The Getaway Plan are currently doing the rounds on the Groovin’ The Moo tour through regional areas of the country and have a string of headline shows along the way. Tonight you can catch them at The Standard in Sydney, followed by the Maitland and Canberra stops of Groovin’ The Moo before next week heading over to WA to wrap it all up. They’ll be back out on the road in July supporting Say Anything, for which tickets went on sale yesterday. Sean Degan recently caught up with Matthew from the band for a quick check in of what’s happening in camp TGP as they continue to support their ‘Requiem‘ album released last year via UNFD. Expand this post to take a read, and re-cap their tour dates.
So you’re back! the album is out you’ve toured etc.. How’s the reception been?
Things were a little slow at first, but more and more people are beginning to get their heads around ‘Requiem’. Watching the response to the new songs grow more and more, every tour, is extremely gratifying. It’s kind of like being a proud parent and letting your children go, slowly and safely.
What or who sparked the idea of the reunion?
We were approached by a charity organisation in mid 2010 about playing a reunion show. Clint and I bumped in to each other at a bar one night shortly after that and discussed the prospect of playing and creating music together again. We both agreed that we were stupid not to and haven’t looked back since.
How was the writing process for the latest album? It seems to have some dark themes, musically and lyrically?
Writing this time around was a little different for us because Clint was touring with Amity during the bulk of it, but we still made it work just fine. Having the internet definitely saved us. Clint was writing on the road and I was writing at home, so we would be sending demos back and forth every day. As far as themes go; There are definitely some dark moments on the record, but over all, it sounds like it’s more of a celebration than anything. That’s what I hear anyway.
What’s different this time around for The Getaway Plan?
We’re ready to do what we weren’t before. We’ve grown and matured in to a really strong group of individuals, and on top off that have all found a new love and passion for music in general. We are a lot more grateful than we used to be. We are very lucky to live the lives that we do.
Are things back in full swing? Although you’ve recently released your latest album, what are the plans for the future recording wise?
We are always writing and sharing music with each other. We are going to be spending some time together in June to try and bring some new songs to life. It’s still very early days, but I’d like to hope we’ll have another record out by the end of next year.
A lot of fans still bring up the old days with ‘Hold Conversation’ and how the newer tunes have a lack of screaming lyrics. When you feel you’re progressing as a band / musician how do you take / respond to fans wanting the “old” sound back?
People relate to different songs for different reasons and we have no problem with that, we are completely flattered that there are people out there that still appreciate our first record. Unfortunately for them, we just can’t relate to writing that kind of music any more. It’s been 6 years since we released that record and nearly 9 years since we wrote it. A lot changes in a person in that time.
You have a bit of touring ahead of you. What can fans expect this time around?
On Groovin’ The Moo, we’re playing a couple of older songs that we haven’t in a while. People can always expect us to try and put on a better show than the last. We’re constantly trying to better ourselves each and every time we play. The Groovin’ The Moo sideshows are going to be our last headline shows for quite some time, so we want to try and make them extra special, people can expect a lot from those shows.
How important is interaction with your fans?
It’s far more important than it used to be, kids expect a lot more from artists these days, not to say that’s a bad thing. It forces us to be human and down to earth and we love that. Our fans are generally great people anyway.
What have you been listening to / recommending of late?
I say this to every single publication, and I’m sure people are going to get sick of hearing me say it, but the new Gatherer record is honestly amazing. People should really keep their eye on that band. They are destined for huge things.
What is your favourite tour / show memory?
I would have to say the first time we ever sold out The Hi-Fi in Melbourne. That was when things first started to take off for us. It was a pretty exciting time.
If you had the chance to put on a dream tour which 3 bands would you take on tour?
The Amity Affliction, Gatherer and Break Even. Nothing beats having friends on the road.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We are going on tour with Say Anything this July. It’s going to be a great tour so make sure you get to a show!
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The Getaway Plan are currently touring around on Groovin’ The Moo Festival, with a few headline shows as well.
MAY
11th – The Standard, Sydney [18+]
12th – Groovin’ The Moo Festival, Maitland [AA] SOLD OUT
13th – Groovin’ The Moo Festival, Canberra [AA]
18th – Amplifier Bar, Perth [18+]
19th – Groovin’ The Moo, Bunbury [AA] SOLD OUT
Then catch The Getaway Plan supporting Say Anything
JULY
11th – Amplifier Bar, Perth [18+]
12th – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide [Lic/AA]
13th – Billboard The Venue, Melbourne [18+]
14th – The Hi-Fi, Sydney [18+]
17th – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane [18+]
—> Tickets on sale now.
—> For more information, visit [Here]
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The Getaway Plan – Requiem
Available now via UNFD
Order a copy on CD or Vinyl, or T-Shirt + CD bundle [Here]
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