Having recently released and launched their debut single ‘Seven‘, Melbourne outfit APES are set to embark on a national tour throughout November / December to launch it. Recorded by Malcolm Besley (Northeast Party House, Snakadaktal) ‘Seven‘ is available now via iTunes. Ben from the band this week takes on our Hotseat Questions. Expand this post to check out his answers and the band’s upcoming tour dates.
THE BASICS
Name : Benjamin Dowd
Band : APES
Job In Band : Singer & Axe-man
Website Address : www.apesmusic.com
HOME
Hometown : Bacchus Marsh (West of Melbourne)
Hometown is best known for : Haha I think we’re renowned for our Apple Orchids
Best venue in your hometown : Baby Black Espresso Bar, very Intimate shows. Great coffee also!
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : Hmmmm Jordie Lane at Baby Black Espresso bar. That dude is awesome!
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : The Border Inn. Geez now that I think of it. What a night! 200+ packed into this little pub. Really need to do another one of them.
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? Me and the bass player moved into a place together in Ballarat. We’d played in a band together previously and wanted to keep it all going. I had met James our guitarist through mutual friends and he came over for a jam one night. All went well and we just needed a drummer. I knew Sam’s friend Rowan was a drummer and suggested he get him round one day. We all hit it off and have been ever since.
How long has the band been going? Would be around a year now.
Any particular story behind the name? They are James’s favorite animals.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… Our single ‘Seven’ has just been released. Blaring guitars, hooks, dirt, counting, fun and you can download it from Itunes now!
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? Making the video clip for Seven. All our friends, families and anyone game enough to get involved has. It’s been really fun doing it and look forward to showing all of you down at Bombshellzine. It will be released very, very soon.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? My Dad is a bass player and guitarist. When I was about 14 he started showing me bits and pieces. Once I got a taste for it I couldn’t stop. I can’t remember exactly when I thought seriously about playing it. But I’m still playing it and loving every moment.
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? We all have different influences that contribute to the sound. The Hives, The Libertines, Radiohead, Oasis, Led Zeppelin and the list could go on and on. It’s great incorporating so many influences to create a sound that is your own.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? Blank Generation, I was the guitarist. Was like Garage rock with a 14 year old boy who sung like Deborah Harry. There may even be some recordings still getting around on myspace!
Most prized music related item you own? The first guitar I bought. Worked my ass off as a checkout chick at Target for her.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Bartending at a pub in town. I love the hospitality industry, so social and everyday is different.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… That the chances of Sunshine is about 95% greater than Ballarat.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… Realizing my cars 40,000km’s overdue for a service. I should bump that up a few on my ‘To do list’
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? VB. Maybe a little spiced rum to go along with it.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? Sydney so far. Always have a good crew when we go to Sydney. I really don’t enjoy driving on the roads around there though. No not at all!
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Our launch the other night at Cherry Bar in Melbourne stands out. Packed, sweaty and heaps of friends. Good times.
Got a favourite song to play live? Cheatin’ would be mine, not sure about the other lads. It has a real bluesy vibe to it. Lot’s of freedom to move around with also. I think that translates across live.
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? James has these polka dot jeans he wears sometimes. They look like pajamas. Hopefully he reads this!
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Travelling can wear you down a fair bit. It’s probably the hardest part but that doesn’t mean it’s the worst. I love getting to see new places.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? No Pun Intended- The Hives
Last album you acquired? Tame Impala ‘Lonerism’ & The Preatures EP
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Tame Impala’s Lonerism. Such a tasty record!
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Hollow Everdaze, If you can find it. They’re amazing and are set for really big things.
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? Release this single, Tour our asses off around Australia and then record an EP that we can release early 2013.
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? The Doors, self-titled; such a classic.
You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums in full, what would it be, and why? Jeff Buckley, He usually does other peoples songs better than they can haha.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? LED ZEPPELIN!! Oh the things I’d do.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? Anywhere that will have us is a great. We just love playing and touring.
The chance comes up to fill in for a member of a band for one tour, which band would it be, and why? The White Stripes. Because then I’d be Jack White and that would be awesome, yeah?
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. Hollow Everdaze and Eddy Current Suppression Ring.
PLUG TIME
Got any final words? Single came out October 12th and is currently available through Itunes in Australia and New Zealand, we just announced a tour in support of it. Biggest tour we have done to date and finally our film clip for ‘SEVEN’ should be available in the coming weeks. We’ll be sure to let you know when it is.
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Catch APES on their ‘SEVEN’ single tour November/December
APES
NOVEMBER
2nd – Karova Lounge, Ballarat [18+]
9th – Flanagans Border Inn, Bacchus Marsh [18+]
23rd – The Roxbury, Sydney [18+]
24th – Yours and Owls, Wollongong [18+]
29th – The Royal Oak, Launceston [18+]
DECEMBER
1st – The Grand Poobah, Hobart [18+]
6th – The Exeter, Adelaide [18+]
14th – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle [18+]
15th – Rosemount Hotel, Perth [18+]
—> Tickets available at the door.
—> For more information, visit [Here].
