Answered by “Leigh Leroy Leighdog Baines ~ as on my birth certificate”.
Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?
Ok! It’s called ‘Future Cult Classics’ and the lead single is called ‘East India Empress’. The single was produced by Chris Potter (The Verve, Blur, Elbow, Richard Ashcroft) in his London studios. He really does make the single sound exactly how it should. The second and third tracks off the EP are mixed by Mark Gardener from RIDE. What a legend he is. It doesn’t get much better. The single is out on the 16th March and the EP, April 6 via iTunes and Spotify.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
I’d have to say on this EP, is East India Empress. We had the core of the track, but Chris really brought it to life. His idea’s are brilliant. And to have Mark involved also, is a massive thrill for us. But I have to say, there are two tracks ‘in particular’ that will be on the next release, which I can already hear working just as well as this single, if not better! They’re demoed already, but I ain’t gonna lie… you’ll like it!
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Mmm, Ok! So our music is a bit dreamy, but keeps you enticed and still wanting more at the end… Tim Tam?!
More serious answer – 2 Tim Tams!
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
“How many beats in a bar” (someone asked Chris Potter in the studio)
What, or who, inspires you?
People who are honest about their feelings, someone who is genuinely nice, I’ve always admired people who can draw and people who actually do what they want in life despite judgment. Those things inspire me.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Mmm, Too many. Heroes – David Bowie, Here comes the sun – The Beatles (George) Ahh I’ll be here for ever!
What’s next for you?
We are tracking demos for the next release. Talks of heading to London again to record. We are really keen on that idea. We are gigging on the 23rd March at the Gasometer in Melbourne for our launch and April 8 at the Brunswick club.
What’s your scene?
I like to hang in, but when I do venture out, it’ll be at a bar that I know well. Nothing like a familiar face with my beer!
First single, East India Empress is firmly aligned with its psychedelic predescessors in Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead, but there’s something undeniably current about it, too. Driving percussion and a constant, rhythmic vocal allow the space for the guitars to do their thing – and that thing is massive, and floating, and intriguingly expansive.
Catch Shiva and The Hazards this Friday 23rd March at The Gasometer.
Shiva and the Hazards are LIVE for their first headline show of 2018 at The Gasometer Hotel March 23rd, with special guests The Black Heart Death Cult and Franjapan. TICKETS: $10+bf
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