Sydney trio the Stick Figures recently unleashed their debut album. Titled ‘Low Self Esteem’, its been creating a stir on the tech and electro scene both locally and abroad, with high profile proponents of the style, like Funk D’Void and Switch, all singing the group’s praise. ITM recently emailed some questions off to the band, and what we got sent back was unusual, somewhat confusing, highly original and ultimately rewarding. Kind of like their music. Be sure to tell us if you can make any sense of it all.

Your new album, ‘Low Self Esteem’, what’s it all about? Over what time period was it made?

I guess like all the latest releases this one is comprised of shooting zombies in a dark and moody setting while solving a huge range of ethical puzzles, mostly involving women, usually dressed in school attire, and periodically acquired as reward for good performance in the bonus dance sections involving the light-up platform that comes with the box.

Texturally subtle, delightfully creamy and known for its penetrating, moisturising properties, it was actually formed relatively quickly, geologically speaking, in the sedimentary basins and peat swamps of what is Borneo today. While instantly recognisable by the distinctive markings found on artifacts dating from this period, which spans the late Triassic and early Miocene periods, it’s central themes seem to evade the stereotype. So what’s it all about? Experts can only agree that it’s all about a half inch too thick. Too thick, indeed, for the comfort of most. Yet for those who can’t find an older, thinner version with the onion skin paper, this is an essential addition to the collection any serious connoisseur.

What’s next in line for the Stick Figures? I read you have been touring the country, how have the shows been?

“Here in Australia the initial response has been swift and decisive, with emergency services and coastal units being better trained and funded since 2004. The earliest reports of seismic activity came from professional stations and enthusiast-clubs across Europe, all of whom have been listening to a series of soundwaves emanating from deep, deep underground.

Scientists determined the epicentre to be the result of the grinding of a small number of twelve-inch slabs on Australia’s east coast, and the pounding waves they are creating are just the early-warning signs of a much bigger, full-length release of a much larger magnitude to hit very soon. Up and down the eastern seaboard, units of all ages have been placed on full alert and are being told to prepare against the devastating shockwaves by assembling in night-clubs wherever possible. Officials fear the worst hit will be the traditional coastal settlements of Melbourne, Byron Bay, Sydney, Brisbane and the former Surfers Paradise…” (Sydney Morning Herald – 21/09/06)

While figures are yet to be released, it has been confirmed that many towns and entire buildings currently lay in ruins and thousands of people are missing, feared deaf.

What sort of setup do you guys run onstage with your live shows? How ‘live’ are you able to be?

We’re each running a T3 – from the Momentum series. Its got an easy-to-read intuitive console, touch-sensitive keypad, integrated mix of speed, incline, and 14 program options providing an effective audio-vascular workout. The unique suspension system reduces impact on joints, and the adjustable belt-speed is integral to our laser show.

Obviously running like this keeps us fit, keeps us looking great, and running onstage is actually how we got our first gigs. Those first shows were all very short as a result, but these days we go at it for 2 hours at a time, and keep it as dangerously live as possible. Mike runs with scissors, Adam runs with sisters, and Dave runs like Weekend at Bernies (... Part 2) – which can be dangerous too, like if you owe people money.

Between us we’ve clocked up a lot of KMs and we bump that up wherever we can. We’re aiming for the big-league in 07 and, like all elite performers, flexibility is a huge part of maintaining our well-balanced lifestyle – and we all have our own preferred stretching techniques to help keep it up. Mike likes dynamic stretching, which incorporates movements that mimic a specific act in an exaggerated yet controlled manner. Adam often uses the static technique, which involves passively stretching a muscle to the point of mild discomfort by holding it in a maximal stretch for a good extended period. Dave usually goes the ballistic, which is the oldest technique, making use of repetitive bouncing movements, though it has been virtually abandoned by almost all experts in the field due to safety concerns.

What’s it like to have people like Switch, John Tejada and Funk D’Void saying they’re into your work?

At first we were thrilled, but we quickly realised they were just fishing for compliments. More proof not to trust foreigners.

Who came up with the lyrics for ‘No Hands No Teeth?’ Can you provide some context?

Wow. That one actually came from a letter Mike wrote to his girlfriend at the time. The relationship was struggling a bit, which is why it starts out “Dirty sluts…” cos he was pretty down on chicks at the time… but they were both still so much in love, so he sat down and wrote her this letter – about stuff they used to do together when they met – just hanging out, going to clubs and stuff – lines like “pop a pill, snort…”, “hotel rooms, rented by the hour…”, “cock til you choke”, and “soaking with piss…” are the sort of things common to most young lovers – but the actual title itself was pretty much specific to him and her – the way she looked when he first saw her – “No hands and no teeth, girl you lookin’ so sweet”. He still gets choked up at that line. Anyway, it was so beautiful we made it into a song. It worked too – he won her back! That was before he started dating guys.

How did you guys meet? What were you guys doing before the Stick Figures came into being?

We met at a funeral of a mutual friend who had been murdered. It was something I used to do in my youth, long before. At that time it didn’t seem much of an issue. Back then of course I didn’t have to worry about offending anyone else’s feelings. We’ve all grown up a lot since then. Me more than the other two, and the dead guy to a lesser extent.

What would be the perfect setting to listen to your music?

a) During a fundraising speech for the profoundly deaf.
b) Anywhere there’s kids. They all know the lyrics. Especially the love songs.
c) On an iPod (of course!) while waiting behind the door of your neighbours’ daughters’ bedroom.
d) e).
f) All the above… and at the same time – seriously, it’s so good.

What are your guys influences? Musical or otherwise?

Only time will tell, I guess. Our legacy will stretch on long after we’re gone, we just hope we live to see our seeds take root in the younger generation.

Where do the Stick Figures go from here? What’s planned for the future?

Bed. I bags the middle!

‘Low Self Esteem’ is out now on Future Classic, distributed nationally by Inertia.