Indie rockers The New Yorks have recently announced their new single We Enjoy This Too Much, a seriously fun, guitar-driven bop reminiscent of The Wombats, out July 14. An endearing clip, featuring the charismatic half wolf/half human frontman Sir Wolf, accompanies We Enjoy This Too Much with a perfect nostalgic quality. This lively track is the second taste of their sophomore EP I Wish I Was You, But That’s Just Me, a collection of clever and irresistibly catchy songwriting, set for release on July 31. To celebrate the release, The New Yorks will be hitting the road, kicking off with a free show at Hotel Steyne in Sydney on August 18, then heading through their hometown of Adelaide on August 25 and wrapping up in Melbourne at the The Reverence on September 22. Ahead of the EP release and gigs, guitarist Vinnie Barbaro got into Q&A mode with us.
What was your first guitar?
I played my brother’s old Monterey Strat-copy, such a horrid thing, up until I was about 13. The first guitar that I bought for myself was an Ibanez Gio, worked well with my portal Marshall pocket amp.
What’s your main guitar now?
In the recordings for the upcoming EP, I generally used my Fender American Strat Special, although, I’ve been using my Fender Mustang 90 for live shows since I bought it this year, definitely has more kick.
Through what amp and why?
I’ve always ran through my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe II. It has such a lovely clean tone especially when adding a touch of reverb. I don’t use the in-amp distortion so I have no worries.
Which pedals are your standards?
Ibanez Tube Screamer as a boost, the Visual Sound Jekyll & Hyde for overdrive and distortion, Strymon Big Sky for reverb and ambient sounds, Mooer Elec Lady Flanger, MXR Micro-Chorus, Mooer Analogue Delay and the stock-standard Boss Tuner.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
‘I Wish I Was You, But That’s Just Me’ is the band’s sophomore EP and is scheduled for release this month. We’re consistently writing so hopefully we will be heading back into the studio soon after its release. Right now the band are all in the ‘release-cycle’ head space.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
The band have just finished the launch shows in Adelaide and Melbourne for the first single, Sir Wolf. Right now, we are all gearing up for the tour shows in conjunction with the release of the EP.
Most memorable gig?
When the band supported San Cisco at the launch of Fat Controller, we were just of age and were no longer afraid of being kicked out of clubs.
Worst stage nightmare?
We were in questionable state with one barely working microphone and a small gazebo-like stage. It got messy. I think at one point the bass wasn’t even plugged in.
Album that changed your life?
Paolo Nutini’s, Sunny Side Up means a lot to me. Not only is the man a musical mastermind, but I was young when I was introduced to the album, it was the first album that made me feel like I was connected to the songs. It’s hard to explain but I just think there is nothing that can compare.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
I Wish I Was You, But That’s Just Me Tour;
FRI 18 AUG | HOTEL STEYNE MANLY, MANLY NSW | 18+
Free entry show | Supported by Space Monk
FRI 25 AUG | ROCKET BAR, ADELAIDE SA | 18 +
Supported by The Winter Gypby & Neon Tetra
FRI 22 SEP | THE REVERENCE HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC | 18 +
Supported by The Deadlips
A guitar tip for the kids?
Make every single major chord, a major seven.