Energetic folksters Perch Creek are back with a mischievous new single Gold Shop, a thrilling car-chase of a track, which is out on March 23. The family band have also announced a hilarious, vintage-inspired clip to accompany Gold Shop, directed alongside Honey Editorial. This single is the second taste of Perch Creek’s new self-titled album, which is an eclectic and innovative collection of harmony-driven folk, evocative pop and offbeat soul, set for release on April 13. To celebrate the album, the group will be heading out on an epic national tour, kicking off on May 31 at Fly By Night in Fremantle, WA, then swinging through regional and metropolitan cities in NSW, ACT, QLD, SA and VIC. Ahead of the tour, Perch Creek guitarist Eileen Hodgkins goes a little Q&A with us.
Eileen Hodgkins – Guitar
What was your first guitar?
My first guitar was a Cherryburst Suzuki acoustic – A pre lawsuit copy of a Gibson Hummingbird.
What’s your main guitar now?
My main guitars now are a 1940’s Australian made JMG acoustic – Came in 3 parts from some guy on Ebay, took it to a great repairer, chucked a Fishman Pickup in it and away we go. I’ve had it for about 5 years now, and it was pretty beat up when I got it, it’s even more beat up now. It sounds and looks cool as shit.
My electric is a hollow body Gretsch – bright orange, bad-ass with a pinup girl transfer.
Through what amp and why?
When I’m playing hometown shows I play through a Peavey Classic 50 – Pre lawsuit tweed (I’m all about the lawsuits), weighs a tonne, its pretty much overkill but it’s got cred.
Which pedals are your standards?
Boss tuning pedal.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
Our latest recording is our upcoming album. It feels great to be gearing up for it’s release, after a few years in the making. The album was entirely co-written by the band and Produced by J Walker.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
We’ve been on a bit of a gig break lately. But I’ve been doing a whole bunch of other things – Recording an album and now prepping for it’s release, being a first-time stunt woman in our latest film clip, booking the tour, running a creative warehouse in Coburg, and working some day jobs in between to hold it all together.
Most memorable gig?
Most memorable gig would have to be between two pumping festival shows at Greenman UK and Golden Plains in VIC and probably that time we played in WA to a super rowdy crowd and weren’t able to leave due to one drunk punter lying in front of the tour van in protest of our departure. Tour life.
Worst stage nightmare?
Having rotten rock melon thrown at my face, and then being forced to eat it.
Album that changed your life?
Belle and Sebastian – The Life pursuit
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
We’re Heading off on a 16 date National album release tour in June, playing major cities and a bunch of regional shows. It’s been a few years since we’ve toured, so we’re really looking forward to it.
A guitar tip for the kids?
Study your heroes.
Gold Shop is set for release on March 23, and Perch Creek will available through MGM distribution on April 13.
PERCH CREEK AUSTRALIAN TOUR
THU 31 MAY | FLY BY NIGHT, FREMANTLE WA | 18+ *
SAT 2 – SUN 3 JUN | DENMARK FESTIVAL OF VOICE, DENMARK WA | ALL AGES *
THU 7 JUN | LIZOTTES, NEWCASTLE NSW | ALL AGES
FRI 8 JUN | THE METROPOLE GUESTHOUSE, KATOOMBA NSW | ALL AGES
SUN 10 JUN | SMITHS ALTERNATIVE, CANBERRA ACT | 18+
THU 14 JUN | BLACK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
FRI 15 JUN | MIAMI MARKETTA, GOLD COAST QLD | ALL AGES * FREE SHOW.
SAT 16 JUNE | STAR COURT THEATRE, LISMORE NSW | ALL AGES
SUN 17 JUNE | PELICAN PLAYHOUSE, GRAFTON NSW | ALL AGES
THU 21 JUNE | THE WORKERS CLUB, GEELONG VIC | 18+
FRI 22 JUNE | THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE VIC | 18+
SAT 23 JUNE | THE EVELYN, VIC | 18+
FRI 29 JUNE | JIVE BAR, ADELAIDE SA | 18+
SUN 1 JUL | THORNBURY BOWLS CLUB, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES
FRI 6 JUL | MAJOR TOM’S, KYNETON VIC | ALL AGES
SAT 7 JUL | SANDY POINT MUSIC CLUB, SANDY POINT VIC | ALL AGES
With special guest Jumpin’ Jack William (excluding *) plus more TBA
All tickets available from www.perchcreek.com