Melbourne rockers Tin Alley are keeping busy on their first national tour. But vocalist and guitarist Jim Siourthas found time en route to Brisbane to tell me about crazy Australian towns, MySpace, and his band’s debut album Every Turn.
You’re just wrapping up your first national tour. How have the crowds been responding to your music?
We’ve had great shows in most cities/towns we’ve visited – some busier than others but all in all they’ve been great shows.
What can people expect from Tin Alley live?
Great musicianship, energy and great songs that will surely leave you wanting more.
Any crazy tour stories to tell?
Where do I begin … my favourite is some town names we have driven past: Bobbin Head, Bald Nob and Woodenbong. They are real towns – look them up! They definitely keep the drive interesting!
I heard you worked with American director/producer Max Ribitzky on the clips for “In Your Hands” and “Polar Bear.” Is it hard to develop these things together when you’re half a world away?
It was a unique experience because we used various internet technologies to facilitate our collaboration. We used Messenger, YouTube, Skype and e-mail to communicate and work together to complete the film clip.
You’re one of the many bands who has a MySpace page rather than a traditional website. How important is MySpace for getting exposure?
Myspace is a great tool for any band because it provides a way to reach fans with music, video, pictures, news – all the necessities of a good website. It is good for exposure to new listeners but MySpace alone cannot win fans – it is a great starting help though.
What’s it like being in a band with your brother [bass guitarist Paul]?
Pretty good I guess. He’s my older brother and he is always looking out for me – probably a little too much sometimes! Though I really have a problem with him not knowing how to drive manual because he never does any driving – Peter and I share that – but he is an excellent co-driver and in-car DJ.
After listening to so many overproduced bands, your raw sound and energy is so refreshing. Do you feel like you have a “back to basics” approach?
Our philosophy with music is based on strong melodies that are explicit, loud and clear. We don’t believe in hiding behind processed sounds and over production – not to say that we don’t do what is necessary to help a song sound as great as possible but we probably do have a “back to basics” approach in that sense.
Some critics have said your music is impossible to categorise. How would you describe it?
Our music definitely falls under the rock umbrella, with some funky grooves and a pop edge.
What music do you enjoy listening to?
We’ve spent lots of time in the car over the past few days and have had plenty of time to listen to music. We listened to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, The Doors, U2, REM, Bruce Springsteen, the Strokes and plenty more.
And finally, why should my readers check out your debut album Every Turn?
Every Turn is a collection of some of our best songs over the past few years and we think it provides for a great listen. The songs are intricate and intelligent and deal with a range of issues that everyone will connect with.
Every Turn is in all good music stores now.
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment