SWIMSUIT ISSUE OUT NOW !!

Sunshine Coast based Indy Rocker’s Swimsuit Issue have had a pretty good 2021 so far, something few people let alone bands can claim. They have released four singles as well as their debut album ‘Burn Off The Buzz’ and with a string of shows booked until the end of the year including the ‘Bed By Nine Festival’ and the the ‘Halloween Festival’ at Lefty’s Music Hall its safe to say ‘Swimsuit Issue’ is a name your going to be hearing a lot of in the future. We had the chance to fire some questions to the band, on music, recording and signing to new label Bueno Bueno Sounds.

Swimsuit Issue, this year has seen you release four singles already, which got good radio backing from the independent stations did this support surprise you?

We weren't surprised by the community radio as that is what they are all about. We really hoped for a little Triple J support but TBH we were blown away that we were played on Short Fast Loud and Roots n all Twice as well as Double J, ABC radio and MMM. Our album has been getting added to a lot of college radio stations at the moment which is also blowing us away!

In July you released your highly anticipated debut album called ‘Burn Of The Buzz’ what has been the feedback been like? How is the album being received by your fans?

The feedback has been fantastic from fans. We were worried that people just wouldn't get it with us covering multiple genres on this record but it is quite the opposite. We have had some amazing reviews also including an 8.7 out of 10 from Backseat Mafia

You did the album is two parts, the eclectic half was tracked live at Yama Nui on the Sunshine Coast with Steve Summers and Paulie B (George, Ziggy Alberts, Bobby Alu) and the other half was self produced by the band. Did this those pose any challenges given this isn’t the conventional method for recording?

We originally went into Yama Nui to record the album in 3 days all live tracking too! We were stoked with it as it captured our sound as it was at that time. It was easy for us as we had rehearsed so much to get tight.. We had to wait a couple of months to get the mixes finished as the studio was booked out. So in that time we were still jamming and writing and just as we got the mixes back we no longer felt that half the album represented our sound because we had a bunch of new songs which we wrote together. So we decided to demo the new songs at home creating beds for the session. We then went into a studio and Rhys and I produced and engineered the session over 1 full day. I then did vocals at home and had my very talented friend Tyrone Bain mix. That's the reason some of the songs sound very lofi and some are super produced. The Lofi ones were live tracked and the polished ones were multitracked.

Your album was the first official release for newly established Australian Indie music label Bueno Bueno Sounds, that’s a huge honour that must make you very proud?

Oh very proud! were so stoked with how well its going too! it feels amazing to set the tone for the label! We are already working on a follow up release as well as a b side release for all the tracks which didn’t make the record. I believe that the label will be putting out a split 7 or 10 inch vinyl release and a compilations on vinyl too.

Being it is their debut drop does this add an extra layer of pressure for the album to succeed?

No not really, it's a real family vibe with the label and crew. It's all about getting the music out there and supporting artist more than selling records or streams

You have a range of tour dates booked that start in August with ‘Bed By Nine’ at The Zoo in Brisbane with a line-up that includes five other bands who are you excited to see or play with?

Oh yes! We are really looking forward to that show! Bad Neighbor is a band I stream all the time whilst working so I'm really keen to see them and share the stage! Well worth checking them out

October 30th sees you participate in Noche De Brujas, the Halloween Festival being staged at Lefty’s Music Hall are you excited to hit the stage with some of Queensland’s most talented and newest Indie Rockers?

This would have to be the biggest show of the year right? haha every single artist on the line up is a fave of ours! so we will be there from start to finish to check out every set.. Its going to be a fun day/night and getting to play onstage in a costume will be sick! Tom is going to wear a dress I think

Are you glad to be getting back to hitting the road and performing in front of a real crowds?

Absolutely! we live for it! It is the biggest rush! we would love to make our way down the east coast once everything settles down.

What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way? Or is it just one big party?

The best part would be that it usually is one big party! Everyone is usually up and dancing to support each other. I haven't experienced egos on a local level but I once opened up for Avril Lavigne and she was an absolute horror of a person. After 2 weeks of shows during the day of the last show I asked her manager if she would sign some posters for us and get a photo and he came back to say she won't do it!

2020 was a year full of uncertainty and change and for some the year came as a blessing for some a curse. How do you rate your 2020?

2020 for us was a blessing! without the lockdown we never would have had the chance to write and record an album!

Is there anyone you would like to perform or collab with in the future?

I really wanted to write with Kaito from the band Wetlands and now that's going to happen as she just joined Swimsuit Issue! I would love to collab or tour with Beach House, Cigarettes after Sex, The Oogars or Willie Nelson

Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?

Greaser Bar in Fortitude Valley Brisbane with Action Slacks and Fingerless. It was a total success because we gained our first couple of loyal fans from that show

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?

Well Tom and Rhys both do a lot and I do all the management type stuff. Rhys does a lot behind the scenes which really helps take the load off

What your favourite song to perform from your back catalogue and why?

It has to be ‘Ocean Haze’ as its such a slow build and then ends with an epic guitar solo which always goes down amazing. Also ‘Hit It With You' as we now have Kaito to do the Dorah Jacson parts.

What's next for Swimsuit Issue? What can we expect in 2022 and beyond?

Definitely continuous releases, some vinyl and merch and some more East Coast shows in NSW and VIC and QLD

Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Festivals Australia

Interview by Michelle Symes

August 2021