HOW LUCKY AM I

With their new live album Saturday Night 'Round Ten, You Am I have capped off an outstanding 10 year career to date, from indie favourites to major label stars in Australia & looking increasingly like they're heading off to the world stage thanks to a new recording deal.

The new album represents something of a major project for the band & I had the chance to talk with Andy from the band just prior to the release of the album & asked about the history of the band which I was reasonably familiar with.

First up, I wondered whether the band still enjoyed playing together or if such a long period of time had taken it's toll on the various members.

"Actually, strangely enough no. I'm very fortunate to be doing something I love & something I've been doing pretty much all my life. The fact that I'm now doing something that's always been special to me, with some people I still enjoy being around is one of the best things. Even if at some stage we split for whatever reason, I'll be playing something, whether it's in another band or just playing a ukelele by myself somewhere, I'll still be performing. We still enjoy being around each other so we're happy at the moment, especially with the deal that's just come up."

That seemed as good a point as any to find out a little more about the new worldwide recording deal with the RCA label in the US.

"Yes, we were actually approached. We're quite happy with this new deal as RCA is owned by the BMG group, so at least every region around the world will be working towards the same aim, whether they do it a little differently doesn't matter, but this seems to have been the best thing for all concerned. We've been on a number of labels through the years, both major & independent & some of them just didn't really seem interested, so we're all a bit cynical & jaded you know. If it works it works, if it doesn't then what the hell."

Anyone who has caught the live You Am I experience will be very interested in this album as it pretty much captures the band's on stage sound. I asked about the process of putting it together.

"I don't remember a lot of putting it together after the event. I was so worn out, but it was fun. Basically, we put together our own venue for three days & we recorded everything. Then we put it together, taking out anything we weren't very happy with, but the sound is just what you'd have heard if you'd been there. A lot of the people were there for the three days in the crowd & they really got excited when we said it was going to be on the next album, so they got right into it."

One of the things the band have recently done is gotten their official website up & running. Anyone who's looked at www.youami.com will know it hasn't changed in some time.

"That site was put up way back when we were on Warner in the states & it hasn't changed for ages. I really don't think they cared much for a lot of the bands they had at that stage because maybe they weren't making enough money or something, but I think it's going to be removed shortly. Our new site is www.youami.com.au which is You Am I Central & that's where it's all happening."

I asked how the site had come about.

"We got some email from someone & there was a website address these couple of guys had put together & we all thought it was pretty cool. So we got in touch with them & we've made it the official site, where we send them stuff to put up & they come & hang out now, so it's worked out really well."

Finally, I asked Andy why he thought the band had remained so popular.

"It's hard to say really. We've always been in the fortunate position of not copping a lot of flack from anyone in particular. There were a couple of instances on the last album but they're pretty isolated mostly & we don't really take much notice anyway. I'd like to hope that it's because our music is good & we've put in the hard work to get to where we are & the fans have always known that - I hope it continues."

Check out the band's new album Saturday Night 'Round Ten through BMG now.