If you said to the guys in Powderfinger back at the start of their career in the early 1990s that they'd be one of Australia's most successful bands within 10 years, it's possible they might have laughed at you, wondering what the hell you were on about.
As it happens, that's exactly what the band have managed to achieve with some of the most remarkable sounds coming through across the band's previous 3 albums. Just released is the band's latest effort Odyssey Number Five, which caps off one of the most successful periods the band has experienced thus far.
I
was lucky enough to catch up with Powderfinger guitarist Darren
Middleton & we had a great chat, covering both the album as well
as a range of subjects, including one of my pet topics, that being
radio airplay. As well as other things, I also touched on where other
bands might see inspiration in how to deal with the music
industry.
With the album due in just a week or so when I spoke with him, I asked how the band were gearing up for the release.
Look, we're all really looking forward to it as always. It's been a little while in the making I guess, compared to what some people are able to record an album in these days, but I think the songs are good & the style is pretty much across the board as far as some of our previous material goes."
The band have been very fortunate to get themselves onto a slot on the latest Mission Impossible soundtrack, courtesy of a request from Tom Cruise, who is the main actor in the movie.
"Yeah, to tell you the truth, we were a but surprised about that. We got a fax or message or something to our management, with a request to do something for the soundtrack & Tom, who has been living in Australia for a little while now, was behind it. We're happy that it's happened, not only because it got on the soundtrack, but also because it's on the international release. Often when an Australian band gets a song onto one, it's only like maybe the token track or something for the Australian release, so we're really pleased, because it's sort of a springboard for us in the US."
With their inclusion on that soundtrack behind them, I asked about how the band had been treated by radio in general.
"Well, we're very lucky. We can pretty much count on the support of Triple J, as I guess most bands can, because they push new music. We're also fortunate that we're getting some support from the commercial stations now. I have to say they've been okay. They're always behind Triple J when it comes to something we've got that's new, but I think that's to see how well it's going to fit in with the other music they play more than anything."
Also of interest was Darren's approach to the Internet, in particular the hot topic of the MP3 format.
"I reckon the Internet's good. We get some good feedback from people through our website, which I reckon gives people something to check out. I think Napster's good & MP3 from a music fan's point of view, but it's not all that impressive from a band's perspective really. I know people like things for free, but in the end what we're going to end up with if they don't cut down the piracy aspect is that bands simply won't be able to afford to keep making music - they simply can't get paid. The label takes a large cut of what you get from record sales, so there's not much left for the band. If people get it for free, then that's just that bit less that the band gets."
Last of all, I asked what advice Darren could give to bands hoping to make it their career.
"Really, the best advice is persistence. Back at the start, we all believed in what we were doing. With all the changes like the tax system & stuff, a band has to be serious enough to want to go for it. The days of just picking up a guitar & hoping you're going to be discovered, you know, like a hobby, are long gone. You have to be professional & be prepared to keep in for the long haul - that's the only way you'll make it."
Check out Powderfinger's new album Odyssey Number Five, out now through Universal.
