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Today sees the release of the brand new album from Shortstraw entitled Youthless, and what better way to kick off 2015 than with a new album which has debuted at number 1 in iTunes! Get your copy on iTunes now, here.
We caught up with Shortsraw to chat to them about the ins and outs of the new album. See what they had to say below:
How long have you guys been working on the new album and what is the sense of achievement now that it is finished and released?
We’ve been writing since the last album, we’ve even used some ideas that didn’t make it to the last album. So there are a few reworked tracks with new stuff. The idea is that the tracks work well together. We are pretty stoked with it. It’s been strange experiencing the pressure to follow up the last album which did well. But we like the tracks and are proud of what we’ve done.
How does the new album differ from your previous albums?
It has definitely progressed, it’s a little more rock. We have taken influence from different artists. Our tour to Australia and Japan has had quite an influence on some of the sounds and choices in the music. But we have still maintained our indie/ African vibe in there.
Explain some of the new sounds featured in Youthless?
More distorted guitars. More cheesy guitar solos. It’s still fun though. Our single ‘Heaps Keen’ is quite different to what we’ve done before, but it’s still us. It is also quite a diverse album, there’s a totally fun track called ‘high school’ that is crazy rock but fun, to a slow Bon Iver influenced track called ‘Good Winter’. So there is quite a lot going on in the album.
What do you think your fans reaction to the new album is going to be?
A little bit of WTF, a little bit of LOL, a little bit of FTW, a little bit of NSFW, a little bit of OMG maybe even OMFG.
Which tracks do you think will be fan favourites?
That’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves… Good Winter could be one, or OMG.
Which tracks are your favourites?
This always changes because we have really short attention spans, but at the moment it is Heaps Keen. When we wrote it and play it there’s just something to it. Like fuck yea what a track.
How would you best give us some insight into what went into the making of this album?
The music video for ‘Heaps Keen’.
Where does Shortstraw draw its inspiration from?
From kids riding bikes in the park. From the gentle wind that whispers on a spring day. From the look the crack addict gives you when you give him 10 bucks and say ‘use this to buy food’. From the soggy chewed up shoe your dog left you in your bed. From sunburn and Australians.
Which local bands do you feel people should look out for in 2015?
Go Barefoot, Gangsterdam, Boxer, We are Charlie, Ruby Gill – there are actually quite a few. But come to our event Boosh early and catch some new acts!
What are your goals for 2015?
We really want to tour the States. Maybe a number one? Who knows. Mostly just for this rash to go away.
Starting the new year with a bang, by releasing the new album, will you be following that up with a launch tour? If so, do you have the details?
Yay! Tour time! We have dates all over the place Joburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Potch, Bloem, Stellies. But the best bet is to check for details on our Facebook Page or www.shortstrawband.com
What is the best thing about being a part of Shortstraw?
The same thing about any band, doing what you love, playing music you enjoy and doing it all with your friends. Sorry, is that a lame answer? free stuff is also pretty cool. Hugs.
Photos by Hanro Havenga
