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Indie-Rock Punk band Poison Oak hail from Far North Queensland, Australia. New single “Sarah” is set to drop next month, and band member James talks us through everything that you need to know about Poison Oak. Check out the current single ‘Waiting’, above, and give the guys a follow on their socials.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
We have been playing together technically for a year and a half. It started as just a jam session between Russell, Ray, and myself James on a Saturday morning and has grown from there.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
I can barely remember it, however… I think it was at my school talent quest, like 16 years ago. However, I remember being it exhilarating and also nerve-racking.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
I’m not really sure… I guess if you want straight-up indie rock, punk then you will get it. I guess I would describe Poison Oak, as a yeah, indie rock, punk band with touches of blues and melodic ballads in there as well.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Well… I think if you’re going in with that perspective, that you want to stand out etc. Then, I think you have the wrong mentality about it. I think you should go in playing the music you like and enjoy what you write. And, if, you stand out then you stand out! However, I don’t think anyone should really strive to stand out, as it might take away the honesty from the music.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We are just finishing off our next release “Sarah” and our next EP “1996”. People will be able to check it out on the 19th of February. Pre-save: https://ffm.to/sarah
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Hmmm, maybe the Aussie band The Vanns, at the moment. It’s a pretty tough one, you really have to work out who has a similar style to you.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
I think the next biggest rock band in the world would have to be Kaleo. I listened to their album a couple of years back and felt like it had that potential. I’m not saying they’re my favourite, but they have that potential to be a huge rock band.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I guess I was influenced by my friends originally. It never really just… spontaneously happened. Over time I just grew more interested in music. However, I never have made it to be my main “thing” I wanted to do in my life, especially as I have gotten older, maybe when I was younger. However, I have a lot of hobbies, and also work full time, and of which spend an equal amount of time on.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
There’s an Aussie band called, Lime Cordial, which I saw at the start of their journey many years ago, and recently, I’ve seen them again when they have become quite successful. Which was a pretty cool comparison.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
The Hard Road by Hilltop Hoods.
Although 2020 was a year to forget for many reasons, there was some incredible music released; what would be your album of 2020?
“Everything Is A-Ok” by Violent Soho.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
For the band, we are reasonably active on social media. So, if people want to check out our music then they can go here – https://linktr.ee/poisonoak
