The Louisville Sluggers
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Interview With Miss Mel From The Louisville Sluggers By
Chris
The Louisville Sluggers is one of the coolest swing
bands in Australia.
Their music makes want to dance the night away.
I wanted to know more from this really cool band.
The Louisville
Sluggers Website
1.How did you get into music?
I studied dancing and singing at a performance school from
the age of 3, and at 16 formed an all-girl group there in
the hope of getting some gigs around Sydney. This led to
the conception of the pop group ‘Girlfriend’ which took off
in 1992.
2.What were your major influnces growing up?
It seemed like my whole adolescence was dedicated to
performing… and I experienced a wide range of musical
styles, from the roaring 40’s to the Jackson 5 -which all
heavily influenced me. Apart from that, I’ve always loved
listening to the vocal talents of female greats such as
Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Billy Holiday, and watching
people like Madonna and Prince for their stage
presence.
3.How did the band form?
Several years ago, sister/brother duo – Michelle (manager)
and Glenn Scott (drummer) created the band. It’s funny how
things turned out because they actually asked me to join
the band at that time, and I was too busy with t.v.
commitments to take it on. Luckily for me, the lead singer
position opened up again 2 years ago and I jumped at
it.
4. What has been your favourite show to date?
It’s hard to pick 1 favourite! Our album launch at The
Basement in May was fantastic! Full house and great vibes!
Another great gig was at The Metro in October – supporting
the fab US band ‘Royal Crown Revue’. The crowd was amazing
and the band and I seemed to simultaneously return the
energy that they were throwing at us. There’s nothing in
the world like it!
5. What has the response been to your album?
We’ve had a really good response. I think there’s been a
bit of suspense with it as it’s taken a while to get it out
(hence the title!), but reports so far from the likes of
people who come to our gigs are all pointing in the right
direction!
6. Whho do you enjoy playing with?
It’s such a privilege to play alongside such talented
people as the guys from Royal Crown and James
Morrison.
7. How has zines helped in getting your music out
there
Radio is such a wonderful medium for getting our music to
the people. Stations such as Eastside Radio and FBI have
been so supportive and have really helped deliver. The work
they do in promoting local acts is invaluable. There should
be many more like them!
8. What are your views on the mp3 format and
filesharing?
Mmm… it’s obviously not doing the music industry any
favours! Having said that, pirating has always been a
problem – and the industry always seems to get around it
somehow. On one hand, it reduces opportunites to make $$$
from record sales, but on the other, it gets your music out
there and gets more people to live gigs. I’ve never made
any money from record sales in the past anyway!!!
9. Do you think the internet is good for getting your
music out there?
I obviously hadn’t read this question before answering the
last one!!
10. Who would most like to record a song with if you
could?
After our gig at The Metro, word was going around about the
possibility of a duet with Eddie Nichols and RCR. That
would be damn good!
11. If the band could be on The Simpsons where would
they be playing?
You know what? I’m not a Simpsons fan, so I can’t answer
that one!
12. When touring what is the album that must be played
on the tour bus?
The RCR albums get us in the mood for gigs. No Doubt, Joss
Stone, Alicia Keys are all popular too.
13. What the scene like for the type of music you guys
play?
There is a strong swing scene in Sydney that is wonderful
to be a part of. I’m always amazed at the gorgeous, retro
gear that people wear and the talent of the swing dancers
that take to the floor. They’ve truly taken a slice of
history and continue to honour it to this day.
Thanks to Miss Mel for doing the interview and their
management for setting it up
