THUG - The Interview
Written by Burn Sunday, 23 August 2009 07:16
Having just released their debut full length album, I got Simon to answer a few questions about the band, the new release and what else the future holds for THUG
Describe your sound for a non THUG fan
Aussie Rock n Roll with an Oi / Old school Punk edge to it.
Quick history on how and when the band began
We got the band together early 2007. Chumley and I had been talking about getting a band together again since around 2005, we just couldn’t find the right people. We had been in a number of bands together back in the ‘80’s and figured it was time to get back into it.
The new album has just been released through Randale Records, how did all that come about?
We recorded the album over a year ago and it has taken this long to get it out. We had a few offers from various different places and Randale came through with the best deal so they got it.
Have you had much feedback yet on the new album?
We have had a bit which has been very positive, it’s early days though so we’ll just have to wait and see.
Do you or Chumly write most of the songs or is it a group effort
Chumley writes all the lyrics and the whole band collaborates on the music.
For those who haven't got the new one yet, what can they expect?
Aussie, tough, in your face, rough and real, rock n roll.
What's one of your most memorable shows you've played?
Playing with Sham the first time they came out was great and also The Business this time was a good laugh. It was great to meet Tosh and Mickey Fitz, two Oi stalwarts from when it all started. Really enjoyed sharing the stage with those guys.
What are the future plans for the band , or will you just take it as it comes?
We are going to record another album within the next six months or so. We’ve got heaps of new material ready to go. Aussie as fuck, Hard as nails. It will be different but I reckon people are gonna love it.
How is the Skinhead/punk scene these days compared to when you started out all those years ago?
Way different that’s for sure. Hardly any agro these days. Everyone is so “nice”. All the sub groups seem to mix really well now which wasn’t the case when we started. Back in the early 80’s when we got into it, having a short haircut made a lot of people want to fight you. I don’t know what it was but we would get into scraps basically every time we went out. We were always willing to oblige though and won more than we lost I can tell ya. We weren’t backward in coming forward if you know what I mean. Ha Ha.
There was also more bands back then and in every major city in the country. Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane all had thriving Skinhead scenes.
Did you notice a big difference from the crowds these days to the crowds you used to play to?
Yea. There is a real mix in the crowds these days which is great. The more people that come along to our shows and have a good time the better.
And finally , What do you think of the punk/ skin / streetrock scene' in Australia or whatever you wish to call it
Good and getting better. A number of really good bands getting around at the moment, releasing records and getting international gig experience. So the future is looking bright.
Any thing else you would like to add mate
Do yourself a favour. Buy the new Album
Thanks Molly haha , so do yourself a favour and catch THUG around the traps and get the new album out now thru Randale records and Pug music in Australia.
Cheers Pat
http://www.myspace.com/thugjustice
