In a few short years Graveyard Train have morphed from a bunch of mates getting drunk and playing small divey bars to a band trying to maintain the semblance of professionalism needed to play international festivals and headline major theatres. Of course they still love getting drunk in divey bars! Josh Crawley, the banjo/guitar man of GT spoke with The Echo.
What do you think is the key strength of Graveyard Train?
If you can put up with five other dudes with smelly feet, whiskey-soaked breath and a guy with a hammer and chain I think you’re strong enough to take on anything. We’ve toured a lot and for a long time. So I think we can all pat each other on the back for getting this far.
I love that you don’t present as nice, tidy, well-groomed inner-city lads from the latte belt… (although you might be); how important is this maverick spirit to the spirit of GT?
Ha ha, how dare you! We’ve been trying to be neat and tidy the whole time. I guess in all truth, Graveyard Train is a labour of love for each of us. We probably spend more money on instruments, records and touring. So when it comes to fancy clothes and lattes, I guess they come last.
How do you approach a live show?
Just like anyone else would. Hang by the front bar, drink as much of the rider as possible, and smoke too many cigarettes before releasing everything in that hour and a half of madness.
What is the story about ruining Tamworth? Do you think the hardcore country music crowd are ready for the way country is evolving?
There’s nothing Australian about most of the country music in Tamworth, which ironically is held around Australia Day. They all try their best Sweet Home Alabama or Johnny Cash covers. Graveyard Train – we’re probably too weird, too Melbourne, too latte happy.
Tell me about Takes One to Know One?
We took some time off, so it was great to come back into the studio with fresh minds and a keenness to record what we want with no boundaries. Nevertheless some of us maybe went past those boundaries. Here’s what Beau [Skowron – singer/guitarist] said about the song:
‘The song is only about that weird extra dimension that comes with music that you can disappear into where pretty much time means nothing… and while you’re there, nothing means anything anymore. Bompabompabomp.’
Ahh, yep, what can I say?
What should we expect for your Byron show?
It’s the first show of the whole tour and this band loves Byron Bay. Each time we play there something weird happens such as naked people jumping onstage. So perhaps the casual disrobed punter among a lot of bush bash-y, horror country madness.
Graveyard Train play The Northern, Wednesday June 11 ($15 + bf).
Buy Tickets at www.blackhatrackets.com.
