All My Friends Are In Bar Bands

A dislocated shoulder and a few happy accidents lead a punk part-timer into the role of the lifetime - the driving force of The Smith Street Band, who have evolved into one of the country's most respected and beloved contemporary rock bands. Chris Cowburn might not be up-front - either literally or figuratively - but he's been a part of the band since its formation, and has also moved into various managerial roles as well as founding his own label, Jackknife Music. At the top of another national tour, Chris shared his tales of unexpected European shenanigans, finding a home in Poison City and taking the world on one sweaty club show at a time. The Smith Street Band have just released a new single, "I Scare Myself Sometimes," featuring the vocals of Lucy Wilson of The Sugarcanes. The 7-inch can be purchased via Poison City Records here: http://poisoncityestore.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-smith-street-band-i-scare-myself-sometimes-7 The band end their national tour with a show tonight in Byron Bay

You've bought your favourite records off him. You've watched him slap the bass for bands like A Death in the Family and Freak Wave. But how much do you know about Andy Hayden, the man behind Poison City Records? Across two separate chats that pre-gamed and post-gamed the Weekender, the big boss man opened up about Metallica mixtapes, Geelong dreaming and how punk rock took him from Portland, Victoria to Portland, Oregon and back again. To keep up with future Poison City Records releases, visit www.poisoncityrecords.com Follow Poison City on Twitter: @poisoncity Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Down the Mountains into Marrickville, Tim Levinson - aka Urthboy - has gone from serving up $3.40 bags of fresh hip-hop to a national tour with Paul Kelly. He stands as one of the most interesting, intelligent and staunchly-independent figures in Australian music; the head honcho of Elefant Traks, a noted solo artist and one-eighth of legendary Sydney crew The Herd. In a rare extended interview, Urthy opens up his private universe and discusses nurturing his love of hip-hop, branching out on his own and how the Elefant in the room has been making noise recently. Urthboy's two new singles, "1100 Hours (The Comment Section)" and "765 Hours (W.A.R.)" are out now. They can be streamed here: https://soundcloud.com/urthboy/1100-hours-the-comment-section https://soundcloud.com/urthboy/765-hours-war-feat-ciecmate-and-jayteehazard Subscribe to Elefant Traks' mailing list and find out about other ET artists/releases here: http://www.elefanttraks.com/ Follow Urthboy on Twitter: @urthboy Follow Elefant Traks on Tw

Jack Richard Reilly came straight outta Kiama with a dyed black fringe and a fetish for Frenzal Rhomb. A decade on, he's shifted through post-grunge, post-punk and post-rock - ending up in a place he likes to call Middle Everything. We took a moment with the now Sydney-based singer-songwriter to peer into his musical evolution; providing some insight into one of Australian music's most likeable gentlemen. Jack's new single, Submerged, is out now. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jackrreilly/submerged Unearthed: https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/jack-r-reilly Follow Jack on Twitter: @jack_r_reilly Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finger-tapping wizardry, strikingly-melodic hooks and one of the busiest drummers this side of the equator - Brisbane's Seahorse Divorce are cult favourites among Australia's DIY scene; and with valid reason. In Sydney for the so-called 'emo weekender' back in July, we roped in Ben, Josh and Justin from the band to detail their various wheelings and dealings; from sax-driven grindcore to cheesy pub cover bands. Public Transport Fantasy Sequence is available now. Physical: https://seahorsedivorce.bandcamp.com/album/hessian-transgression-horses-for-discourses-7 Digital: https://seahorsedivorce.bandcamp.com/album/public-transport-fantasy-sequence Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a quick ascension to the top of the food chain for Dylan Farrugia and Jacob Rossi. As one half of Oslow, the duo have already played with the likes of Title Fight, La Dispute, Knapsack and RVIVR. That's not even taking a glimpse at the shows the band have packed out in their own right, presenting a strong case for being one of Sydney's most interesting and exciting bands. Recently, lightning struck twice for the pair, forming the shoegaze side-project Sweater Season and showing a different side to both their musical influences and abilities. We spoke about both on a cool eve in Marrickville; as well as reflecting on the communities that have built up both bands. Oslow's "No Longer Concerns Me" 7-inch recently got a second pressing. You can purchase a copy here: http://oslow.bandcamp.com/album/no-longer-concerns-me-7 You can also stream the songs on Oslow's Bandcamp: http://oslow.bandcamp.com/album/no-longer-concerns-me-7 Watch the video for "Fatigue," directed by Annabelle Habak, here: http://www

