Davey Lane released his debut album, ‘Atonally Young‘ last Friday through Field Recordings / MGM. To launch it, he will head out on tour later this month for shows in Ballarat, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Brisbane. You can pick up the new album on iTunes [Here] or on physical formats [Here]. This week Davey took the time to answer our Hotseat questions. Expand this post to take a read of his answers and browse over those upcoming tour dates.
THE BASICS
Name : Davey Lane
Instruments played : Guitar mainly
Website Address : daveylane.com, naturally
HOME
Hometown : Boronia
Hometown is best known for : Fish and Chips, guns and crystal meth.
Best venue in your hometown : There are none that I know of
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : See above
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : See above
YOU
When did the idea to start playing solo come about? Coz I was writing heaps of songs, and had no other outlet for them after I put my old band The Pictures on ice. Clean slate an’ all.
How long have you been at it? Since I was about 14. I’m much more than double that age now.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… I’ve got no idea. If you wanna have a listen to it and tell me what you think of it you’re most welcome.
Got a personal stand out achievement to date? I sang a song almost completely in tune the other day. That’s a personal stand out achievement as far as I’m concerned.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? My Dad played me the documentary on The Who, The Kids Are Alright. If anyone watches that and doesn’t want to play the guitar then they are a bit strange.
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? Anything Nick Lowe or Todd Rundgren have made.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? Thee Odeon Sound, my contributions were melodic rock with lots of guitars, very sub-Oasis. It was 1997 after all.
Most prized music related item you own? The Brian May Red Special guitar I built with a friend of mine a few years ago. It’s a precious reminder of my biggest musical hero and I was honoured to spend a short while with the man himself when he was in Melbourne recently. I took the guitar along and he signed it.
When you’re not doing music related stuff, what are you usually found doing? I am incapable of doing anything else. I am absolutely not joking about this. Middling to average musician and songwriter, amateur human being. I can cook, but that’s about it.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… The rider and the possibility of a Subway party sub, I always thought there was a ten foot long oven to cook those subs. When I found out it was lots of usual length subs cut into segments I was fuckin shattered.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… If I’m going on tour solo or with my band I might not look forward to the prospect of worrying about going on tour and no-one turning up to the shows but everything else is an absolute joy.
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? Whisky. Laphroaig is my favourite but on a solo tour I’ll settle for Vat 69 thanks.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? England. Coz I fuckin love that place, all my favourite music comes from there. Even an unassuming city like Birmingham makes me excited coz Black fucking Sabbath come from there. And The Move, and subsequently, ELO. Awesome. I’d love to move there, I reckon my music’s way better suited to England than Australia.
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Haven’t played that many. Rehearsal last night was pretty memorable.
Got a favourite song to play live? ‘Witch In My Mind’ is gonna be fuckin great fun to play in front of a crowd.
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? Nah. I’ve walked off-stage and realized my fly was undone a few times but I’m not really embarrassed about that.
Any pre-show rituals? Not eating is the only one really.
What do you find is the hardest aspect of playing music and touring around today? Getting people to come to your shows is pretty difficult in my case.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? Coming Up by Paul McCartney. We’re covering it.
Last album you picked up? The Milk Records compliation, it’s an EP rather than an album but it was the last thing I got anyway.
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Anything by XTC. I’m listening to Nonsuch at the moment.
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Well I’ve got lots of album recording debts to repay, so please take a chance, listen to me please and if you don’t think it sucks too hard buy my record please!
What’s on the cards for the next few months for you? Touring this record. Writing and recording a new one. There’ll be a You Am I record happening at some point next year which I’m very much looking forward to.
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album to cover in full, what would it be and why? ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. Every song is a fuckin’ ripper. I’ve already covered side 2, just gotta Side A and it’s done. I’ve also covered Nick Lowe’s ‘Jesus Of Cool’ in full which was so much fun.
You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your releases in full, what would it be, and why? I’d be bloody stoked if anyone could be fucked recording one of my releases in full!
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? Rockpile. Queen circa ‘74/’75.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? Judy’s Crab Shack in Boise, Idaho.
The chance comes up to fill in for a member of a band for one tour, which band would it be, and why? If Dave Minehan busts his fingers I’ll be putting my hand up to play in the Replacements! Coz I fuckin love those songs.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two artists you’d take along to support you. I dunno. I don’t really wanna ponder on the improbable. If anyone wanted to take ME on tour overseas I’d be so fuckin happy I could burst.
PLUG TIME
Got any final words? That ain’t really my style.
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DAVEY LANE – ‘Atonally Young‘
Available now.
Grab it on iTunes [Here] or on physical formats [Here].
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DAVEY LANE
OCTOBER
30th – Karova Lounge, Ballarat [18+]
31st – Northcote Social Club, Northcote [18+]
NOVEMBER
7th – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle [18+]
8th – Newtown Social Club, Newtown [18+]
21st – The Brightside, Brisbane [18+]
—> Tickets available now.
—> For more information, visit [Here].
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