Two Men And A Cat

Taking its inspiration from 1970s comedy duo Derek & Clive, A Night On The Tiles is a co-headlining show featuring Mike Noga from The Drones and Ben Salter from The Gin Club. The fact they're members of two of this country's most critically and popularly adored groups will, of course, ensure that there are musical treats a-plenty. This writer could – and in fact on several occasions has – banged on and on about what great bands The Gin Club and The Drones are, but there is a strong sense that this show is going to be something deliciously different, while still acknowledging its roots in highest quality music. The show will feature songs from the two band's large back catalogues, as well as highlights from two of last year's best solo records: Salter's The Cat and Noga's The Balladeer Hunter. But if Noga and Salter's responses to the questions for this interview are anything to go by, the evening should bring a smile to punters' faces for several different reasons, not the least of which will be the two participants' wit and ability to banter.

Co-headlining shows are such a good idea. Inpress is at something of a loss to understand why they don't happen more often. As such, we pose the question of the genesis of A Night on the Tiles, and Noga and Salter's responses reveal quite a lot. Noga acknowledges the cinematic influences of the show, while Salter talks about the importance of contrast versus similarity.

“Ben and I have been friends for a long time and have always bandied about the idea of doing a tour together,” says Noga. “Just the two of us and two guitars. I think in our minds it was this romantic notion of throwing our guitars in the back of a car, throwing caution to the wind and heading off down the highway all Thelma & Louise like. In reality, it's been hard to find a gap in our respective schedules until now. So we've opted for the 'fly Virgin between every city on the East Coast in a week' option. No less romantic and thrilling mind you. Just a little more Planes, Trains & Automobiles in the execution.” 

“We've been talking about a tour together for ages,” says Salter. “We've been friends for a while now, we're both sort of at the same level as far as recognition or whatever, we're the same age and have a lot of the same interests. The music we play complements each other quite well. Similar enough not to be jarring but different enough to keep it interesting.”

So, onto the format the show actually takes. Noga has no trouble referring to it in a certain, very definite way, giving away the secret to a magic trick in the process and assuring us there will be no audience casualties. “It's gonna be an old-school variety show,” he says. “Ben and I will be on stage all night together, playing on each other's songs, helping each other out. There's no star in this show! We'll be checking our massive egos at the door. There will also be hilarious banter, and I am going to do some of my magic tricks. I do a thing where I drape a tea towel over my thumb and then stick pins into it... ouch! (I'm actually just holding a carrot under the tea towel, so don't be frightened. I don't want anyone to faint.)”

Salter is a little worried he's not making things clear when he describes what he and Noga will be up to, but he really needn't have worried. “We're together on stage for the whole show, so there's a bit of collaboration, a bit of sitting quietly and letting the other person play,” he says. “Some sitting down and some standing up. A lot of blather, some stories, some covers. There's a sense in which the crowd listens to or hears each of us in a new way by having another presence on the stage, like listening to music with other people. You hear it through their ears as well. If that makes sense.”

And talking of sense, is there one in which Salter and Noga think that The Gin Club and The Drones, as well as their solo work, complement each other musically? Inpress imagines this would have to be a prerequisite for a show like this. The two participants seem to agree, with insightful attitudes towards their musical philosophies. “I think there's certainly some kind of similar thread that runs through everything that Ben and I are involved in,” says Noga. “Whether it be in our respective bands or solo 'careers'. What it is is hard to put a finger on, but I feel like it lingers around the premises of don't be shit', 'make good music' and 'be a nice person... not a wanker'. Musically I think Ben and I's solo work will complement each other beautifully at these shows. Similar ideas approached from two very different angles.”

“Well, our solo stuff is broadly similar in that it is coming from the same sort of influences,” adds Salter. “And we certainly share a lot of views and attitudes towards making music. Gin Club have been quite influenced by The Drones, or at least my songwriting has. We just get along and we complement each other well, as I said earlier, it wouldn't work if we were just cranking out the same stuff.”

As well as boasting songs from both Noga and Salter's band back catalogues and solo work, it's said that A Night On The Tiles will also feature various covers. Naturally, this piques our interest, as it's long been Inpress's theory that a lot can be gleaned from what other music a band or individual chooses to reinterpret. Noga isn't all that forthcoming, bemoaning instead his lack of axe skills, but Salter reveals that a penchant for a certain bloke from New Jersey and one of Australia's greatest ever bands, among others, might well play a part in the proceedings.

“We're yet to settle on exactly what covers we might pull out of our hats,” says Noga. “I must admit my repertoire is somewhat limited by my abominable guitar playing. I play guitar like a drummer. Pretty much just bang my fists against the thing and hope for the best.” “The Boss,” Salter chimes in. “Nick Lowe, Smokey Robinson. Maybe some Sparklehorse and maybe some Soundgarden. Neutral Milk Hotel? Triffids?”

In closing, Noga becomes all reflective and contemplative, giving an indication that, despite the frivolity, this is actually important stuff for him as well as some fun. “In all seriousness, we're just trying to present a good show,” he says. “No bullshit, just two friends who have written some songs and enjoy playing them for people. It'll be quiet for the most part, but lots of fun. And I hope people feel like a night out like that.”

In contrast, Salter claims he has a singing feline, and who is Inpress to doubt that it's true? “We have acquired a tour mascot, a cat we have named Hunter 'Nuggets' Linkous. He's gonna be appearing with us each night. He has a really great voice.”

Mike Noga & Ben Salter will be playing the following dates:

Thursday 13 December - Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC
Friday 14 December - Old Bar, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 15 December - The Grand Poobah, Hobart TAS