How
did you get your start in the music industry?
It all began
with a keyboard. It cost $100 and it was a Casio and it was very average. From
that, it all developed in to bigger and better things - more keyboards and experience
until the we created Mercury White. We all worked hard to create a sound that
we could all relate to. A key factor for us was to create music that would be
received well by the public and any potential fans. We tested it out and it was.
Best part of the job?
The live performance
is what we are all about. We want everyone that watches us to have a good time.
We have a lot of fun when this happens. We want our music to be entertaining and
a stage show to go with it. This is an important part of our style.
Worst
part of the job?
Lunch breaks need to be lengthened! Maybe
even another tea break in the morning and afternoon.
Any
interesting experiences you can share?
Our coolest rock
and roll story and it wasn't even us. In the early days, we played a show at a
venue in Victoria and our band room was one of the venue's hotel rooms. We played
the show and afterward hung out with one of the support acts in our hotel/band
room, which we like to do. We headed home at a reasonable hour. Early the next
morning, an angry phone conversation with the venue manager informed us that we
were banned from the venue forever and we owed a lot (and I mean a lot) of cash
for damages and lost goods from the hotel/band room. We discovered later that
the other band that we were hanging out with, stayed in the room after we left
and destroyed it (true rock and roll style I guess). They trashed it and ran.
We thought we were mates. Our first cliché rock and roll experience and
we didn't even get to experience it. All we were left to experience was the bill
for the damage and a lifetime ban.
Favourite album of all
time and why?
'In Rainbows' - Radiohead. Listened to it
religiously from start to finish so many times, I can't remember. It is an album
that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. For me, it was a great example
of what and how music can make you feel. I love that.
Tell
us about the best live show that you ever saw?
Muse has
done it for me this year at The Big Day Out '10. They were amazing. They know
how to put on a show. That is entertainment ladies and gentlemen.
Favourite
bars/clubs/pubs to hang out in?
The Corner Hotel (Melb).
Great venue that hosts most of Australia's sweet acts. The Espy (St Kilda, Melb).
Bit of history with this venue, from playing there to seeing some great bands
rock it there in their early days, and also it always works to sneak in there
after a big night for a couple of beers in the early hours.
Take
us through a typical "day in the life of Mercury White".
Coffee,
Vegemite toast, shower. Chuck on a DVD, I would say maybe an episode of 'The Mighty
Boosh' to get things started. After some beef flavoured noodles (the best flavour),
maybe a bit of a jam in the lounge room (we have an electric kit for the house
but I think the neighbours still hate us). Pack the van for the massive gig that
we have on later - this is the worst job and is always done by me (Coops) and
Johnny. The other band members always seem to be held up or can't do it for some
reason or another (sneaky). Then an extensive discussion about outfits for the
gig tonight. A quick game of roof ball or indoor cricket in the house then we
are all set to head to the show - but not before an argument about who will be
driving tonight. A very serious debate ending with an unsatisfying conclusion.
What
advice would you give to someone looking at getting involved in the music industry?
You
should love what you do. If you love music, then do it.
Any
news or final comments?
Come check out one of our shows.
It is a lot of fun. Trust me. We will rock out with some sweet pop rock until
you are rocking out with us.
