Bursting on to the scene late in 2003 courtesy of Tiefschwarz’s club smashing remix of their single ‘Kinda New’, UK based live act Spektrum recently released their sophomore album. Cheekily – and rather peculiarly – titled ‘Live at the Gymkhana’, the band will be returning to Australia over the summer months for some relaxation and recuperation. Oh, and a few gigs of course. ITM got the low-down from Teia Williams, the band’s bass player.
The title of your sophomore release ‘Live at the Gymkhana Club’ is said to also be a reference to colonialism. Was this a contributing factor to the choice?
No, but the colonialism aspect is part of the way we are as a band, being from countries under British rule. Originally it was Lola’s idea to name the album in
reference of pony clubs and young girls having fun, which we like too.
You played at the Airwaves Festival in Iceland, which must have been a pretty wild experience. What was it like for you?
The whole festival had a great vibe, we stayed for 3 whole days and made use of the hot pools, late clubs and good food. We recommend it, though I was freezing my bollocks off. Take some warm clothes!
How does the crowd behave when you play current single ‘Don’t Be Shy’ live?
It’s usually near the middle of the set and has people throwing all sorts of dance moves. ‘Nice’.
Have any of you ever marched over to someone and licked their face as aforementioned tune recommends?
Not yet, [but] we aren’t shy, so if the opportunity comes then yeah of course.
How do you feel the electronic music scene has developed in the UK throughout 2006?
UK music will always progress through live bands, cultural music and the street taking on electronica. It’s a great mix of influences and talent. 2006 has seen Lilly Allen, the Klaxons, Lady Sovereign and DJs like Tom Neville and James Priestly all go a long way.
The Tiefschwarz remix of ‘Kinda New’ recently topped the Australian Club Charts. How did this match transpire?
Playhouse Records in Germany tied this up, they were friends with them and us… a match made in club land.
How does Lola psyche herself up for a performance or is that her persona 24/7?
The music is powerful enough to move her and so she performs from the heart, every time. We all get nervous sometimes before the gigs, and this energy drives us.
List 5 bands or artists making an impression on you at the moment.
1. The Presets – definitely! 2. Fat Freddy’s Drop – tunes! 3. Caged Baby from Brighton – funky! 4. All the Get Physical artists – sick! 5. Who Made Who from Copenhagen – awesome!
Your Australian tour contains 6 dates over a month. How do you envisage spending the days in between?
Well let me see, some recording in Sydney near the beach, BBQs near the beach and playing basketball, ummm near the beach. But also trips to the Blue Mountains, the Big Banana and Pineapple! And last but not least, visiting friends who have helped us along the way.
If The Spice Girls were responsible for Girl Power, what sort of power would you like Spektrum to generate?
21st centry disco power!
‘Live at the Gymkhana’ is out now through Nonstop/Inertia. You can catch Spektrum touring the country throughout January:
Mon 1st Jan – Melbourne, Sunshine People
Sun 7th Jan – Gold Coast, Berlin Bar
Sat 13th Jan – Sydney, Havana
Sat 20th Jan – Melbourne, The Espy
Wed 24th Jan – Sydney, Havana
