Not too long ago Psychedelic Porn Crumpets stopped the presses, hitting us with the biggest news of their careers to date. Following on from their righteous second album High Visceral {Part 2}, the band announced the formation of their own label What Reality? Records and a tour to celebrate.
A month later, it would appear as if things have cooled down a little. But nope.
There are shows to plan, a label to establish and a brand new headquarters to build. At this heady crossroads, we caught up with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ guitarist Luke Parish for the latest.
After announcing their very own label in What Reality? Records, what lies on the long road ahead for the psychonauts of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets?
HAPPY: You’ve been busy boys! It’s going on a month since you announced What Reality? Records, what’s been happening since?
LUKE: Between extracting coffee bean essence to make eyedrops with, we have been organising our next Aussie tour (which is in three weeks) and, on the lowdown, laying the concrete slab for What Reality HQ (insert super villain music).
HAPPY: How long had the decision been brewing?
LUKE: Probably over two years, we always wanted to do it and create our own world and community where we can control everything under one roof and push music that we really love.
HAPPY: And what was at the heart of it? People start labels for plenty of different reasons.
LUKE: It was a combination of looking forward as a band and being completely independent. 90 percent of our recording process is already done ourselves so by creating a label, we can now do that for other bands who fit the vibe and build and grow with everyone. By creating a label you can start to bring more artists into that world we have created.
HAPPY: Is it strange to you now, seeing other bands as potential label mates? Must change the energy.
LUKE: Initially we wanted to set ourselves up and then in the near future look at bringing bands under our wing. However, there is definitely a good energy and it comes from seeing bands and wanting to push them further or wanting to bring them into your world and share ideas.
HAPPY: Can we expect news of a signing anytime soon? The first is a big deal.
LUKE: There’s definitely a handful of bands who would be perfect but I would give it six months or so. We’ll make a racket about it when we do.
HAPPY: Does What Reality? intend to fuel the vinyl love in Australia?
LUKE: I think the vinyl revival is awesome and it has created so much more than just a need for the platform, it’s kind of brought back the personal aspect of owning music. You get artwork, a beautiful slab of wax and you know you’re helping some guys do what they love.
HAPPY: So the HQ… have you been building that yourself?
LUKE: With the help of people who know what they are doing. We are no strangers to getting our hands dirty and doing some good ol’ Aussie labouring. Me and Jack used to work on a drilling rig so it’s going to be nice to get off a computer and back on site (moit).
HAPPY: What’s the space like now, and what’s the goal look like?
LUKE: Currently just a slab of concrete inside a barn of sorts. Hopefully it will look like Hans Zimmer’s studio. But with cardboard cutouts instead of real rack units.
HAPPY: Why the move?
LUKE: Escape the madness and have somewhere we can hone in on recording and running the label. We’ll be able to have everything set up all year round, hit record and churn out albums as fast as our brains work.
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HAPPY: I guess I would be remiss not to ask about your last tour, we haven’t spoken since then. How did the crowds like High Visceral {Part II}?
LUKE: We were overwhelmed by the crew that came down to all our shows. We have made an effort to play some bigger venues this time round because so many people missed out on the shows. We had no idea it would be so intense, especially coming from Perth where it’s harder to get around touring, the response was amazing.
HAPPY: Learn any lessons you’ll be taking on the next set of dates?
LUKE: Switch between beer and spirits and you wont get sick of beer. Always check with the locals if you have actually picked the right kind of mushrooms because you could die. If you’re staying in an incredibly haunted place, just embrace the fear.
HAPPY: Looking forward to it fellas. Cheers!
What Reality? Records is officially live – check out what it’s all about here. Find the band’s national tour dates below:
What Reality? Records National Tour
Wednesday 23rd August – PAK Winterfest – Adelaide, SA – Tickets
Thursday 24th August – The Brightside – Fortitude Valley, QLD – Event
Friday 25th August – The Chippo – Sydney, NSW – Event
Saturday 26th August – The Curtin – Melbourne, VIC – Event
Friday 22nd September – Amplifier – Perth, WA – Event
Saturday 23rd September – Settlers Tavern Margaret River, WA – Event
Sunday 24th September – Players Bar – Mandurah, WA – Event
