INTERVIEW: Perth rock band King Brown make waves with second single 'Cactus'

Saturday evening was a successful night for Perths rock outfit King Brown. Launching their latest single ‘Cactus’ to an almost sold out venue at The Aardvark in Fremantle. Tucked below one of Freo’s oldest buildings, the Norfolk. Supporting on the night were fellow rock locals Reefeater and Rich Road who had the crowd nice and warm before the main event

2019 proved an incredible first year for the desert rock n roll band. Bringing a fresh sound to the Perth scene and saw their first venue show supporting Verge Collection on their Sold Out ‘Back in the Saddle’ National Tour at Mojos Bar Fremantle. 

Throughout the rest of the year King Brown have supported the likes of many up and coming local outfits plus those loved at Triple J including Death by Denim and Grace Armstrong (Groovin The Moo 2019 Unearthed Winner).

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I've been following you from the first release and it is safe to say you've had a great journey so far. What was it like supporting the likes of Verge Collection for your third ever show and first ever venue performance?

Shaun: Thanks! It was pretty surreal, especially being big fans of theirs. I think most of us were pretty nervous, we’d barely played to anyone before and it was sold out, but getting thrown in the deep end is the best way to learn! Shaun broke a string on one of the first songs and had to use Ash’s new guitar he’d never played before. All round it was a hectic experience but heaps of fun! It’s funny we’re about to do it all again almost exactly a year since, so we’ll feel a lot more comfortable this time.
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You've mentioned that the songs are mostly collaborative, do you all have similar influences?

Ash: We all listen to our own different things, some very different than others, but we all do share a passion for that old school 60s,70s rock. Shaun and Ash grew up together listening to a whole bunch of it. I think the mix of all our different influences helps shape our sound into what it is. We’ve really started to nail down a specific sound and it will really show through with this new EP. 
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Their latest single ‘Cactus’ was recorded at renowned Debaser Studios in Perth with Andy Lawson (Eskimo Joe, Riley Pearce, Noah Dillon, Little Birdy). Giving their fans a contrasting sound to their debut single ‘Sunburn’ which featured more of a catchy riff and fast paced dance feel compared to their latest release.

“It’s a fairly different vibe from our first single ‘Sunburn’ but this style best represents our music as a whole.”

Still filled with addictive riffs, bluesy solos and a driving beat, ‘Cactus’ creates more of a relaxed and smooth feeling, bringing back old memories from Dope Lemons first album ‘Honey Bones’ (Angus Stones moniker project) and guitar/vocal tones from US Desert Jangle rockers Allah-Las self titled debut. The vocals are minimal and stripped back in comparison letting the guitars guide you on the tracks journey.

“The song is about riding a motorbike through different landscapes and enduring all weather conditions, whether good or bad, just enjoying the ride. The song itself is a metaphor on life, you take the good with the bad, always stay positive and keep pushing forward.”

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You can really feel the meaning of the latest track 'Cactus' when you listen to it, it is extremely calming and euphoric. Is there a specific reason why this life lesson means so much to you?

I’m sure I speak for most people when I say life has its ups and downs. It is a major part of life and you need to always try your best to stay positive and look forward no matter what cards you have been dealt. I think we all need to be reminded this every now and then.
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Until the other night at the launch I was completely unaware of the fact that you drum and sing Brendon, that has got to be challenging! Have you always sang and drummed together?

Brendon: It takes people some time to realise where the singing is actually coming from when we’re playing live. Ive never sung and played drums at the same time before King Brown, let alone sung in general. It was hard to get use to at the start but over time it became second nature.

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Born out of a small bedroom in Coolbellup, Western Australia between friends and brothers, Brendon Cross (vocals/drums), Shaun Kennedy (Rhythm Guitar), Ash Kennedy (Lead Guitar) and Pavan Price (Bass) jammed together and eventually formed their sound. Their debut show was at a house party in Brendons backyard with friends and family, followed by a Soggybones event at their skateboard showroom, right before their support slot with Verge Collection (third ever show).

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The bands just been given an Elephant, you cant give it away or sell it. What do you do with it?

Shaun: Hook up the harmonica to its trunk and get it playin’ in the band. 

Being relatively early in your career as a band, what can we expect from you guys for the rest of the year?

Pavan: Plenty more gigs! We’ve also just begun the process of writing an EP, we’re very excited with how it’s shaping up and keen to get it out there and into our set. Hopefully it’s not too far away! 

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The band are set to support Verge Collection again on the Perth leg of their 'Lidthow Hithergreen' National Tour with Good Lekker and are currently in the process of writing their first EP. It is safe to say we can expect only great things from these guys in the coming years and we are looking forward to following them on their journey.

'Cactus'
​AVAILABLE NOW