Welcome back Motor Ace
Photo credit Rhys Graham
After a sell out national tour in 2018, that saw the return to the stage for the beloved Aussie band, Motor Ace are back to celebrate twenty years of Five Star Laundry - the landmark album that catapulted them on to the global music scene with a National Tour and a 20th Anniversary re-issue of their debut album which will be released as a limited edition on November 5th. Motor Ace have also released their first new music in a while with ‘Knock Knock’ the first track off their forthcoming EP, due out later this year. We had a chance to ask the band about the new music their making, the up and coming National tour and getting back to the festival circuit this coming summer.
For those in the younger generations or the people that have been under a rock for the last 20 plus years, how would you describe your sound?
Dreamy anthemic rock music
“Knock Knock is also a take on our original Five Star Laundry sound, with a modern twist and more cowbell. ”
You have released your first song in 17 years, 'Knock Knock', why did you choose this song for your return?
Coming back after 17 years away it was great to feel the raw energy of playing together in rehearsal rooms and on stage. We wanted to capture this feeling in the new recordings which we smashed together incredibly quickly over a four day recording session… no rehearsals, less talk, more playing. I think you can hear the immediacy of this approach on the tracks. Knock Knock is also a take on our original Five Star Laundry sound, with a modern twist and more cowbell.
What can you tell us about your new song? What does the song mean to you?
I majored in literature at uni and could bore you for hours with my interpretation of the song’s meaning… that said I didn’t write it. We’d like listeners to create their own meaning.
Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
Video Producer Matt Jasper followed us around the country during our reunion tour back in 2019. The plan at the time was to make a doco about the band. Covering the highs and lows of our 20 year career. The project had stalled for various reasons… When it came around to making the clip for knock knock, it felt like a natural fit to use the live and backstage footage from the shows to accompany the rawness of the song. Matt J did a smashing job, we’re stoked with the outcome. In terms of memorable moments making it… the whole reunion tour was a blast, after not having been on stage in 17 years, playing to sold out crowds around Australia felt surreal.
Can we expect a new Motor Ace album out soon? If so, what can fans expect?
We are currently working on a four track EP which we would love to distribute on vinyl in 2023. Knock Knock is a great indication of what punters can expect from the other three tracks, brooding, angsty rock songs with hooks for days.
For Knock Knock you have worked with Five Star Laundry producer Craig Harnath, and acclaimed mixer Forrester Savall. Do you contribute to the production side of your music or do you leave it to the experts?
Although we all have thoughts about production, lead singer Patch leads production duties. He is an accomplished engineer and producer in his own right. After we’ve recorded the bed tracks Pat spends weeks adding his sonic touches. We were stoked to have Craig and Forrester on deck for the ride this time too. Two of the best in the biz.
The band are hitting the road for the Anniversary Tour of your first album, Five Star Laundry, this June are you excited to be touring and playing to live crowds again?
We can’t wait to play real music to real people in a real venue. Lock down was a massive bummer for live musicians. Looking forward to tearing through Five Star Laundry in its entirety, as well as introducing some new tracks into the mix.
What's your Favourite thing about touring and being on the road?
Getting to meet all the passionate music lovers out there who make it down to the shows. Every night’s a party with some of the finest folk in the country.
“It was a true case of the ‘Law of attraction’ after ten years of manifesting a rock ‘n’ roll destiny the universe provided. ”
How did you get your start in music?
Obsessed bedroom guitarist from the age of 12. It was a true case of the ‘Law of attraction’ after ten years of manifesting a rockn’roll destiny the universe provided.
Who do you credit as the band's musical influences?
We all loved English indie shoegaze bands like Ride and My Bloody Valentine, Brit rockers Oasis, Stone Roses, Primal Scream and hard rock bands like The Helicopters, AC/DC, Nirvana and Sound Garden. Blend all those together and the product would sound an awful lot like Motor Ace.
“We worked hard behind the scenes developing a full set before we took to the live scene and it paid off.”
Where was your first gig as Motor Ace? Was it a success or flop?
Our first Motor Ace gig was at the Evelyn Hotel… It was packed with friends and some industry crew, who a couple of whom we ended up working with as our management and label. We worked hard behind the scenes developing a full set before we took to the live scene and it paid off.
What’s been the highlight in the band's career so far? And why?
Too many to mention. Touring with some of our idols like Oasis, Muse and Foo Fighters were right up there.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
All our patient partners who put up with touring, recording and general bad behaviour.
What can Motor Ace fans look forward to for the rest of 2022?
New music, a headline tour and hopefully some festivals come summer. We can’t wait to see y’all.
Tickets to the Five Star Laundry 20th Anniversary tour are on sale now from www.livenation.com.au.
Interview by Michelle Symes
June 2022