thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
were at our hotel watching the sun come up. It was first light and the call to prayer would come over the loud speakers and in Marrakesh the dogs in the city arent domesticated; theyre just scrawny, demonic little retches. And when they heard the loud speakers crackling to life in the morning they just went absolutely beserk! Theres like thousands of wild dogs just roaming around the streets looking for scraps.The combination of hearing the mosque prayers and the dogs going absolutely mental with the sun coming up, it was just such a surreal combination. Thats where the name was born from. And that was the first thingwed named our band before wed even made one note.I think thats probably a good thing. Because the whole coming up with the name thing can be so frustratingi youve already got your sound and then you can never find the name to fit. I think its good to come up with the name first and then make the sound.I agree, its a real pain. Especially when youre sitting there with a handful of songs and youre trying to find a name that encapsulates what you do. Its ridiculous. It doesnt make any sense. When youre having a baby you normally name it before you see it, otherwise youre going to have a baby with no name. Its the same thing, it makes sense to name it first.Although Ive known people whove had a nameless baby for quite a few weeks.Me too. I didnt do that. I have a daughter, her names Coco. Shes 10 and a half months.DAMNDOGS is a pretty major departure from Jet. Do you and Mitch share a similar kind of love of that dark electro rock stuff?Its funny, Mitch and I never even really discussed what the band would sound like. Because weve been friends for so many years... we just started talking about the band, doing something together. And there was a couple of loose riffs that were hanging around that Id been working on that really didnt fit...it wouldnt have worked with Jet. And definitely more leaning on the stuff that I fell in love with from Primal Screams records like XTRMNTR and stuff like that.And we never even talked about it. All we did was name the band, basically, and then smoked hash in Morocco for a week. That was pretty much the formation. And then when we got in a room together it sort of naturally went where it went. The weirdness...the difference in the music between this and Jet was obviously pretty staggering. But we never talked about it, we just kept pushing it through and refining it. And taking things off the table, because this band is more about what we weed out rather than what we put in. Its more sparse, like what I was saying before about the Ice Age. I always think of that. I suppose now that its sort of progressing and we have fourteen or so songs. Its funny I dont think this band is really influenced by
bands and sounds, as [much as] it is by a kind of feeling of a song. I wont tell you which ones they are but theres about five songs and they all have a connection to each other.Something like David Bowies Fame for example. Theyre sort of cynical and its dark a little bit, but its also funny. Its a combination of those flavours. Its not happy dance music. Its like the last couple of years the electronic sounds that have been coming out are quite sugar-coated and for me they dont make me feel anything.Very 80s....Yeah exactly. Its like that revival of attitude and thats fine. But I just dont get anything out of that. I didnt get anything out of that over the last few years of popular music. And so its just a reaction to that I suppose.You mention cynical and listening to the lyrics of single 'Very First Century', its definitely got a cynical edge to it.I suppose it does. But like I said, we dont sit around and think about it. Often times with DAMNDOGS, a lyric will be born out of how you push the words out of your mouth rather than in the beginning what youre saying. And then gradually over time, you work those syllables into real words that mean something to you. And thats really a different approach to how we did it with Jetor how I would write with Jet. Which is more of a classic thing, where you sit down with a guitar and work out a song in that way. But DAMNDOGS is all about the percussive elements, so the lyrics would be born out of that. As opposed to sitting down and thinking about something to write a song about, yknow?A bit more organic. What do you mean when you describe it as the Ice Age?When I hear our stuffespecially the new stuff weve been working on the last couple of daysit makes me think of the ice age. It reminds me of...the song we all really love is 'The National Anthem', I think its the first track from Radioheads Kid A record [It's the third track - Ed], which is really tough, and [has] a really defined beat. But the soundscape behind it is really minimal. It still feels like its right on your eyeballs, but theres nothing really happening. And that always makes me think of an ice age when I hear that song.And you recorded with Scott Horscroft, have you worked with him before?Ive worked every bar, restaurant and pub in Sydney with him for the past few years (laughs). But we did do some work with him. How we met Scott was Mark and Iit wasnt public knowledge in AustraliaMark and I started a production company and just did this one job, we produced a Japanese artist. I cant even remember what the bands called now. So we booked time up in Sydney and this Japanese pop group came out to see us and we made this really weird...they wanted us to get them a
