Dr Octopus: Showing Off.

Dr Octopus play the Troccadero, Surfers Paradise on New Years Eve.

Gold Coast's ska outfit Dr Octopus have had quite a year, having recently released their debut EP, Now Showing.

“We recorded the EP by ourselves and David Hayllar did all the mixing. We thought it was a good sample of our varying songs at the time. We did do a first copy but we weren't happy with it so we recorded it again. We are happy with the sales of the CD and you can purchase one at all good record stores,” Kim, their vocalist, informs.

A few months back the band also supported US ska funsters Reel Big Fish, where Kim even got to sing with them for a song.

“Reel Big Fish was awesome and are really friendly guys. They were really happy to get me up to sing with them. I was stoked singing with them and hopefully I can do it again in Las Vegas. We could learn something from their stage show, as they were great.”

There have also been rumours that Dr Octopus is playing a ska festival in Las Vegas next year?

“We were invited to play the Ska Summit in Las Vegas with Reel Big Fish, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Toasters, The Specials and heaps more. Reel Big Fish really helped us to get this support. We will be doing heaps of shows before we leave in March 2003 as we have to fund the tour all ourselves. It's an opportunity of a lifetime and there is no way we would have passed it up. All of us are getting Summer Jobs and are thinking of fundraising ideas, maybe a lamington drive?”

To help these guys get to Vegas go along to their New Year's Eve show at the Troccadero, Gold Coast.

“Make sure you guys come to our New Years Eve show as there is a competition for all the local bands. You get a ballot when you walk through the door and from 1 - 10 you write the best band. The band with the most votes gets $1500, 2nd $1000 and 3rd $500. This could really help us getting to Las Vegas! There is also heaps of cool bands playing and Club Unite has there own room with heaps of Club Unite Bands!”