Q&A by Hugh Matthews (vocals and guitar)
Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?
‘Colorize’ is our debut LP, it’s a psych-pop record that I’m really excited to share with the world. There’s an early 90’s grunge/alt rock influence in the tone of ‘Colorize’, and the songs are full on dittys. It’s always a blend of fun and angst in our band, we’ll try to vaporize our instruments on a fun song like ‘Running Around’, and pull out the whirly tones on the darker stuff like ‘Leave it Alone’. Catchy and moody is the style on Colorize, it’s like the soundtrack to a super dark toothpaste commercial.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
‘Feel the Colour’ has a pumping grunge rock energy which worked out well on the record, and it’s a buzz to play live. It’s an interesting one for me because the band create a huge slamming sea, and then the chorus vocal bounces around on it like a tiny lifeboat, hanging on in there. It’s a lot of fun to play live, with all the band’s force crashing around. I like the message too, it’s about social sense and first impressions.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
We just came back from SXSW, which was fairly action packed. We managed to meet a llama, sell out and play our official SXSW showcase, discover our new band bestys ‘Nightmare Air’ and buy some epic jewelry made from shattered cymbals in the space of an hour. Austin is cool and SXSW is the place for ideas and discovery. We generally make good use of our time, recent projects include playlisting ‘The Worst of the Beatles’ on the road to Sydney (much debated) and a bunch of DJ sets at shows around Melbourne. We pretty much play the first 23 seconds of ‘Twentieth Century Boy’ on repeat.
What, or who, inspires you?
I take inspiration from the explosion of interesting Glam-rock infused characters I see in emerging Melbourne bands currently. Personality and outrageous behaviour are on the rise in our town and I’m all for it.
The bitter-sweet moments in life provide inspiration for my songwriting. They are like little knots you can’t untie but it’s satisfying to try.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Merchandise – Become what you are. Merchandise have an inspiring DIY approach and this song tells the ambling, winding story of a creative life so well. It’s relatable, yet otherworldly.
Oasis – Supersonic. It mixes inspiring truisms with abstract psychedelia perfectly. The intro riff and choruses are exceedingly pretty and innocent.
What’s next for you?
We launch ‘Colorize’ at The Workers Club (Melb) April 30th & Visions (Syd) May 6th. These shows should be a heap of fun because we haven’t seen everyone since SXSW. Launching an album will be a great way to reconnect.
What’s your scene?
Anywhere that I’m equally likely to see denim and glitter. Rough enough to rock, glam enough for champagne please.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Hmm…probably Molasses. Heavy and sweet.
About Pretty City
After selling out Melbourne’s ‘The Gaso’ in February, Pretty City hopped the pond to play Austin’s inaugural SXSW music festival and conference. After an epic journey, Pretty City is back ready to release their long anticipated debut album ‘COLORIZE’.
Melbourne’s psyche rock trio made their presence known while in Austin, impressively selling out their show at Tellers Bar and turning heads at another 5 ballistic live shows highlighting not only the band’s ear piercing energy and sound but creative light show. The insane week to remember included shows at the iheart radio showcase and The Aussie BBQ playing alongside fellow Aussie artists DMAs, and Stonefield.
‘COLORIZE’ has been a long time coming for the band after releasing their Triple A side mid 2015 which included the singles ‘Running Around, Melt & Second Hand Clothes’. ‘COLORIZE’ features 9 new tracks spanning spacey shoe gaze, psycadelic rock and back to the wall fuzz and grunge.
‘This album is the culmination of 3 years of relentless performing and touring. We’re really thrilled with how it’s come out and thoroughly relished the chance to make a longer piece of work. Colorize reflects our approach to soundscapes with our emerging penchant for catchy rock and roll.’ Drew – Pretty City
‘Strutting up and along some hazy rainbow made of stadium riffage and ’90s glow stick big pants dance while gazing down at their kicks only long enough to take in that rainbow, this Melbourne-based band sound as brash and ready as a new band can be.’ – Eric Davidson – CMJ, New York
‘We can hear catchy hooks and great pop melodies over fuzzy guitars, mixed with grunge, powerful rhythms, cool guitar riffs and vocals that manage to surprise and delight. Yes, influences from My Bloody Valentine, over Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to Smashing Pumpkins are certainly there yet PrettyCity’s music sounds fresh and contemporary and as spot on 2016 as it can get.’ – Glamglare Blog, New York
COLORIZE will be available on iTunes April 30th 2016
Pretty City will be launching ‘COLORIZE’ alongside Sydney’s own Hedgefund, The Destrends & Brisbane’s Bear Hunt will be ripping up the decks in between sets. It’s all happening;
Saturday April 30th
‘COLORIZE’ Album Launch
The Workers Club
Tickets Pre – $12 + BF / Door $15
TICKETS: http://theworkersclub.oztix.
For more info check out www.prettycityband.net
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Instagram: Prettycityband
soundcloud.com/pretty–city
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