Jet sounding kind of record, but Mark and I wanted to use it as an opportunity for our stranger musical leanings. So we kind of pulled them in there and they were a bit surprised when we came up with the song that we came up with. Because it didnt sound anything like Jet.But anyway Scott Horscroft was operating those sessions. In fact I was just up in Sydney a couple of weeks ago and I was sitting across the table from Scott and I was...when we hang out, basically my life just gets shut down for a week because we just basically party.Oh one of those friends...Yeah. And I said to him, 'How did we first become first good friends?' And he lost it. And he recalled this story of us in BJB sitting around with a VB in a kimono...because all the Japanese record company had flown out, there were about 28 people in this tiny little studio: costume designers, A&R people, managers, agentsthey were all there. Theyd all flown in. It was the most ridiculous thing, they must have spent so much money on this one song. And they gave us these kimonos as gifts. And basically we just wore them the whole time making the record. So thats how we met Scott, somewhere between surreal and bizarre.So youre obviously a fan of his work with people like The Presets?Thats right. So after wed done the Japanese record, we talked about getting in the studio and doing another project. And [about how] Scott was such a great guy to do it with. We just get along so well and, I think, trust each others instincts. And obviously that element coming through from [his work with] The Presets. It was good for us because we didnt want to go with somebody who was going to make us sound like Jet. And it worked out really well.And is it good to get out from behind the drum kit? Does it feel freer or a bit weird?It feels great. Because Ive written songs in Jet for years and, honestly, its difficult sometimes to write a song, and then almost give it upyoure watching it happen from back on the drums and you cant deliver it the way you want to. Nics been killing that for years, hes been doing a great job. But its like you have to let go of your song in a way, and now I dont have to do that. And I get to control every moment and every aspect of it; from the creation through to playing in front of an audience. So theres a lot of freedom that comes with that and Ive really been enjoying it.Youre not nervous to be out the front?I guess I get nervous before DAMNDOGS shows where I havent gotten nervous before a Jet show. I couldnt even tell you when, because weve been together for so long now. But with this project I get nervous about it running exactly the way we have it rehearsed. But I dont get nervous
about standing in front of a crowd. I think if youre nervous about standing in front of a crowd and youre a musician then its probably time to reconsider your life.So what is Nic up to? Is he based in America as well?Nic lives in Como (Lake, Italy) and he has a place in Melbourne. Honestly I think the break [with Jet] has been really good. We havent really kept up with each other so much. I think weve been enjoying going off and living our lives for a minute. I mean, weve been together for so long as brothers. People normally go away from each other in families like when you leave school and stuffbut we went straight from school pretty much, into a tour bus. And weve been doing [that] for years.So I dont really know. I know from all reports, from my friends that have run into him, hes doing really well. And hes really happy to be having his own time, as I am.Much needed.... and I guess youve seen since all the DAMNDOGS stuff started coming out all the fans are in a total panic thinking that Jets broken up?I suppose so. It doesnt matter how many times you tell them that youre not. Obviously people read into a new band and they think that means they cant exist in the same world, but thats ridiculous. Its good, I dont know whats on the cards for Jet at the moment. We literally havent spoken about what were doing and its been the first time, like Ive said, in 8 years, that we havent had a plan. So it remains to be seen when were going to get together again. But for sure it will happen.The more time I get to work [DAMNDOGS] into something on its own steam...that suits me down to the ground, yknow? Im really enjoying this work and Im really enjoying the difference and the freedom that it gives me. Theres no barriers here. Theres no world that weve boxed ourselves into. Its a fresh start and its a new opportunity to grow.So whens the EP out?Were meeting our manager about that later today actually. Theres no deadline date locked in but it will be in August.You mentioned before theres 14 songs so theres obviously an album planned after that?Yeah, absolutely. And we havent mapped out where and who were going to do that with. So far Im just enjoying this so much, because in Jet wed have had that conversation 4 months ago and gone into the studio.Were listening and as the music changes, so too do the names that come up for production. And also just floating around and having other producers put their two cents in, theres some really interesting people in the mix. And I cant wait to get back into the studio to see how far we can stretch this, and how wild we can make it.So youre playing the Toff in Melbourne? Its such a hot spot for bands now.I wouldnt know. Whenever I do interviews now, especially
