SPECIAL GUEST

‘Brazil (1985)’ has a pretty heavy concept behind it. How did watching Terry Gilliam’s film turn into a song?

All art comes from inspiration, and sometimes a piece of media can leave you with so much inspiration and awe that you feel forced to do something with it. I think that was very much the case for this song. Ben and I watched the movie together, and then literally the next morning Ben texted me a new batch of lyrics. Then within 48 hours we had a complete song; Brazil (1985).

There’s a tension in the track between confronting real-world problems and retreating into escapism or conspiracy. What were you trying to say about the way people deal with a world that increasingly feels out of their control?

I think most people can observe the prevalence of conspiracy theories and new religious movements in the last couple of decades. I can’t say whether there has been a tangible rise in “conspirituality” or not, but what is true, is that the role it plays into our politics and popular culture is unequivocal. I don’t consider myself a conspiracy theorist but I am surprised by the amount of time I spend entertaining the ideas. The devastating effect these theories have, is that they outsource our agency to some higher controlling body; something (or someone) that’s outside of our control. I can’t help but believe that the production of such disinformation is propagated (or left untreated) by those in actual power, such as the media, to limit the amount of agency the working class perceive they have. In reality, we can do a lot; we can strike, protest, unionise, and evoke meaningful change together. Ultimately, it’s about reclaiming the agency that has seemingly been disenfranchised from us. Conspiracy theories, escapism, and hopelessness (I think) are our biggest obstacles in creating meaningful action.

You’ve coined your own term, ‘Post-Junk’, rather than simply calling yourselves post-punk or noise-rock. What does that label allow you to do creatively that those genres don’t?

Post-Junk gives us a form of immunity. The “Junk” element allows us to create trash and label it as creatively intentful. It’s also just fun to think of new genres. I was heavily inspired by a band called “The Intelligence”, who label their style as “shit-gaze” - a play on “shoegaze”. When I was listening to them, I found myself thinking that their music was neither “shoegaze” nor “shit”, and therefore, definitely not “shit-gaze”. I then laughed at myself, as I realised I found myself policing a genre that is completely made up. Realising the liberty artists have in their music and their style, made us want to create a genre of our own. Maybe Post-Junk will catch on, maybe it will just be synonymous with Special Guest - who is to say - but either way it gives us a little bit of creative freedom in our music.

Going from Victoria headline shows to Pol’and’Rock and European stages in such a short time is a pretty dramatic leap. How has playing to audiences outside Australia changed the way you think about Special Guest?

I think we are all suffering from whiplish. We couldn’t imagine that there would be people on the other side of the world dancing and singing our songs. If anything, it’s given us more motivation to continue what we are doing. The whole experience was a testament to the universality of music and dance. People want to have fun and enjoy live music all across the globe, and we are so privileged to provide a space that enables it.

With ‘Brazil (1985)’ being the first release after your European debut, does it feel like the beginning of a new chapter for the band? If so, what do you want Special Guest to become from here?

Every release feels like a new chapter. I think most musicians can relate to the fact that releasing music feels like you’re finally shedding off old catalog, which provides the freedom to do whatever you want next. We are super proud of this song and its music video, and we are excited to see where it leads. To be honest, we haven’t planned our trajectory in any way, shape, or form. We merely keep following what interests us, and what we enjoy, and so far this business model has worked well. I don’t know what Special Guest will become from here but I know if we keep having fun we will be happy with whatever form it amalgamates to.