It's the grrrls! Ahead of a national tour devoted exclusively to promoting and supporting the talents of women and non-binary people, we get the story behind the Club's initiation and what they hope to achieve. Founder/creator Rachel Maria Cox is in this week; along with cohort Sarah-Marie "Ess-Em" Marriott, for a chat on establishing positive spaces, high-school nightmares and emerging from the MySpace era with their fringes and sass in-tact. For more information on the Sad Grrls Club tour, visit the official website: http://sadgrrrlsclub.com/ Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rachelmariacox Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode almost didn't happen - David Le'aupepe almost didn't come back to music, almost didn't form Gang of Youths and almost didn't release one of the most acclaimed debut albums of the year in The Positions. A series of life-changing events lead the singer-songwriter back into writing and playing music in spite of - or perhaps because of - anxiety and uncertainty in his midst. Over lunch in Sydney, the charming frontman talks through Hendrix covers at the Annandale, touring the States and selling out in Australia. The Positions is out now. Physical: http://mammothstores.com.au/stores/gang-of-youths/gang-of-youths-the-positions-cd/ Digital: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Gang_of_Youths_The_Positions?id=Bymjwdz33utt2umnhi4d2zyzhwe Follow the band on Twitter: @gangofyouths The band is currently on a national tour. For full dates and information, visit www.gangofyouths.com Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're the life and death of the party. The sweatiest dudes in the room. The strangest, weirdest and most wonderful thing to ever happen to punk and hardcore in Australia. If you haven't had your local terrorised by this crew of mystic beasts, you know someone that has - and they probably haven't shut up about them since it happened. Before a show at Rad, where the band have had some of their most notable gigs, we sat down with founding members Drew Gardner and Mike Bennett for a discussion of partial nudity, libellous drug stories and wine events. WARNING: Frequent explicit language and drug references. Follow the band on Twitter: @TotallyUnicorn. Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The two Toms and Max of Burlap are in the building this week. We've got McEwen, also of Unbranded Animals and McLovin fame; as well as Houlahan, who has played in bands such as F'Tang and Ted Danson with Wolves; and Max Edgar, formerly of Halal, How Are You?. Together, these three have been most recently stomping holes in the local music scene with their brutal, brooding sludge/noise project Burlap. Once again coming live from the Black Wire beer garden, Burlap talk about their individual and collective endeavours, as well as some tales from their spiritual home of Beatdisc Records and where they see themselves in Sydney's DIY scene. Burlap's demo is out still and available for download here: http://burlapsydney.bandcamp.com/album/demo Follow Tom McEwen on Twitter: @showerbeers Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've never gotten to say this before, but... we did it in the back of the van! In the midst of a brutal tour with King Parrot and Colossvs, High Tension's fearless frontwoman talked through her colourful history with music; which takes us through the mean streets of Jakarta, the roundabouts of Canberra and the hotspots of Melbourne. A remarkably honest look at identity, representation, interpersonal struggle and the weight of public expectation. High Tension's second studio album, Bully, is out now via Double Cross Records. Physical: http://www.hightension.com.au/store/ Digital: http://bit.ly/HTBULLYiTunes The band also play this Saturday night with Mere Women, Narrow Lands and MSV BCP at Newtown Social Club. Last tickets available here: https://newtownsc.ticketscout.com.au/gigs/3878-high-tension Follow High Tension on Twitter: @hightensionband Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our first-ever crossover episode! For something a little different, All My Friends Are in Bar Bands has teamed up with Melbourne-based podcast Oblivious Maximus for a collaborative look into one another's lives. Oblivious Maximus is hosted by I Exist guitarist and former Outright drummer Aaron Osbourne; who talks through his upbringing, touring with his heroes and his own quest to get to the core of his friends over a beer or two at Kelly's in Newtown. Brutal! Aaron's podcast, Oblivious Maximus, can be checked out here: www.obliviousmaximuspodcast.com Follow I Exist on Twitter: @iexistcbr Follow Aaron on Twitter: @_returntrip Follow Oblivious Maximus on Twitter: @obliviousmaxpod Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TASSIE! For the last few years, Luca Brasi have been flying the flag for the Apple Isle. In that time, they've put out two albums, toured the country countless times and established themselves as one of the most heartfelt and endearing Australian punk bands. Kicking around just after soundcheck at Sutherland's Studio Six, Tyler and Pat shot the shit on high-school kickabouts, rooms full of mates and the moments they'll never forget. Loose Threads is out now via Poison City Records. Physical: http://poisoncityestore.com/collections/vinyl/products/luca-brasi-loose-threads-7 Digital: https://poisoncityrecords.bandcamp.com/album/loose-threads Follow Luca Brasi on Twitter: @lucabrasiaus Special thanks to Tom Busby and Danny Flood for the epilogue. Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not often that the podcast has a guest that was born into a world of music, but this is certainly the case when it comes to Georgia Macdonald - known professionally and colloquially around the traps as Georgia Maq. The daughter of Redgum alum Hugh Macdonald, Georgia has had lyrics, harmonies, chords and songwriting quite literally bred into her. She emerged as a solo act a few years ago and is on the verge of becoming one of the country's most intriguing and relatable songwriters. On a brief visit to Sydney, the delightful Maq enlightens us on the story so far - writing honestly, performing publicly and all the good shit. Georgia's split-release with friend-of-the-show Spencer "Scooter" Scott AKA Scotty AKA Schooner is out now via Lost Boy Records. Physical: http://lostboyrecords.bigcartel.com/product/split-7-georgia-maq-spencer-scott Digital: https://georgiamaq.bandcamp.com/album/split-7 Follow Georgia on Twitter: @GeorgiaMaq Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystud

