City Calm DownMember/Role: Jack Bourke (lead vocals, keys)
Hometown: Melbourne.
Short description of your band and your music: Alternative/post-punk four-piece from Melbourne.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? Unfortunately, Johann never invites us to the I Oh You parties. We're still striving for the success one feels when they can get all their mates onto the doorlist for a secret warehouse party.
What is the best thing that's happened to you/your band so far? Touring with Alt-J in 2013 was quite surreal. And finishing our debut album. That's right up there.
Are your ambitions mainly artistic or commercial? You can't put the cart before the horse. Our ambitions are primarily artistic. However at some stage you need to be able make an income from your music. So it's definitely not an either/or proposition.
Is your music best rendered in the studio or the live realm? The band has strengths and weaknesses in each environment. We deliver greater energy live but lose some of the subtlety and nuance that we try to draw out in the studio.
If you could have any act past or present join you on your next tour who would you tap? To support us? David Bowie. We're sure he'd agree to do it.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I really have no idea. I'll just take it as it comes. I'm looking forward to seeing Ruth Barlow speak. Beggars Group have such a great roster.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at the BIGSOUND showcase? Holy Holy, Slum Sociable, Gang Of Youths, Ali Barter.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at BIGSOUND? We're bringing a horns section up to BIGSOUND. Horns.
