WALLY KEMPTON (THE MEANIES / EVEN) – MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH- NOVEMBER 2025

To coincide with Melbourne legends, The Meanies’ new single “Shutdown” and their brief run of live shows, Australian Musician’s Greg Phillips caught up with bassist, label owner, band/tour manager, and all-round Melbourne music stalwart WALLY KEMPTON, for a chat as our Musician of the Month for November 2025. Wally photos by Jason Rosewarne

MORE ABOUT WALLY, THE MEANIES, EVEN AND CHEERSQUAD RECORDS
The Meanies’ latest single “Shutdown”, recorded 25 years ago by Shane O’Mara at Yikesville Studio, has finally surfaced, sounding as fresh and offbeat as ever. Wally explained that the track was discovered in the archives, unchanged from its original 1990s session except for a new vinyl master. “It was from a time when Meanies lead singer Link just wanted to try different stuff,” he said. “We were Shane’s guinea pigs, recording funk, country, disco, and psychedelic songs alongside our usual punk fare.” The song forms part of an ongoing 7-inch single series pairing unearthed Meanies recordings with other Australian bands covering their classics. This time, Frenzal Rhomb and Leeches! handle the B-sides.

The Meanies will celebrate the release with a short tour, including a Melbourne Cup Day show at The Tote on November 4, part of the venue’s 2 Years Reborn series. “We don’t rehearse much,” Wally laughed, “but we had to get together to learn Shutdown, we’ve never played it live before.”

Reflecting on his musical journey, Kempton recalled growing up in suburban Croydon surrounded by a soundtrack of Sherbet, Skyhooks, Motorhead, and Fleetwood Mac. He bought his first record, Roy Orbison’s 20 Golden Greats, with a gift voucher, and took up the bass at 15, inspired by players like Ron Wood, Ronnie Lane, and Trevor Bolder (Spiders from Mars).

Wally joined The Meanies in 1989, originally as their booking agent, when their bassist moved back to Adelaide. “Link just said, ‘Why don’t you play?’ So I did,” he said. The band’s early Ramones comparisons were inevitable, but Wally is quick to point out that “Meanies songs have a lot more going on musically.” Highlights from his long tenure include touring Japan and Europe, sharing bills with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Ramones, and ticking off a bucket-list gig at New York’s legendary CBGBs (“It stank, but we did it!”).

Beyond the Meanies, Kempton’s other major project, Even, formed in 1994 with Ashleigh Naylor and Matt Cotter. Though currently on hiatus following the acclaimed Reverse Light Years album, Wally remains hopeful the trio will reconvene once schedules allow.

In recent years, Wally’s focus has turned to Cheersquad Records & Tapes, the label he founded in 2018 after managing bands such as Money for Rope and Mini Bikes. Despite warnings from peers about the workload, he’s proud of the label’s thriving catalogue. “Seven years on, not a single dud,” he said. Upcoming releases include Stephen Cummings’ EP Joy, a Snout reissue, a Hard-Ons soundtrack album, and new records from Ruby and the Clumsy Dollies, Grace Mitchell, and Kim Salmon’s Smoked Salmon.

Asked what brings him the most satisfaction these days, playing, managing, or releasing music, Wally didn’t hesitate. “Right now, it’s running the label,” he said. “It’s where I get the most joy.”

Still, his affection for Melbourne’s live music scene runs deep. “It’s inclusive, supportive, and community radio keeps it alive,” he said. “For every venue that closes, another two seem to open.”

And when conversation turns to his beloved Carlton Football Club, Wally’s passion shifts from punk to footy. “I just hope we win more than nine games next year,” he laughed. “And that everyone at the club actually wants to be there.”

Ever the realist, ever the enthusiast, Wally Kempton embodies the resilient, DIY spirit that defines Melbourne rock and with Shutdown, The Meanies once again prove they’ve got plenty left in the tank.