmuteants, Cuntz.
Ausmuteants, Cuntz.
X: Leather Towel, TV
Colours, Pronto, The Salivation Army
Colours, Pronto, The Salivation Army
Thanks so much for
taking the time to do this and humor all my inane questioning! I know it can’t have been a short process but
I hope you at least enjoyed looking back at what you’ve done and
accomplished! Is there anything that I
might have missed or that you’d just like to take the opportunity to talk
about?
taking the time to do this and humor all my inane questioning! I know it can’t have been a short process but
I hope you at least enjoyed looking back at what you’ve done and
accomplished! Is there anything that I
might have missed or that you’d just like to take the opportunity to talk
about?
Ben: I answered these
on a fucking iPad so top marks to me for patience.
on a fucking iPad so top marks to me for patience.
X: That’s everything,
cheers!
cheers!
DISCOGRAPHY
(2009) Chinese Burns – Can Dig – 7” – Must Destroy Mankind
Records (1st pressing of 200 copies with original cover, 2nd pressing with
alternate black cover)
Records (1st pressing of 200 copies with original cover, 2nd pressing with
alternate black cover)
(2010) Chinese Burns – Rohypnol – single-sided 7” – Leather
Bar Records (Singles club edition limited to 100 copies, regular black pressing
limited to 200 copies)
Bar Records (Singles club edition limited to 100 copies, regular black pressing
limited to 200 copies)
(2011) Chinese Burns – Calculator – 7” – Windian Records
(1st pressing limited to 400 copies, alternate pressing with different cover
limited to 100 copies)
(1st pressing limited to 400 copies, alternate pressing with different cover
limited to 100 copies)
(2013) Chinese Burns – Not My Girl – 7” – Swashbuckling Hobo
Records (Limited to 500 copies)
Records (Limited to 500 copies)
(2013) Chinese Burns / Mad Macka – Chinese Burns/Mad Macka
Split – 7” – Mere Noise Records (150 copies available as part of Mail-Order
Club only)
Split – 7” – Mere Noise Records (150 copies available as part of Mail-Order
Club only)
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
