It was back in March 2012 that the boys from Budgewoi caused heartbreak amongst their frenzied fanbase by announcing that Short Stack was calling it a day.
But then in April last year, just as the tears of despair were starting to dry and nationwide tissue sales were starting to slow, Shaun, Andy & Bradie announced that their time apart was over and that it was very much a case of ‘Stacks On’.
A single – ‘Television’ – followed. Then, earlier this year, an ill-fated support role on The Vamps’ Australian tour.
Tomorrow, Short Stack releases their first EP; the hors d’oeuvre, if you will, to the forthcoming album ‘Homecoming’.
Naturally, we weren’t about to let such a momentous occasion slip without asking some pointed questions. Frontman Shaun Diviney provides the answers;
Q. You broke a few hearts when you announced your split back in early 2012. How did each of you spend your time during the two year hiatus?
A. I surfed a lot and Andy went overseas snowboarding. Bradie just played video games haha. We all still dabbled in music, but nothing too serious.
Q. And what was the catalyst for you three getting back together?
A. We missed each other’s company, like we’ve been friends since we were 13 and played as a band since we were 15. As soon as we were back together it just clicked.
Q. It seems from an outsider’s perspective that your fandom is still as bold, loud and supportive as they ever were. How much did the pressure from them have an influence on the band’s reformation?
A. We didn’t really expect anyone to still be into us haha. We just wanted to start jamming and writing music and playing small shows. We thought a handful of people would still be into it but it seems bigger than ever. We’ve never sold out this many shows before!
Q. How do you feel you’ve matured as a band since ‘Shimmy A Go Go’ hit the market almost seven years ago?
A. Seven years? Damn lol. I think we’ve found our “sound” musically. And obviously we feel a lot more confident in our instruments and as a band. I think our song writing is better too. We play a lot harder as a live band.
Q. And how do you feel the industry around you has shifted since those days?
A. Oh my god it’s a different game. But it’s a different game every week to be honest. We sort of ignore what’s going on around us and concentrate on what we do. We’re not cool guys lol so we just do our own thing and have no idea what is cool at the time.
Q. Do those changes make it easier or more difficult for you to find your feet again in the new predominantly-digital arena?
A. Not particularly. We’re quiet fortunate in having an extremely loyal and interactive online fanbase. I think the internet has given a lot of amazing artists a voice.
Q. So tell us a little bit about your “comeback” single, ‘Dance With Me’…
A. We recorded it in London with Chris Kimsey who has done the Rolling Stones and INXS, so it definitely has a rock n roll sound, live guitars and a raw energy we really love.
Q. What was the reasoning behind doing an EP release instead of a full album? Testing the waters again?
A. The album is done! It’s getting ready to be released later this year and kicks ass. We did an EP because we have SO many songs that didn’t make the album we just wanted to get them to fans.
Q. What can you tell us about the album? Presumably ‘Homecoming’ is still a relatively apt title?
A. It’s very much a throwback to our roots and a really raw record. Hence the title. It’s like we’re returning to where we came from.
Q. Your recently-announced tour has been selling rather well. What were your expectations for it?
A. They started off as really small shows, but people kept wanting to come so we added another show, then another! I think we’re doing four in Melbourne. We’ve never done that before.
Q. And speaking of expectations, what should your fans expect from the live Stack experience this time around?
A. CRAZY!!! We’re having more fun than ever live haha.
Q. How has the live stuff evolved?
A. We jam a lot more now. The show is a lot less planned and very much in the moment. The beauty of being a band with two albums is we have songs we can just throw in on the spot if we feel like it.
Q. Any planned surprises for the setlist?
A. ALWAYS haha.
Q. What’s next from you lads beyond the tour/EP?
A. We do the album and then head overseas. We wanna play as many shows as we can and just have fun!
Short Stack’s new EP ‘Dance With Me’ is available at both digital and physical retailers tomorrow.
Catch them at one of their upcoming live shows;
April 02 : Brisbane (The Brightside) 18+
April 03 : Brisbane (The Brightside) * U18s
April 10 : Melbourne (Gasometer) 18+
April 11 : Melbourne (Gasometer) All Ages
April 12 : Melbourne (Gasometer) All Ages
April 12 : Melbourne (Gasometer) 18+
April 13 : Sydney (Metro Theatre) All Ages
April 14 : Sydney (Metro Theatre) All Ages
April 19 : Adelaide (Governor Hindmarsh) All Ages.
Australia's first stop for pop!