A new breed of pop punk is alive and kicking with Heroes for Hire hitting the road in support of the band's latest single, "Come Away with Me".
The band has spent the bulk of 2010 supporting other bands and tours as well as playing the odd festival.
Singer Brad Smith says going out as headliners means a lot to the band to be able to play with friends as well as having the chance to play those oft-forgotten all ages shows.
"Just working as hard as we have this year and being able to play our own shows, with our mates is really rewarding," he says. "It wouldn't matter if there were 50 or 300 people there, we're just stoked to be doing them."
He sat down with NovaFM to tell us the latest.
So you managed to squeeze some shows in before you take off overseas?
"Yeah, Built On Secrets from Melbourne are really, really good friends of ours. We met them earlier this year when we did a few shows together and got along really well and yeah, we just want to play with them as often as possible. They're amazing and working really hard so hopefully more and more kids are checking them out. As for the timing, this was really the only time we could do some headliners because we're off to the US to record in November and then playing at NO SLEEP TIL this December!"
It's good to see an upcoming band book both U18 and 18+ shows at some rock venues.
"Far too many bands overlook their underage fans or don't play all-age shows often enough. We've spent most of our lives playing AA shows in local halls and community centres and every tour we've been involved with has always done its best to look after these kids. Regardless of what our band does in the future that's something we'll always endeavor to do. As for the 18+ shows, who doesn't want to have a beer with their mates."
Has that become harder to do?
"Yes and no. Most places apart from Melbourne allow all-age shows in the city so there's definitely options open to bands wanting to play to under age crowds. Financially it's a bit harder to get AA/Under 18 shows over the line as they cost a bit more but you've got to try."
Has that been inportant to you as a spectator before?
Yeah, if kids aren't given the chance to check out live music and get involved and get stoked on bands, shows etc... then live music doesn't really have a future, does it? Eventually people grow up and get over going to shows, so it's awesome that a lot of venues still give kids the chance to check out live bands. I don't know what I'd be doing with myself if I didn't get involved with music at a young age, that's for sure."
Wise words indeed…
Check out Heroes for Hire on the following dates:
Saturday, October 23, noon - Annandale Hotel, Syd (U18 only w The Bride, Built on Secrets, The Never Ever)
Saturday, October 23, 7.30pm - Annandale Hotel, Syd (18+ w The Bride, Built on Secrets)
Friday, October 29, 8pm - Ding Dong, Melb (18+ w Built on Secrets, Orchestrate the Sky, Check Your Smile)
Saturday, October 30, 1pm - Ding Dong, Melb (U18 only w Built on Secrets, This Town a Forest, The City in Motion)
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