Sydney rock outfit Strangers will release their debut album ‘Persona Non Grata‘ on Friday 12th October. The band is currently in the middle of some residencies in Sydney and Melbourne giving you plenty of chances to see them in action. This week the band took the time to answer our On The Record questions to tell us a little more about the album. You can pre-order a copy of it [Here]. Expand this post to check out their answers.
Tell us about the release title.
Basically the album title ‘Persona Non Grata’ came about when the band was feeling like a fish out of water where we lived (Cronulla). Translated it means an unwelcomed guest. At the time all the songs we were writing were about getting away and leaving old lives behind. The band needed a welcomed change, so the shoe fit.
Tell us about the artwork.
The artwork was inspired by Old American photos. It’s a twilight zone meets post apocalyptic theme. Pat Fox from Kickassapollo design did it. We are stoked on it!
What format/s will it be released on and how will it be packaged?
The release will be available in standard packaging in stores and also digitally on iTunes.
Who will it be released through, and when?
‘Persona Non Grata’ will be out on the 12.10.12 through Shock offshoot Permanent Records. Home to Sugar Army and Steve Smyth.
Tell us about the studio and why you chose to record there?
Basically we chose Tom Larkin to produce the record and his studio came along with him. We told him to take the reigns when it came to recording decisions because we wanted him to be comfortable. Happy producer makes a happy band.
Tell us about the producer / engineer and why you chose to record with them?
Tom Larkin from Shihad produced the record. We heard Calling All Cars first recording and thought the quality was great along with songs. His mixes were unpretentious, exactly where we wanted to sound like on our first record.
Did you go into the writing process with a clear direction in mind?
We were open to everything. I think that’s where you have to be when recording your first record. If you find the right person behind the desk who has been there and done it band wise and recording wise then the songs grow into something outside of your own head space.
Were you listening to anything in particular during the writing / recording process that influenced the songs at all?
I’m not to sure about what every member was listening to at the time but from an individuals perspective I was listening to a lot of Stoner Rock like Queens, Kyuss and Sabbath.
Were there any albums you were referencing to aim for a certain type of sound production wise?
Tone wise we were digging on the Fuzz big time. We love that massive sound Fuzz gats create. But apart from that we were trying to discover new sounds along the way. Its always fun getting a bit wild with pedals.
How long did it take to record?
A year. Long time but worth it in the end.
Tell us a little about the recording process the band used?
Basically Tom pushed us till we couldn’t push anymore. We got the best takes on everything we possibly could. Nothing was untouched.
Any guests involved? if so, who.. and what did they do?
Jon Toogood from Shihad guest vocals on our heaviest song on the record. He’s great in the studio, he just switches it on and boom, he is in the zone.
Any particular equipment outside your usual live gear used in the process?
No idea about guitars but for vocals we used the same mic that Jeff Buckley recorded “Hallelujah” on. Insert wank noise here.
Any additional tracks recorded that didn’t make the cut but may see the light of day sometime?
Not really. There was one that over my dead body will never see the light of day.
What track/s are you most looking forward to playing live?
They are like your children at the end of the day. I love playing them all. I do enjoy playing “Searching The Low” live.
How would you compare the final product to previous releases?
It’s our first release so in saying that pretty fucking good.
Anything else you want to say or tell us about the release?
If you enjoy heavy rock music, loud guitars, loud drums and melody hit it up.
———————————
Pre-order your copy online [Here]
