Humans As Animals is a 5 piece explosive stoner-soul group from Melbourne’s north. Their debut EP, Eukaria, recorded by Dave Williams (Tigermoth Audio), and mixed by Tony Espie (The Avalanches), will be released on 1st August 2014 by local Melbourne label, True Music. With artwork by famed American illustrator Timothy Banks, this debut EP is a spectacular combination of imagery and music. The band’s lead single “Her Name” is accompanied by a twisted little music video which can be seen below. Humans As Animals guitarist Andrew Robertson spent a moment to answer some profile questions for us.
What was your first guitar?
My old man’s Giannini Nylon. First one of my own was an Epiphone Les Paul.
What’s your main guitar now?
Fender Telecaster 52 modded with out of phase and series push pulls. Plus a newly acquired soon to be tinkered with Orville Les Paul.
Through what amp and why?
Ulbrick Arena 50 with added Tremolo and tone bypass. Why? cos my mate Dave is the shizz.
Which pedals are your standards?
I use an Area 51 wah, Fairfield Circuitry compressor; Tubescreamer 808; Dazatronyx Tremolo; Mad Professor Chorus; MXR Carbon Copy and a gold plated exact replica of Frank Zappa’s Thumb; which i hollowed out and put over mine like a thimble. It’s hard to hear but it adds just the little bit of sparkle to my notes’ attack. I also use a Gig Rig switching system to preserve my clean tone but it doesn’t work on my dignity.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
We’re soon to release our debut EP Eukaria and we’ll be recording as soon as our tyrannical label allows us the few cents budget we require.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
The Espy and a house party after a long hiatus.
Most memorable gig?
A house party at Tru Mould where it rained buttons during our set.
Worst stage nightmare?
Being pelted with buttons mid set at Tru Mould.
Album that changed your life?
Several albums for several changes. Primus Pork Soda made me enjoy th funky side of things more. Dave Matthews Crowded Streets made me get over distorted guitars and enjoy bigger cleaner thicker sounding bands. Pink Floyd Animals taught chops didn’t maketh the guitar playereth. Bon Iver’s Bon Iver made me see the importance of falsetto in emotional intensity. Frank Zappa’s One Size Fit’s All is just the epitome of awesome.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
Launch of our new E.P August 14 at the Evelyn and other soirees I’m sure.
A guitar tip for the kids?
Be egoless and willing to play less to fit in with other people and you’ll sound better. But always remember to retain a healthy dose of your unused masculinity; misappropriate it at the audience through your assertive manner. Dish it up with some of your sensitive side as a chaser. And remember tone is in your fingers and chops are in your hair.
http://www.humansasanimals.com
http://truemusic.com.au/
http://humansasanimals.bandcamp.com/