Two weeks back, when Melbourne outfit Funk Dancing For Self Defence dropped their latest single Werribee, we were immediately hooked on their infectious indie-rock sounds.
So fresh off the single’s release, we caught up with the band to chat about the new track, where they seek influence, and when we can expect new tunes.
Fresh off the release of their blistering new single Werribee, we caught up with Funk Dancing For Self Defence to chat about their town of residence, Lionel Richie, and when we can expect new music.
HAPPY: Hey fellas, how’s it going? What have you been up to lately?
FDFSD: We’re doing well! Just coasting off the big year we’ve had at this point until we gear up to do it all again in the new year.
HAPPY: We’re loving the new track… could you tell us a little about this place Werribee and what made you want to write a song about it?
FDFSD: So two thirds of us (Jake and Liam) were born and raised in Werribee and is currently where we live, work and make most of our tunes. It’s not the fanciest place in the world but its our home and we thought it needed an anthem, even one as tongue and cheek as ours.
HAPPY: How are you feeling about the track now that it’s out?
FDFSD: Feeling great! We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response so far but have also managed to ruffle a few feathers along the way. A few people (a couple of state government politicians among them) seemed to have taken what we have said as gospel and missed the joke entirely.
HAPPY: There’s a little audio clipping from a news story at the start… what news story was it from?
FDFSD: We have no idea hahaha. We finished recording and said something in passing to our engineer – Mat Robins – about putting something cool in the intro… and the next thing we knew it sounded like that. Couldn’t have imagined it turning out better.
HAPPY: It hasn’t been very long since you released your debut EP… what made you want to drop your next single so soon after?
FDFSD: So we actually recorded Werribee in the same sessions that we did the Twentysomething EP. We had only intended to do the four tracks but found ourselves with some extra time on our hands so decided to just scrape together one of our other tunes for a laugh. Werribee was originally going to be on the EP but we felt like the upbeat and fun vibes didn’t really suit the sombre feel of the rest of the songs.
HAPPY: I can imagine seeing you guys live would be pretty wild. Could you tell us a bit about your live show?
FDFSD: I mean, we like to think its wild hahaha. It’s a lot of head banging, guitar solos, and necking beers.
HAPPY: Are there any particular bands that you take inspiration from?
FDFSD: We all listen to tonnes of bands but our main influences would have to be 90’s grunge bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana; as well as a number of modern Alternative rock groups like Violent Soho and Tired Lion. That doesn’t mean we can’t get down to some Lionel Ritchie every now and then.
HAPPY: What’s next for Funk Dancing For Self Defence? Any more new music on the way?
FDFSD: We’re going back into the studio in December with Jon from Home Surgery studios who has done some really awesome stuff lately with bands like Bakers Eddy and Dear Seattle. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for a new track early in the new year!
HAPPY: Cheers for the chat!
FDFSD: Anytime mate!
Werribee is available now.
