Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?
We are just about to head off on tour for our new single ‘Skin’ from our 7” double A side release. The track is influenced heavily from early 80’s post-punk and is short but sweet. Whilst working on the track we locked ourselves away in a shed in country NSW (where no one would ever find us) and every aspect of the song was worked on collaboratively, which was a great experience. I think that writing this track gave us a much clearer idea of what direction we want to take the band sonically.
For our Skin Tour we will be playing headline shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide which we are stoked about. As always, our method of transportation is a concern. We recently brought a second hand van that has since been christened ‘Black Betty’. In the few months of owning Betty we have seized her engine, flattened her battery, and popped her tyres amongst many other things. Betty, please don’t let us down!
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Our housemate makes ‘Lime-Bread’ where he squeezes juice from a lime over a piece of bread with cracked pepper. I’m going to roll with Lime-Bread. It’s raw, it has a bit of zest, it’s different, and it’s surprisingly delicious!
Which song resonates most strongly and why?
Without a doubt it would be ‘My Friend’. The song will always be special to us because it was the first song we wrote and recorded as a band. I think the simplicity and rawness of the track makes it quite powerful. Destrends as a band has grown around this track and it is still one of my favourites to play live. It’s a bit manic and unsettling which I think resonates with the listener, yet still maintains pop sensibilities.
Any on the road anecdotes?
Billy (Guitarist) has become quite the connoisseur of the good old fashioned Jelly Slice. Whilst we are on the road we make a concerted effort to sample local slices from around the country. Billy then judges each slice on the texture and consistency of the cream, the colour of the jelly and overall taste. Touring with Destrends also doubles as a quest to find Australia’s best Jelly Slice. We are contemplating starting a blog to show our findings.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My brother Nathan (Drummer) and I were raised listening to fairly mainstream 80’s bands. Billy was brought up more on 90’s underground grunge/punk. We all have a fairly eclectic taste in music, although I think Destrends is quite reminiscent of the new wave of the late 70’s and early 80’s (Talking Heads, Television, Joy Division etc). Individually, I’m inspired but front people who are slightly intense, a touch manic and that have a raw honesty about them. There have been some great Australian examples including Chrissy Amphlett, Doc Neeson and Peter Garrett just to name a few.
What’s next for you?
After the tour we will be retreating like hermits into our own little hidey-hole to write and record for our debut EP. It will be a magical land filled with convenience foods. We will surface to gig occasionally but otherwise we will see you all in a few months.
What’s your scene?
Whiskey on weeknights. For better or worse.
About Destrends
DESTRENDS are ready to hit the road for their first tour as headliners to support the release of their second single SKIN. The song was taken from their recent double A-side release, and follows their first single MY FRIEND, which earned a 4.5 star review from Richard Kingsmill at Triple J.
“Take the day off, stay at home and listen to this song over and over. It will be time well spent.”
– Richard Kingsmill, Triple J
4.5/5 stars
Brothers Matt (Vocals/Bass) and Nathan Savage (Drums) provide a powerful rhythm section augmented by accomplished guitarist Billy Watts(son of the lateRobbie ‘Rocket’ Watts, former guitarist of Aussie-punk legends Cosmic Psychos).Outfitted in Dr Martens, tight jeans and glitter, the Melbourne based three-piece are quickly building a reputation as a distinctly theatrical live band with a sound influenced by early 80s post-punk. It is a unique blend, reminiscent of the new wave of the late 70s and early 80s with a gentle touch of gothic hysteria.
In the short time since forming, DESTRENDS has shared the stage with Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees/Queens of the Stone Age) at his sold out Melbourne show, toured with Stonefield on their recent national tour and performed at King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s inaugural Dawn of Gizzfest at the Corner Hotel.
MY FRIEND / SKIN was recorded and mixed by Stu MacKenzie (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard), mastered by Joseph Carra at Crystal Studios and written by Matt Savage, Nathan Savage and Billy Watts.