“...that’s what’s great about Canberra’s music scene; we might not all like the same type of music but we all like music.” So, what are your plans for the future? Brodie: We’ve been trying to put out an album for two, three years and this is the only one that’s starting to make sense and proper things are happening. Brent: It’s an itch that needs to be scratched at this point. We recorded a demo when we were about 17 and it was cool but we were young, we didn’t really know what we were doing. Then in 2012 we tried recording an album but we paid too much, I know I mucked around more than I should have and it all just fell apart and I think that’s left somewhat of a negative stigma on the band. We wanted to make something that we’d spent a little more time on, put a bit more effort in, work on the songs a bit more and add new things that you can’t really do in a live recording. We invested so much in that album and basically had nothing to show for it. That’s why with this new album, we just want it to be released and once it is I think we’re going to feel really good about it. To finally have something that’s
out there and we can play if asked. Brodie: We don’t have any recordings [out now] that we have as much pride in as we should. As much as you really want people to hear your stuff, you kind of grit your teeth because even though they might not know what they’re listening to is terrible, we do. Brent: This is us being open and trying to create something and it becomes pretty personal and if people don’t like it, as much as you can be resilient and understand, there’s part of you that always thinks, ‘well that sucks’. You have that in the back of your mind and you work to make it the best album so that’s why it has taken us so long to get the new one out.* And after the album is released? Brodie: After it’s out, we’ll just keep gigging, we’d love to do a tour – that’s a bit of a dream. Brent: Immediate future is to release the album and get it to as many people as we can, through various social media outlets, selling them at gigs and playing gigs interstate so we can physically give it to people around the country. The gigs are important to us because as good as a CD or recording is, it doesn’t compare to a live show and the feel of it. Brodie: As cocky as it sounds, I don’t think you can quite get our energy onto a CD. On stage it’s really loud and the fact that we don’t write out a set list, it’s all quite spontaneous and trying to put that on a CD, while it sounds great, I think our live energy can’t be matched. Brent: It’s like taking a picture of a bullet train. Brodie: Unless it’s a live album. Brent: Like taking two pictures of a bullet train. And quickly flashing them back and forth. But all great analogies aside, [the plan is to] keep playing gigs, getting the album out and figuring it out from there. Matt: The immediate plan for the future is to plan for the future. Brodie: You know, get health insurance, I’ve got to go to the dentist. Probably have a shower… Where can people look for you next? Brent: Nothing booked at the moment but we’re always doing regular gigs. Callum: You can look out for us at The Basement, Transit Bar, The Pot Belly and The Phoenix. Brent: It’s one of those things that just comes up. Best place to contact you/find more information? Brent: Our Facebook page is the best. We do have a Triple J Unearthed page but we’re not on that as much as we should be but will be working on it soon. Brodie: We also have an Instagram page that isn’t that active but it’s there. Callum: Our email address is signsandsymbols.band@gmail.com and I’m free on Friday nights ladies… Brent: And that’s Signs & Symbols signing off.
*Signs & Symbols’ self-titled album is out now and can be downloaded at signsandsymbols.bandcamp.com.
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Signs & Symbols’ Facebook page: facebook.com/signsandsymbolsband 23