In conversation with Australian Musician’s Greg Phillips, Bleak Squad drummer and instigator Marty Brown reflects on the band’s organic formation, evolving live approach, and the significance of their upcoming appearance at Riverboats Festival in Echuca-Moama.
MORE ABOUT THE INTERVIEW
Brown explains that Bleak Squad came together through long-standing creative relationships with Mick Turner, Mick Harvey, and Adalita, united by a shared, ego-free philosophy. Rather than rigid structures or heavy rehearsal, the group thrives on instinct, improvisation and trust, with songs often emerging from loose studio jams and evolving naturally on stage. This openness has led to fluid live performances where roles shift, sets stretch and songs blur together as the band grows more confident with each show.
A key focus of the interview is Bleak Squad’s imminent performance at Riverboats Festival (Feb 13-15), which Brown describes with clear affection. Having previously played the festival with his wife Clare Bowditch, Brown recalls Riverboats as one of Australia’s most relaxed and atmospheric events, set beneath the red gums along the Murray River. He praises the festival’s unique setting and calm energy, noting how the environment creates a special connection between artists and audiences.
Brown also reflects on witnessing a standout James Reyne set at an early Riverboats edition, calling it a masterclass in festival performance and an example of how the right songs, delivered simply, can have enormous impact. That memory informs his enthusiasm for Bleak Squad’s return, where they will share the bill with artists including Baker Boy, Paul Dempsey, Xavier Rudd, Daisy Kilburn and many others.
The multi-artist nature of Riverboats is another major draw for Brown, who values festivals as places of discovery and community. He speaks warmly about the opportunity to watch other performers, connect across genres and broaden musical perspectives, an ethos that mirrors Bleak Squad’s own collaborative, exploratory approach.
Beyond Riverboats, Brown notes that the band’s strong audience response has propelled them onto major festival stages such as Golden Plains, reinforcing that Bleak Squad is more than a side project. With new covers entering the set, fresh recordings booked mid-tour and plans for UK and European touring later in the year, the band is clearly building momentum.
Ultimately, Brown sees Riverboats as an ideal setting for Bleak Squad’s improvised, expansive sound, an environment where the band can stretch out, respond to the moment and lean into the spontaneous spirit that defines the project.
Full Bleak Squad tour info at: Bleaksquad.com
