THE STATES
NEGATIVE WAVES JUNE 8
The States are a week away from giving Negative Waves what for on Sunday, 8th June!
These leaders of the pack will be dishing up their Countryfied-Rock’n’Roll with a large side of swagger and sass. It’s no surprise that their latest slab of wax, ‘Gimme Joy’, sold out its two-colour variants in record time. Their live show has also been the talk of the town since their last trip down to the Barwon Club Hotel, with their next shaping up to be no different.
Bad Batch couldn’t miss the opportunity to pick the collective brains of The States (not to be confused with the precursor to The Southern Sons, The State) ahead of next weeks event…
How long have The States been around? Who's in the band and what other bands have you all been in?
We've been kicking about for a year or so now. We are Scarlett Maloney (Tuffy, Delivery) on vocals and guitar, Joe Imfeld (The Prize) on lead guitar, Paddy Leahy on bass and Georgie Harkin (Ozzie Hair) on drums and vocals.
What do The States sound like? What are your influences?
We reckon we sound like a good time! Influences are many but to pick a handful I'd say our queen Suzi Quatro, Faces, Sweet. Heavier sounds like Lynyrd Skynyrd and poppy stuff like The Knack. All the classics like ‘60s girl groups/RnB. And we all love old Country music. I dunno if you hear that in our songs but we sure listen to our fair share.
What is the best remedy when you find yourself in a state?
Bitta Rock’n’Roll is always the best medicine.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Negative Waves?
We are diehard fans of W.O.M.B.A.T!
The band popped its Geelong cherry at Jerkfest this year. How was it?
Jerkfest was a bit of a tick off the old bucket list for us. Grateful to be included in a stellar lineup, at a sick event that we've all attended as punters, for years. It was super fun and we're looking forward to being back at the Barwon Club for Negative Waves!
What are your favourite States? ...and what are your favourite States?
Favourite states include sleeping and rocking. Also, it's that time of year to get around the mighty Maroons... Scarlett is a Queenslander.
What guitars/amps/pedals do you use to achieve your sound?
Joe's a Rock and Roll purist... his set up is straight up - drive and boost pedals, Gibson guitar, Fender amp, grey pick. We don't wanna reinvent the wheel, just remind people of the wheel.
You're signed to Legless and released your debut album this year. Being that it’s sold out, like all Legless releases, do you have any plans to repress it or do you have another album on the boil?
We are beyond stoked to be with Legless! Mawson is a king and the whole community is equal parts loving and inspiring. Only got a handful of records left so we may do a repress down the line, but we have some more tunes on the horizon for sure.
Who is the 'Queen Of Mean'?
Queen of Mean is a state of mind.
What does the view from the top look like?
We'll let you know if we get there.
Was the band name inspired by The State? Are you all fans of Southern Sons?
The States was actually inspired by names like ‘Chicago’ and ‘60s showbands from Ireland like ‘The Royals’ and ‘The Miami Showband’. Just gave Southern Sons a spin - so ‘80s!
The lineup for the showdown at the Barwon Club on June 8th will feature the likes of Cosmic Psychos, Dr. Colossus, The Meanies, The Stripp, Fly, The States, W.O.M.B.A.T., Snub, Clay Dirt, Mulshlucka and more.
If you’re yet to secure your tickets, there’re still a handful available from Oztix and The Barwon Club Hotel… but don’t drag your feet. They won’t be around for long.