in America, people ask me Whats the scene like in Melbourne?. And its really hard to say. Whenever Ive come into town its changed so radically. I swear the last 8 years Melbourne has been changing faster than ever. Places go up and go down in a matter of weeks now I feel like. But I like the Toff, Ive had some good times there. Theres always Big Day Out after parties there. Ive been kicked out of there a few times which is usually a good sign. Hopefully we wont get kicked out on gig night. Maybe afterwards though, you never know.Annika Priest
So, as you probably noticed we've got a new cleaner look and a new layout! We got sick of all the black, dark stuff. Also, we've got a new domain, we're now Jetthefuckingband.com, like it used to be. Lastly, there's a new tool on the website where you can share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Orkut or through e-mail. It's right there above the comments part.We hope we can improve the website as the time goes and we're glad to take your suggestions!Moving on, Damndogs are currently in NYC playing for the CMJ Festival but so far we didn't come accross anything on their latest gigs. Therefore, we're gonna continuing our interviews post and this one is from Ausralia's The Age: Eclectic canines learn new tricks MARK Wilson lowers his head in mock shame. The musician, best known as the bass player for the multimillion-selling Melbourne band Jet, has committed a social media faux pas in helping to launch his new group, Damndogs. An extra keystroke on the registration screen and the band is profiled on Facebook as Damn Dogs, a typo that is not amended easily.''If more than 100 people like you on Facebook, you can't change your name,'' Wilson says, sitting outside a Brunswick cafe as his border collie, Sailor, bounds around. ''You have to write to the company and ask them to fix it for you. That's one of the problems with doing everything yourself - you have to take the blame for your mistakes.''Online blemishes aside, Wilson is excited about the band, which sees him playing alongside Jet's drummer, Chris Cester, who steps out from behind his kit to serve as frontman, keyboardist Louis Macklin and guitarist Mitch McIvor. The tightly bound four-piece - Macklin has toured with Jet, while McIvor is Cester's cousin and best friend - are about to follow up their debut shows in Los Angeles, where Cester lives with his partner and child, with Melbourne and Sydney gigs. They also have an exceptional EP awaiting release.Advertisement: Story continues belowWilson and Cester's connection as a rhythm section shines through Damndogs' initial handful of songs, where lean, pronounced grooves that recall punk rock's discovery of dub and disco provide the foundation for sparse, expressive guitar licks and atmospheric keyboards. The verses of Very First Century suggest Ian Dury and the Blockheads and the chorus Beck, while Cocaine is a suitably murky jam that recalls Happy Mondays' melding of indie music and acid house.Damndogs' eclectic sound sits in plain contrast to Jet's embrace of rock'n'roll tradition and with the latter on an extended hiatus - ''We talk regularly but we don't have anything planned,'' Wilson says - the former is working towards recording a debut album and touring widely next year. This should disperse the usual concerns about side projects being no more than enjoyable diversions.''We're taking this seriously; it's not just a project for fun. This is our new thing,'' Wilson says. ''A lot of people will be challenged by it. If someone likes Damndogs, it's definitely possible they'll never have cared for Jet ...
We want that. We didn't want to put out something that was essentially the same.''The idea for the group has been gestating for years. Cester and McIvor decided to start a band while on holiday in Morocco several years ago (a pack of stray dogs they saw inspired the name), while Wilson and Cester talked about the nascent outfit's aesthetic at length throughout the touring for Jet's third album, 2009's Shaka Rock.Afterwards, emails carried ideas back and forth, as tracks were cut up and reassembled in various time zones. ''Chris has been dying to be a frontman for years,'' Wilson laughs.For the bassist, this is also something of a coming of age. Having been the last member to join Jet, arriving in 2002 as their career trajectory was about to go vertical thanks to Are You Gonna Be My Girl, he spent his 20s finding his feet through repeated album and tour cycles. Now, with his hair slicked back and sporting an aristocratic van Dyke beard, Wilson looks and sounds ready for the spotlight.''We've got our fingers in all the pies,'' he says. ''We don't have a record deal and, while we've been talking to people, we don't care if we don't have one. We're happy to do it all ourselves. We sort our own gear, figure when to rehearse, stay at each other's house to save money. We're working with various people but no one's putting it all on a schedule for us.''It's a lot easier starting a band the second time,'' Wilson says with a smile. ''Because you actually know what you're doing.''
