Aussie's Remake Remodel Interview by Lia Remake Remodel are the hottest rockin' four piece you've never heard from all the way down under in Melbourne, Australia. They've been making new wave rock waves in the southern hemisphere for just on 5 years now, and they're set to give North America a long overdue dose of their energetic riffs this summer. Their sound could be described as a mixed bag of New York Trash meets London Punk with an indefinable Aussie flavour, a tasty package that comes across best in their live show. I caught up with guitarist, Sarah Blaby and singer Jes Cogger, soon after joining them on a tour of the Australian outback which besides a handful of weird & wonderful shows, included middle-of-the-night missions for chips & gravy, my own near-death psycho-mosquito bite experience, and the bands newfound ritual of pre-show tequila shots. CG: Is Remake Remodel a classic story of girl meets girl, girls start a rock band? Give us the low-down. Jes: It all started last century in 1999, me and Mel, high school buddies played around a bit until we sorted out a line up of Alex on drums and Sarah on guitar and Remake Remodel. So it was kinda like girl meets girl, then girls meet girl the those girls meet another girl and figure that each one if pretty hot and can play their instruments, and it went on from there… Sarah: hmmm that's great Jes - that's exactly how it happened... except I'm sure there was something about you singing in the shower and me playing guitar on my tennis racquet for years until we were finally discovered…that fits in there somewhere? CG: What does Remakes resumé look like thus far? Jes: We've recorded three EPS, one just finished and ready to go, just gotta put on the final touches…Played the Melbourne scene circuit and built up a rockin' reputation playing with the local likes of The Casanovas, Spazzies, Warped, Legends of Motorsport, Jet, Peabody, just to name a few…Also had some good support slots with internationals such as -- The Lunachicks, Bang, The Haggard, The Datsuns, and The Icarus Line. Done a bit of East Coast touring and now we're raring to go to the USA! CG: From what influences does Remake Remodel draw their eclectic electric sound? Jes: Every member has their own thing going, me I love power popish retro tunes of most sorts, Sarah is into alotta chick bands and rock generally, Mel likes post punk 70's/80's and Alex adores Weezer and hopes to be an MC one day… Sarah: I think we all love Motley Crue though…that's what binds us together. CG: You've just laid down some new tracks, are you putting out a release before your US tour? Jes: Nah, we're keepin' it in the kitchen until we get back. Gotta figure out how we want to bring it out, independent or with some sort of backing, not sure as yet, we'll keep ya posted. Sarah: The new EP "1,2,3,4,5 Accelerate' isn't released in Australia yet BUT it will be available at shows in the USA and Canada. You lucky devils! CG: Australia and New Zealand has boasted a plethora of cock rock hype bands of late - The Vines, The Datsuns, Jet, The d4, The Casanovas - do you think there's a grrrl rock revival on its way down under to rival these fleeting flavour bands? Jes: Hell yeah, you got The Donnas packing shows here, and Sahara Hotnights were here too not long ago, I reckon there is a great opportunity for chicks to get their stuff heard, and we've got loads of great talent here in Melbourne, so yeah I reckon things are changing for the better in that way. Actually, people are saying that there will be a local version of Ladyfest, which will be held at the end of this year, I think, and that will be an awesome gig. There will be local and overseas acts, and I'm pretty sure this will create a vibe in the scene for some more chick action! (see www.ladyfestmelbourne.com) Sarah: Seeing the The Donnas and Sahara Hotnights both rock the socks of Melbourne recently was definitely an inspiration. Plus in the last 6 months we've had Sleater Kinney, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's and PJ Harvey. So I think the girls down under have been inspired to start rocking out lately - there are tons of new bands popping up. But whether records companies and radio will listen is another issue... but certainly the live scene is kicking! CG: What can audiences in North America expect from your shows? Jes: Ahhh, lots of tequila mayhem and some new dance moves I've been practicing while watching Justin Timberlake…Gonna rock your body… Sarah: I think Jes is going to get addicted to MTV and have to join a 12-step program. Mel is going to be a shopaholic, Alex will definitely be rapping on the sidewalk to earn extra cash and I'm going to go out to buy a sandwich and never return! (just like the first drummer of Swervedriver did on their first US tour - he kinda lost it) CG: What are you most looking forward to on the tour? Sarah: well I'm really looking forward to playing Ladyfest Outwest with Tribe 8, and also NXNE with The Flairs (ex-Tuuli members). But also just getting away from 9-5 work and hanging out with the girls is really what I'm most looking forward to. Some R & R relaxation time. CG: What's on your rider wish list for the tour? Vegemite so you don't get homesick? Sarah: I actually know where to buy Vegemite in Olympia! So were sorted in that town. phew! that's a relief. Jes: Our rider would need to consist of there 4 things. 1. Gravy - Mel loves her gravy and chips so we'll be on the look out for good beef stock in every 2. Tequila - Alex's new obsession since the regional tour, she was soooo funny on it 3. Good hearty BLT with lotsa bacon - Sar's fave lunch, such a big meal for such a little lady… And 4. CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!! (just in case it's our time of the month) CG: I think that takes care of everything. Ok then give us your tour dates ladies... June 1 - LA - Spacelands June 7 - TORONTO - Cameron House (with The Flairs) June 10 - VANCOUVER - Fireball June 14 - OLYMPIA - The Brotherhood (with Shoplifting) June 15 - PORTLAND - The Blackbird (with The Haggard) June 18 - PORTLAND - Red & Black co-op June 20 - SEATTLE - The Vera Project (with Karp and The Whip) June 21 - DENVER - Ladyfest Outwest (with Tribe 8) June 24 - NEW YORK - The Continental June 27 - NEW YORK - Arlene's Grocery (with The Bully's) And there'll be more announced along the way - keep an eye our website: http://www.remakeremodel.live.com.au Well, don't take my word for how great they are, download REMAKE REMODEL's MP3 for yourself and get along to one of their shows! Cheers, Lia (Aussie Coolgrrrls Correspondent) - lia@ladyfestmelbourne.com