You may have seen him wielding a bass for Milhouse and Between the Devil and the Deep, a guitar under the name zzzounds or a banjo as one half of Pinch Hitter. Under any circumstance, it's always a delight to watch Dave Drayton express his inner-most and most honest self upon the stage. Over a cheeky arvo beer and a rollie or two out the back of Black Wire, Dave takes us from Hornsby to New York and back again through a life mainly spent in music. Pinch Hitter's split 7-inch with Meridian is out locally now via Lost Boy Records: http://lostboyrecords.bigcartel.com/product/split-7-meridian-pinch-hitter When Friends Die in Accidents is out now via Microphone and Loudspeaker: https://pinchhitter.bandcamp.com/album/when-friends-die-in-accidents You can download zzzounds' various singles and demos via Bandcamp: http://zzzounds.bandcamp.com Follow Dave on Twitter: @davedrayton_ Follow Pinch Hitter on Twitter: @pinchhitterbanj Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/list

From mop-topped piano-pop to quiff'd synth jams, Sydney's Andy Bull has come a long way from his humble beginnings. Now a Triple J favourite and a successful touring artist, Bull has grown up in public; persevering through empty gigs and an identity crisis which inspired his biggest hit. A quick chat in the empty cafeteria at the University of Wollongong gives us a brief insight into this exceptional Australian talent - where he's come from and where he's headed. Sea of Approval out still! Physical: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/pop-alternative/sea-of-approval/565693/ Digital: http://www.andybull.com.au/store/andy-bull-sea-of-approval-standard-music-album-mp3-4731051 Andy plays the Oxford Art Factory this Saturday with Cub Sport and Vigilantes. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.moshtix.com.au//v2/event/andy-bull/76665?ref=calendar&skin= Follow Andy on Twitter: @andy_bull Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newcastle Month ends with an honest, detailed and entertaining chat with Jen Buxton. Since the tender age of sixteen, Buxton has been breaking hearts, kicking arse and not compromising herself for anyone or anything. We talk through her time in Like... Alaska, her transition into playing solo and what it means to have people look up to her. Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've been around any given venue in Newcastle - or, indeed, if you consider yourself even a passing fan of intricate, intelligent Australian hardcore - no doubt you have crossed paths with Safe Hands. Founding member, original bassist and now vocalist Benjamin "Diz" Louttit arrived in the Steel City from Tamworth a decade ago and has never looked back; slowly but surely cementing his place as one of the country's most energetic, intense and exuberant frontmen. Here, he shares the story of Safe Hands, warts and all, as well as some choice moments from outside the band's history. The majority of Safe Hands' releases can be downloaded here: http://safehandsaus.bandcamp.com Follow the band on Twitter: @safehandsband Follow Benjamin on Twitter: @theycallhimdiz Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having known one another for a decade and change, Melbourne-via-Newcastle's Jamie Hay and Melbourne-via-Hobart's Liam White teamed up a couple of years ago to add some electricity to Jamie's acoustic sets; as well as to write some new tunes of their own. Over dinner in one of Jamie's old Newcastle haunts, Hamilton Chinese, we spoke of the pair's individual and collective history - including, but not limited to, warehouse shows, grindcore, punk rock elitism, going solo and back again. "Water Memory / Hurry to Heaven" is available here: https://jamiehay.bandcamp.com/album/water-memory Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jamiekimhay Follow Liam on Twitter: @leeham Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Newcastle Month on All My Friends Are in Bar Bands! That means that the month of May is dedicated entirely to some of the legends that either have or currently do call Newcastle home. First up: Whether you've seen him bare-chested and belligerent as frontman of Caverns or as a humble lone troubadour, it's hard to deny Jack Lundie when he's letting his heart spill out on his sleeve as he performs. The incredibly likable Novocastrian holds court in this week's episode, giving a brief guided tour through his Tom DeLonge aspirations, his transition into hardcore and eventual departure into country. Jack's first solo demo, 23 Years, can be downloaded here: https://jacklundiemusic.bandcamp.com/ Like Adeline Pines on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adelinepinesmusic Follow Jack on Twitter: @i_amjack Support David on Patreon: http://patreon.com/davidjamesyoung See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.