I told you it'd be big! We've got a couple of interviews, fan review and videos of last night's gig in London. The last one, by the way, before they head to Australia for the much awaited tour with Powderfinger. So this post should make it up for the whole month of August. And damn, it will!Cam was probably the chosen one for interviews yesterday cause we've got two here with him just before the gig. Check them out:Elliot Mitchell Chats To JetI was lucky enough to interview Melbourne based band Jet ahead of their Shepherds Bush Empire show in London on Sunday after winning a competition with GigsAndTours. From the phenomenal worldwide success of debut album Get Born in 2003 Jet were catapulted onto the music scene with a raw, hard rock sound and with the likes of The Strokes, Kings Of Leon and the White Stripes. Since Get Born Jet have release two more albums: Shine On (2006) and more recently Shaka Rock (2009). Both albums have reached commercial success however have been criticised by some for not reaching the bar set in get born.After watching a sound check I managed to catch up with Cam Muncey, the lead guitarist from the band.How do you find touring Europe in comparison with Australia?Its better. Life on the road can be boring especially in Australia when you can drive for 10 hours and nothing changes. In Europe thats totally different, theres just so many great places here. However, I love being home as anyone does, and touring itself doesnt have any character because all youre doing is driving or flying or whatever and after a while it gets pretty boring.Obviously you play a lot of countries on your dates, which country would you say has the best crowds, atmosphere etc?London is great, the UK crowds are always up for it which is amazing and I live in London myself so I love the place. Japan have a very unique way of interpreting music; it could be said the fans are almost like a cult in Japan. The group of people who like western music are really into it, almost like an obsession, which is great for us. I was surprised at how much the Swiss were into it as well.When you broke out in 2003, it was in a similar time that bands like the Strokes, and the White Stripes were also coming onto the scene. Was it harder for you to keep up with these bands as they were from the US and you were from Australia on the other side of the world?We just had to get away from it really and put ourselves out there and move away. Once we managed to break into America it managed to sort itself out around the world, because both the UK and the US have great music scenes. We always had the mindsets that if it didnt work in the US or around the world, we could always go back home to Australia and we would always have support there, and we
relied on that.Shaka Rock almost has a bluesy feel to some of the tracks and you have really gone back to your roots with this one, and are more comfortable in your skins as it were. Whats your favourite piece of work you guys have done and why?Well you can never recreate that first one you know, because its so new and exciting, we had such an exhilarating time with it. Im really pleased with this album (Shaka Rock) because we co-produced it ourselves so we had lots of freedom over this album to make it sound how we wanted. We also changed labels, which was a big thing for us. At first producing the album was daunting, however in hindsight its been a good move for us.Some bands say they experience a moment, an out of body experience as such, in which they just feel yes, weve made it. Have you experienced this feeling yourself?When we play big gigs we naturally get nervous, so I play a confidence trick on myself and play it down acting like its not a big gig at all. I guess the nerves of a huge show almost take away that feeling of weve made it as you said, but once you get into a huge gig and start enjoying it, its amazing. For example when we played Madison square garden with Oasis, we went out there thinking, were going to show Oasis...", and we were almost competitive!Do you manage to keep up with new music on smaller labels?Yeah definitely, when Im at home and not touring its a great time to look into new music. On tour there are too many distractions and I just love going to a record shop and actually buying something I can hold, I hate buying records over the Internet.So are you a vinyl man then?Not really, I just stick with CDs to be honest, although I do have an old technics turntable, which my brother gave me, which I need to set up really, its just finding the time you know.Youre playing with General Fiasco tonight, do you usually get to pick your support acts when you go on tour?Yeah we usually have an input however tonight it was organised by someone else. Were playing with Powderfinger in Australia next month, which were really looking forward to, as its their farewell tour and they are like a national institution, like the oasis of Australia. We like to pick the support acts when we can - weve had some great support acts in the past.Was starting your own label hard for you?Not really as we havent really done anything with it yet, were just waiting for the right project to come along, and when it does well try and develop it and do something with it.At this point Jets manager turned up as we had ran out of time.....Source: Gigsandtour.comGig Junkie caught up with Cameron Muncey before the show to pick the lead guitarists brain a bit and talk about Jets upcoming tour.Q. What can people expect from Jet in