Fake News on Nothing Town
Queensland Punks, Fake News celebrated Australia Day with the drop of their brand new and long awaited single, Nothing Town. Nothing Town is the first single to be released from the band’s forthcoming EP, Take Me Away. While the band wait for the EP’s release on the 16th of March we caught up with them and asked about the new music that’s coming, Punk music on Australian radio or lack of it and Fake News’s desire to jump on the festival circuit.
Firstly, congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Nothing Town’, What has been the response from Fans and Critics?
It’s been great so far. It only just dropped yesterday but already there are a lot of different zines & social pages sharing & contacting us about it which is a great sign. We’ve had lots of our fans tell us they love it & glad to see us releasing some new music again.
What does the song mean to you, what inspired the writing of the track?
Nothing Town is about the struggles of growing up in a small nothing town and not being able to escape. The kind of place where nothing ever goes right & you're sick of being there & you just want to burn it down.
It's a warning to others to not get stuck in those same ruts & you can walk away to a better place.
Were there any special moments during the recording of ‘Nothing Town’?
All of our recordings are filled with special moments! We really have a blast whenever we do any tracking. We have our own studio so we can take it at our own pace & you don’t feel like you’re on the clock or burning money with every minute that passes. It really gives us the freedom & time to be able to try different things & see how they come out. The first time we listened back to Nothing Town after the vocals were recorded we all knew we had something pretty special there.
‘Nothing Town is taken from your forthcoming EP ‘Take Me Away’ which is due out on the 16th of March. How are you feeling about finally having your new material out in the world?
It is such a great feeling to see the songs finally out there. We all put so much time & effort into this & this is what makes it all worthwhile. It feels like it has been so long since we released our first album Everyday Warrior but it has only been 18 months. That is still probably a bit longer than we would have liked but we have been waiting to get this release out to the world but we had to get everything right for it first.
What can fans expect ‘Take Me Away’?
They can expect exactly what they should expect from Fake News. Classic punk rock riffs, fast drum beats, melodic vocals, mix in a few breakdowns & you’re away. I’m pretty sure we have stayed true to our style & I am pretty confidentthat it will be well received by our fans.
“All 4 tracks are great in their own way & all have something a little different to each other ”
Are there any standout tracks or favourite songs on the Ep for you personally?
That is so hard to be able to single one track out as a clear standout. All 4 tracks are great in their own way & all have something a little different to each other but if you made me pick one I would probably say Nothing Town it just has everything going for it.
Were there any tracks you were worried about including on the Ep or you had second thoughts about?
No we were adamant that all 4 tracks would make up this EP. The hard part was stopping ourselves at 4! There is already a whole wave of new songs in the pipeline we are looking towards the next recording now already. There were times we toyed with the notion of adding some of these new songs to this EP but decided against it in the end.
Are there plans to tour and showcase ‘Take Me Away’ after its release?
We would love to do a tour & I would like to say we will get to Sydney & Melbourne again sometime this year but probably quite a way down the track. Nothing booked as yet but we are always ready to spring into action when the call comes. For now we are just doing some shows within QLD which will be enough to tide us over for the first half of the year anyway.
“There are not many radio stations playing punk music on the airwaves”
Fitting into the Punk Music genre, do you find getting airplay on Australian Radio or on streaming platforms a struggle?
Radio. Yes. Definitely. There are not many radio stations playing punk music on the airwaves. You get the odd community radio punk segment which will give it a run but that’s all small fish stuff. There are a few international online radio station that specialise a bit more in punk & heavy music. They are definitely better than what we have on offer here in Australia. As far as streaming platforms go, we don’t have any problems getting on them & the reach is so much further. It completely changes the way people listen to & get their music
Do you think the 25% minimum quota of Australian music on our radio stations is a fair number given the ever-expanding talent pool we have in this country? Would you like to see that number increased or even a dedicated Aussie station?
Yeah for sure. There really is heaps of undiscovered talent in Australia & it is so hard to get a run anywhere especially radio stations because most of them only want to play the popular songs that everyone knows already. A dedicated Aussie music station would be a great idea. There would definitely beenough music to be able to fill the airwaves.
“I am hoping you will see Fake News on some festival bills soon we are ready for it & are definitely keen to. ”
Festivals of all varieties of music are making a huge comeback this year. Can we expect to see Fake News on the festival circuit soon? Are festivals something the band is looking at playing to expand your reach and fanbase?
Its so good to see some festivals coming back again, we love the atmosphere of them. I am hoping you will see Fake News on some festival bills soon we are ready for it & are definitely keen to.
Are there any festivals that are on your wish list to play?
How much time have you got! There is a list that’s for sure but I would have to say at the top of it would be Punk Rock Holiday in Europe & Punk Rock Bowling in Vegas. So if there is anyone out there willing to sponsor us for a trip over there we would be happy to oblige.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
Most definitely. We are a 5 piece band but there are a number of guys behind the scenes that we couldn’t do this without. I will probably miss someone but here goes. Shaun Smith from Dreamvault Studios for his amazing tracking & producing abilities. John Harcus from Harcus Audio who helps with all the editing. Daly George did the mix/master on this upcoming Take Me Away EP & he has nailed it. It was the first time working with him for this EP & we are more than happy with the result. Matt Martin from Shutter Photo & Video who does all our film clips & is so easy to work with & is a great talent behind the lens. Last but not least our artwork man Samuel Lucas who always comes up with some great art for our cover designs. Without these guys in our corner Fake News wouldn’t be where they are today so thank you all!
What does 2023 hold for Fake News? What’s in the pipeline?
We’re looking for big things in 2023. 2 singles & a film clip & an EP all out by March. We are aiming to get back in the studio & record another single for release mid year sometime then we are going to start working towards another full length album. As we are starting to see more touring bands coming back to Australia we are jumping on any support slots that come up. We are playing 3 shows with Everclear next week & then backing up for A Wilhelm Scream in March. So yeah 2023 is shaping up to be a great year. So keep an eye out we’ll be getting around.
Fake News shows:
Thursday, March 9: Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
with A Wilhelm Scream and Knifehands
Saturday, March 10: Ole Bar, Noosa
with Lunchtime
Friday, May 5: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast
Take Me Away EP Launch!
with Friends With The Enemy and TBC
Follow Fake News
Facebook | Instagram
Nothing Town Art Work
Interview by Michelle Symes
February 2023