Shitty Interview No.105

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Today it is a pleasure to feature Australian psych-rockers hailing from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Ocean Alley. Their songs have littered the Triple J Hottest 100 over the last few years, taking out the no.1 spot in 2018. Like all great Australian bands, Ocean Alley first began playing in a backyard shed before taking their music around the world. The band has many notable achievements & has impressively acquired them independently!

Ocean Alley will be touring their third record ‘Lonely Diamond’ early next year, all dates & ticket info can be found here & stream below.

The album delves into themes of exploration & escapism – coincidentally very fitting given this period of isolation that we’ve all experienced. It’s been praised by Rolling Stone & NME Australia, both awarding it 4 stars & claiming “one of Australia’s most accomplished & exciting bands on the scene” & “a monster of a record that manages to inspire excitement at every one of its dizzying turns” respectively.

Sticks & Stones: Worst gig you’ve ever played?
Ocean Alley: Hermanns Bar at University of Sydney. Our mates Sam & James were the only two there until they got kicked out.

Sticks & Stones: What song do you guys have the most fun playing?
Ocean Alley: Anything new. Tombstone is fun.

Sticks & Stones: Who is the weirdest member of Ocean Alley?
Ocean Alley: We are all weird. This is a weird question.

Sticks & Stones: When was the last time one of you got stitches?
Ocean Alley: No-one has got stitches on tour yet but we’ve probably needed some. Lach fell backwards down stairs in San Sebastian and split his head open. Could’ve done with a few but he just sucked it up.

Sticks & Stones: Tell us a strange fact about y’all.
Ocean Alley: We all have matching tattoos.

Sticks & Stones: How’d you guys meet?
Ocean Alley: We grew up in Sydney together surfing & just hanging out. A few went to school together but we were all friends from around town.

Sticks & Stones: It can be anyone, dead or alive. Who are you taking to dinner?
Ocean Alley: John Lennon. It would be interesting to see what he thinks of the world right now.

Sticks & Stones: Funniest thing that’s happened on tour?
Ocean Alley: Too many funny things. Minor bus crash into a building, Angus lost his hat & shirt on the first night in Budapest. I’ve been locked out of my room & been to the lobby in a robe many times.

Sticks & Stones: What’s in the afterlife?
Ocean Alley: There is none! So make this life count!

Sticks & Stones: What are some of your interesting talents aside from music?
Ocean Alley: Not much. Pretty handy in the kitchen but so is everyone these days. I can lick my elbow.