The Jungle Giants
Genre:
Indie
Region:
Brisbane, QLD
Sounds Like:
The Jungle Giants
The Jungle Giants are a young Brisbane 4-piece already turning heads with their catchy indie-pop tunes.
Interview: 3 October 2011
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our sound is based on a combination of things. I began writing as an acoustic artist, and am really into melodies and chordal harmonies. I start writing a song on an acoustic, but when I bring a song to the band the other guys sort of melt their own style into it with electric guitars, bass and drums. We turn that sound into something that will translate well in a live setting. Essentially give it dynamics, riffs and sonic layers to build energy and tension in the songs.
What’s The Jungle Giants live show like?
It's pretty fun, and we always end up having the best time. We have heaps of energy to unleash at our shows because our lives outside the band are pretty boring. Andrew (bass & backing vocals) and I have ended up piggybacking each other a few times now. Keelan (drums) even joined in when we made a three person stack during a live show. That said, we are always thinking of our sound sonically. We're at this cool stage where we are discovering different sounds and ways to improve while we're performing.
What was it like transitioning from being a “high school band” to gigging and touring post-graduation?
It was absolutely great. We didn't really know what to expect, as we'd never played to more than 50 people before. I sort of tried to pick the brain of everyone could to find, to get some insight. It's been absolutely great so far and we are really digging the opportunities we've been given to play to bigger and amazing crowds in venues we've never visited before.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I remember chatting to Sam from Ball Park Music right before we left for our first tour a few months ago. He said to just do your thing, have fun and people will love it. I guess that sort of brought things down to a simpler level. It also helped to make it clear that no matter if touring new to us or not, if we made a great sound and had fun, people would be none the wiser.
Tell us about the bands, producers and people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
There are so many people. The best and worst thing about Brisbane is that it's so small. There are so many muso's and industry people in such a small area, and they are always ready to share stories, so it's easy to make relationships. Our champion manager Stu McCullough has given us an incredible amount of direction and support. We have also become really close with the friendly people at Mucho-Bravado, especially Ben Preece, who has given us endless amounts of guidance. Yanto Browning produced our debut EP and he has pretty much become our band bestie. It's a great environment, and there must be something in the water, because there are so many great Brissy acts out and about at the moment.
What’s coming up for you in the rest of 2011 and looking to 2012?
We're super excited to be playing at Valley Fiesta on the 8th of October alongside Hungry Kids of Hungry, Nina Las Vegas and New Navy on the main stage. Then we hit the road to support Ball Park Music on their debut Album tour... we are stoked that they are taking us along. Over the next month we are looking forward to demoing some new music, and then heading back interstate to play some great shows with some wicked bands. By early 2012 we should have a new EP to unleash, as well as some more touring hopefully!
Australian music is…?
...nearly mullet free.