The explosive Vaudeville Smash have recently released their irresistible new single Laura, a song about a wild, untamed man-eater – and the men who welcome the imminent heartbreak. The enigmatic group have also announced a silky video for Laura. Laura is the first taste of The Gift, the brand new album from Vaudeville Smash, to be released on August 26. To celebrate, the band will be hitting the road in August and September on a monster national tour, kicking off at the Townsville Cultural Fest on August 19-21, then moving through Brisbane, Noosa, Brunswick Heads, Adelaide, Melbourne and finishing up at The Oxford Circus in Sydney on October 1. Ahead of the album release, Vaudeville Smash keyboard player James Bowers took a few moments to answer a Q&A for us.
JAMES BOWERS – KEYBOARDS
What was your first keyboard?
Some Yamaha thing with built-in speakers. It had a killer jazz vibraphone sound. Killer.
What do you use on stage generally?
Pretty much my Nord stage 2 and that’s it. I love keyboards and gear but I try to keep it minimal so touring is easier. Also I’m very lazy.
Is it the same for recording?
Nah, I have a bunch of stuff at home. Favourites are my Roland JX8P, Ensoniq SQ80, Roland SH09 and Korg M1.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
“The Gift”. There is a hell of a lot of synth playing on that. Some would say too much!
What gigs have you been playing lately?
All sorts! Just starting the album tour at the moment which is always fun. Being on the road is equal parts the best thing ever and the most exhausting thing I’ve ever done. Much of that exhaustion is probably self inflicted, though.
Most memorable gig?
Playing a private house party in Buffalo to about 15 people. The guy who lived there just really liked the band and invited us to play on our way from NYC to Toronto. Somewhere in between seeing an amateur belly dancing showcase and being in a spa with about the 10 complete strangers, I knew I wouldn’t forget about the gig in a hurry….
Worst stage nightmare?
When gear doesn’t work. You’ve GOT to have good gear.
Album that changed your life?
Heaps. Lets go with Graceland by Paul Simon.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
Touring the new record with Vaudeville. Should be fun!
A keyboard tip for the kids?
Take up guitar, it looks cooler. But seriously, just go really deep into anything that interests you. Use YouTube lots. Learn to play your gear rather than lusting after the newest/trendiest stuff.
VAUDEVILLE SMASH ‘THE GIFT’ NATIONAL TOUR
FRI 19 – 21 AUG | TOWNSVILLE CULTURAL FEST, TOWNSVILLE | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.culturalfest.org
FRI 26 AUG | BOUNDARY HOTEL, BRISBANE | ALL AGES |FREE
SAT 27 AUG | JUNCTION ALLEY, NOOSA | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.junctionalley.com
SUN 28 AUG | HOTEL BRUNSWICK, BRUNSWICK HEADS, NSW | ALL AGES |FREE
SAT 10 SEP | JIVE, ADELAIDE | 18+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au
SAT 24 SEP | THE GASOMETER, MELBOURNE | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au
SAT 1 OCT | CAPTIAN COOK HOTEL/FREE