Post-crunk Nu-rave: Pharaohs

Pharaohs interview
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Dardenelles interview
The Valentinos interview

Forming in 2004, Adelaide’s Pharaohs haven’t been around long, but in this short time they have managed to pull together a range of accomplishments other bands can only dream of, including support slots for Spoon, The Shins, Electric Six and the Rogers Sisters as well as a sold out tour for their debut EP and major national radio airplay. With their raw, frenetic punk and post punk sound, their second EP Medicines looks set to continue the trend, which means big things for a band who’s journey has only just begun.

How and when did you guys meet?
Dan worked at my local pub in Adelaide. We met at the start of 2004, saw each other at shows and always talked about music. He had started a new band (Pharaohs) and they needed a bass player. They let me have a shot at the title and that was when I met the other Joel.

What do you think of the current state of Australian music?
It’s amazing. Constantly evolving and bands playing every genre imaginable and doing an extremely good job of it. Midnight Juggernauts, Kiosk, Cut Copy, Wolf & Cub, The DronesP  they’re all amazing.

How would you describe your music?
Post-crunk nu rave. Neil, Thurston, John Reis, Mascisinfluenced reversal of pop dance.

Who would you say are some of your biggest influences musical or otherwise?
I listen to a lot of music but my main influences don’t really come from traditional ‘rock and roll’ bands. I really like travelling; leaving home always inspires ...

Is there a process that you guys have for writing music?
Jamming, jamming, jamming … More and more Dan is bringing ideas to the band as a whole, but we do just tend to jam things out till they are songs.

Where does the band find its inspiration?
Deep in the forest and up in the hills. Our surroundings and things we see day to day. Ricky Gervais.

Things have been moving pretty quickly for you guys since you formed in 2004, does it ever feel surreal to find yourselves where you are?
I don’t think things have moved that quickly. We are still in debt and working our day jobs so that keeps us completely grounded. We are very appreciative of any good fortune the band has had, but I also feel we have worked really hard to tour and record as much as possible.

Has it been a struggle to get your music out to the masses, or have things sort fallen into place?
Triple J has helped immensely but I don’t think we have quite reached the masses yet.

When are you guys planning on releasing an album?
Early 2007, if everything is to plan.

Do the Pharaohs have an ultimate ambition for your music or the band, or are you taking it as it comes?
A bit of both. It would be an amazing way to travel the world and sustain a living, but that’s extremely hard in this country as the level of support for independent bands is basically nil. Playing shows overseas would be nice.

What projects do you have in the works at the moment?
We are embarking on two separate national tours to support our forthcoming EP Medicines. The first run is with Children Collide and the second is being booked at the moment, hopefully it will be with Dead Frenchmen and Teenager … that will take up most of our time till we start the album process later this year