Tasmanian band The Sleepyheads have been killing it lately. With their energetic brand of pop-punk, the band have earned themselves a slot at triple j’s One Night Stand, as well as support slots for likes of Dune Rats and Tired Lion.
If you’re yet to catch the band live, you’ve been missing out. So before they embark on a huge national tour later this month, we caught up with each member for a run-down on the gear that has shaped their sound.
Before they embark on a huge national tour later this month, we caught up with Tasmanian band The Sleepyheads for a run-down on the gear behind their sound.
Pat: Parsons Gideon
Last year I asked Tasmanian based luthier, Jon Parsons, to build me a custom, offset guitar. It’s made mostly of Tasmanian Blackwood, with a massacre ebony fretboard. Jon introduced me to McNelly Pickups, a boutique Canadian company, and I decided on a split-able, duel blade humbucker in the bridge, and a “stagger swagger” single coil in the neck. The tone that the Gideon produces has become a big part of The Sleepyheads sound and I can’t see myself ever parting ways with this guitar.
Cam: Shure Wireless
Recently I dived back into the world of wireless systems. I had a rack mount line 6 system a few years ago but the portability just wasn’t there. This time around I settled on a Shure GLXD16 system. The receiver is pedal board sized and has no external aerials, so it’s great for portability and touring. The receiver also has a built in tuner, love it! My favourite part about it is the body pack which has a built in clip plus no screen so the battery life is excellent. When it goes flat it’s USB fast charge so super convenient to get back up and running.
Dan: Valvetone Amps and Earthquaker Pedals
Both Pat and I are running Valvetone amp heads, both reasonably small at 16 and 25 watts. These amps are hand wired in Newcastle, NSW and give big value for money. They look great, sound amazing and are made from high quality materials. I have also always been a huge fan of Earthquaker Devices effects pedals. I’ve had their Hoof fuzz on my board for years and more recently picked up a really cool transparent overdrive, the Westwood, which compliments the Valvetone gain perfectly. I love both of those pedals, I don’t think they’ll be leaving my pedal board anytime soon.
Will: Truth Drums
At the start of the year I was lucky enough to be welcomed into the Inferno music family who have helped hook me up with Truth custom drums, TRX cymbals and their own amazing Inferno drum sticks I use a truth custom drum kit 22” by 20” kick, 12” by 8” rack, and 16” by 14” floor, with a matching 14” by 6.5” snare. I’ve found these drums are very easy to tune, incredibly well built and for the price point, they sound on par with any high end kit.
Catch The Sleepyheads live at any of the following dates:
Tour dates
11-Oct. Crowbar – QLD
12-Oct. Spotted Cow – QLD
13-Oct. Miami Shake Bar – QLD
19-Oct. Gaso – VIC
20-Oct. Crown & Anchor – SA
26-Oct. OAF Gallery Bar – NSW
27-Oct. Transit Bar – ACT
28-Oct. North Gong Hotel – NSW
9-Nov. Club 54 – TAS
10-Nov. Brisbane Hotel – TAS
