It’s been a while since we last heard from Cut Copy, but they’re back and ready gives us a taster of their forthcoming album as they tour the country in support of ‘So Haunted’, the not-so-creepy new single from the Melbourne trio. ITM spoke with frontman Dan Whitford recently to get the low down on the tour and what audiences can expect.
Speaking from his graphic design studio in Melbourne, where he’s currently working on various non-music projects, it’s anyone’s guess how he manages his workload as both a graphic designer and member of Australia’s most popular indie-dance outfit. “I’m always pretty busy with everything. Sometimes it’s a bit of a struggle to keep up with it all, but I’ve always done music and the design stuff [for so long] I’ve learnt to juggle as best I can. I’ve always done both, so I guess it’s all I know.”
Currently on their national tour to promote the new single, they’re also playing material from their forthcoming sophomore album. Balancing acts aside, Dan reveals he’s quite confident with the new material, and even a little excited to test the new songs in front of a live audience. “We’ve been playing little bits and pieces [of the new material] since we got back from recording in New York. We did the ‘Hearts on Fire’ tour, and of course Splendour in the Grass. What we’ve played has gotten a really great response from crowds that don’t actually know the new tracks.”
Those who’ve managed to catch the recent shows may have a taste of the new material, but their current tour will be your first chance to catch the new single ‘So Haunted’, which sees a change in sound for the boys. When asked if he has any nerves on how well the track will be received, Dan is resolute that it won’t be a problem. “... It’s more [a case of] making sure there’s no teething issues in performing the new track. ‘So Haunted’ is something we haven’t played, so it’s going to be the first run. We’re quietly confident, at this stage, I think people are actually excited to hear the new stuff. It’s been a little while since our last record.”
According to the Cut Copy blog the band re-recorded their last single, ‘Hearts on Fire’, whilst working with DFA’s Tim Goldsworthy in New York. Dan mentions that they’ve changed it to become much more of a live thing. “The original was very much a club mix. We changed it, I guess, so we can play it live. We added a live drum kit, re-tweaked the vocals and edited it slightly… We also spent a whole day doing this really weird intro to the new version. It almost sounds like the KLF’s chill out record… our homage to that kind of sound.”
With the new Cut Copy album not due until early next year, the ‘So Haunted’ tour will be your only chance to catch the band playing headline shows until 2008:
Thu Nov 1st – Peninsula Hotel, Moorooduc
Fri Nov 2nd – Billboard Nightclub, Melbourne
Fri Nov 9th – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Sat Nov 10th – The Great Northern, Byron Bay
Thu Nov 15th – The Metro, Sydney
Fri Nov 16th – The Roxy, Parramatta
Sat Nov 17th – Panthers, Newcastle
Check this video of Cut Copy playing ‘Hearts On Fire’ during their May, 2007, tour in Perth:
