Photo by Chelsea Sienna
During such an unprecedented time it can be difficult to navigate our approach to artistic endeavours. Being present with people who share similar passions as you are an extremely important part to helping a community flourish. With our physical separation it’s important to stay connected to those around us. With our interviews we wish to bridge a gap between artists themselves and to whoever may read what we write. We want you to be inspired by them and for them to feel like they have another outlet to communicate.
Couchdog was lucky enough to talk to our friends in The Spaghetti Stains. A band out of Melbourne/Naarm whose take on Indie Rock we love and who inspires us with their attitude toward community and DIY approach.
Couchdog had an extremely lively chat with Emmah, Rose and Panjiti. An almost hour-long conversation that gave us a nice insight into the bands story thus far and also a brief glimpse into their exciting future. The band was initiated by the meeting of Emmah and Rose through theatre. The creative spark between the pair was made apparent as in their first jam they wrote what we now know as the song Toast to the Coast (banger). Via a list of potential names, the decision
to name the newly formed group The Spaghetti Stains was made. This spontaneous idea to make a band was becoming real. However, the act was still missing something, a third member. Through the addition of Panjiti the duo became a trio and The Spaghetti Stains were ready.
What really struck us about the band was their fearlessness and initiative. Their first gig at an Open Mic took place only 3 days after some of their early practices (3 days after Emmah learnt bass). This go-getting attitude also managed to score them a slot at St. Kilda Fest for just their second gig. A relentless pursuit of opportunity seems to be a big reason as to why The Spag Stains are becoming a notable part of the city’s music scene.
Speaking more to the music scene, the conversation naturally took a turn to discussing the importance being surrounded by creatives can have on a band. According to the girls Inspiration comes from the people around them, it all filters itself into the music. Not having it there as usual makes things tricky but also opens up a new space to write about different things. While there may not be the same push for playing gigs and releasing music there is a now an incentive for artists to diversify their output.
The pandemic has also caused a disruption to the process of releasing their Debut Album. Featuring a collection of songs from their early days as a band, Emmah, Rose and Panjiti see the future release as a closing statement to the bands first Chapter. Since the songs have been written all three feels as if they have all grown a lot from both an artistic and personal level. There is a definite level of excitement from them for the world to hear the songs that encapsulate who The Spaghetti Stains were as well as an enthusiasm to be able to explore themselves artistically in the material that will be made post release. This freeing element of no longer being attached to old material is a common theme with other artists we have interviewed and is an extremely fulfilling part about not only being an artist but a fan of an artist too. Experiencing the journey of the individuals that make up our favourite bands and having an interactive with the material they put out is what draws fans in. The passion that was radiating out of the zoom chat from all three members had us enthralled with what was to come in the future.
Finishing off the conversation we wanted to take everyone back pre Covid. A time when we all went out to shows and actively participated in the wonderful community that surrounded the arts in Melbourne/Naarm. A staple of this thriving community was the House Show. A style of gig that offers a far more casual experience than at a licensed venue that also doubles as a social gathering. House shows in fact were cited as a catalyst into bringing The Stains into the scene. In fact, House Shows run in the band’s DNA. Following their first live performance at a FREEZA event they hosted one as an Afterparty. This show brought in a large number of punters seeking a good time and featured performances from bands such as The Gurdies and Velvet Bloom. This Afterparty became the debut of the House Arrest Shows. A series of gigs held at a share house in Footscray. These shows epitomise everything Couchdog Loves about the artistic community. These shows highlight an inclusive and encouraging scene of people creating an environment for music lovers to enjoy themselves in a way other than a typical Melbourne Pub Gig. These links between community and The Spaghetti Stains are what make them stand out so much to us (beside their infectious music) and make us extremely excited to see their future holds as not only music makers but members of the community that we love so much.
Comments