INTERVIEW
THE GO SET
by Jo-Jo, January 2007

Hello Keeno. Thank you for taking some time out to talk to me. First off- congratulations on bitch-slappin' the Australian music scene. I love what this band is doing and, I'm not alone in that sentiment, by far.

Keeno: Thanks!

Jumpin right in..between the constant touring, promoting (of yourselves and other up and coming bands), and constant visibility on an ever changing and growing music scene, what do you feel about being called the "hardest working band in Australia"?

Hmmm.....well publicists say a lot of things!! hahaha
No really, we do actually work very, very hard. We have very little time off from touring, and when we do its usually to write and record new material, do publicity, make videos etc. So, its a really constant part of all of our lives, and something that we're committed to I guess.

Then again, I never really did understand this whole concept of bands who are professional recording and rehearsal groups and that dont go out on the road. I mean, really, waiting until a major label picks you up before you go out and do anything for yourself kinda defeats the love of making the music in the first place doesnt it?

On a scene where so many bands have flickered out or become stagnant, what gives The Go Set it's staying power?

I think that a lot of fans that the band has, have got into us because we put on a very passionate and honest live show, we're always touring, and we love talking to people and having a pint or ten after the show.

In an age of globalisation, I still dont think that there is a better way to advertise than word of mouth. Having people who share the passion and belief in the music is really important. Fashions and MTV will come and go, but the bands who make a DIY career simply tour hard and are in touch with those who are supportive of their music I think.

Being known for your unceasing tour schedule and crushing stage show...at what point did your reputation begin to procede you?

hahahaha....well, I guess our reputation precedes us any time we play a shitty show. I think that the live show is definitely where the band is at its best. These days though, there are so many good bands that you have to be a great live band regardless. I think people can sense if a band is not the real deal, not together, or is not giving it everything on stage.

What is Rock 4 Life and, how did The Go Set become involved?

Rock 4 Life was a benefit concert we did recently to raise money for cancer research. It was a great gig, and we raised a few thousand dollars for a worthy cause.

Of all of the talented bands that you have have the opportunity to work with, what was it about Cashless that set them apart for the "vs" album?

Basically, I think it was a combination of having some similarities in our music, and sharing the same management and record label in Berlin. Those guys came out here and toured in August. They were a great live band and really cool people. We are hoping to hook up with them in Germany later this year.

We were all saddened by the recent changes on The Go Set's homefront. What did Baxter bring to the sound and the morale of the band?

Baxter brought practical jokes and porn in the tour bus. He was the king!

Have you/ will you be looking for another mandolin player?

Yeah, we have had a new guy join in October, Mark McCartney. He's a really experienced campaigner, and has really added a sound that we were looking for.

What does this mean for the sound of the next album? Will it be more of a throwback to or an evolution of The Go Set's sound?

Good question!! We are working on the new album as we speak. We've divided the songs into two groups - the slower folkier ones, and the faster punk ones.
It really is 50/50, but I guess we can decide on which direction we want to take by which songs we include.

Speaking of the next album....can you give me any details? Content? Sound? Availability?

Well, we're recording it at the moment and it is due for release on May 7th. The album looks like being titled "A Journey for a Nation", and as you'd expect, it will hit on a lot of political and social issues, and history about Australia - from convict transportation, to war, workers rights,
and modern day political perspectives.
It's being produced by ourselves, with Mick Thomas (he's from an Australian band called Weddings Parties Anything), and we have a bunch of guests playing on it. The instrumentation and song arrangements are a little more complex than the previous album, but we're also trying to really capture a live feel as well.

I'm, personally, thrilled that you all haven't given up on a US tour. What are some of the other options/ opportunities being opened to you now that you are so well known?

It looks as though we will tour Australia and New Zealand May-July this year, and then head to Europe and the USA in September. It really depends on what gigs we get though, because its really expensive - so we need to try and get good gigs that put us in front of people. At this stage, we have a great little indie label in Europe but cant seem to find the same in the
USA. (Any suggestions welcome here!!).

Thank you, again, for you very valuable time. Anything else for the masses?

Thank you JoJo!!

Cheers mate, Keeno


Links:

http://www.thegoset.com.au