Brisbane's music scene might be one of the most toxic on earth, but its storied history with producing punk and rock music comes close to second to none. Across the sonic breadth the city inspires, the likes of The Saints, The Go-Betweens, Powderfinger, Regurgitator, Custard, Ball Park Music, Violent Soho and Dune Rats all share more than a little something in their recordings which ties them all together to make them consummately "Brisbane."
Rocket Frog are a new band seemingly subscribing to the aforementioned and have very recently released a couple of singles in as many months that indicate their ambitions and intentions might just extend beyond Redcliffe. Though, Google them in search of more info and you won't read much more than: "Sonic landscapes are back. 7up is back. Fishing is back. The frogs are so back. What is up Brisbane." Recent single 'Cherry Tree' released a month or so ago and adds modern and even some Britpop influences to the mix, while latest rocker 'Love Letter To Brisbane' pulls no punches, referencing Fat Louie's and Ric's around a stomper that would make the Dunies proud. We chatted to frontman Jude Slade to get the full Frog scoop.
Waxx Lyrical : Hey Jude, thanks for your time today. It'd be great to tell the uninitiated a little about Rocket Frog, can you explain your origins and where you plan taking this band?
Jude Slade : It all started in 2019 when Anthony [Simmers, rhythm guitar] and I met and started jamming a bit. Eventually we wanted to record some songs, so we used some of Anthony's dad's old gear and started writing some tunes in the laundry. We plan on hitting the gigging scene again after completing our next album with some fresh music and overall just having fun doing what we do.
Waxx : Loving the new singles, and you've been pumping them out fast and the cover arts are looking related - what are you cooking up?
Jude : We had a bit of an unintentional hiatus from playing gigs and writing, so we thought we'd better kick it into gear and start using some of our concepts we've worked on during the downtime. We're cooking up a bigger, complete and more cohesive release to bring to the brisbane scene.
Waxx : You've nailed the Brisbane sound on 'Love Letter To Brisbane', who do you look up to locally and what did you learn from them?
Jude : The main inspiration for getting out there was from seeing some great up and coming bands such as Flag Duty looking like they're having a lot of fun and making some good music. 'Love Letter to Brisbane' is our first song that really ties us back to where we became mates and created a lot of interesting nights out, some of which you can hear in the song.
Waxx : On the opposite end of the sonic spectrum, 'Cherry Tree' has a real worldly feel. It has a beautiful sentiment and some real musicianship indicating a lot more to the band than meets the eye. I won't dump on you what I think you sound like, but where does this one come from?
Jude : Each band member brings their own tastes into the songwriting process, which creates a wide range of musical influence. We don't want to pigeon hole ourselves into one sound as we want to keep things fresh and pull from our diverse musical backgrounds. 'Cherry tree' is a more personal and emotionally dynamic journey, which contrasts nicely with the more upbeat, fun nature of 'Love Letter to Brisbane' and 'Home Brew'.
Waxx : The inspiration seems to be really flowing on your end! How do you fuel that ongoingly?
Jude : We tend to write music about emotions and vibes that we're feeling in the moment, along with just getting together, talking some shit and just having a good time. We are also trying to be more regular with jamming new concepts, which helps keep inspiration flowing.
Waxx : Who do you work with on production and recording?
Jude : We've done all of the production ourselves from the start. We do it all in a small home studio at my place, trying to squeeze everything we can out of our equipment.
Waxx : What sets your very Aussie sound apart from the bands who have come before you?
Jude : We pride ourselves on keeping lots of depth in our songwriting, pulling from lot of musical backgrounds, though we always manage to keep the unique 'Rocket Frog' sound in our songs.
Waxx : What's next? Are you playing anywhere soon?
Jude : We're super keen to hit the Brissie scene again very soon, and will be looking for a drummer to come with us on the journey!
Follow the band's socials here - https://linktr.ee/rocketfrogofficial
'CHERRY TREE' AND 'LOVE LETTER TO BRISBANE' OUT NOW INDEPENDENTLY
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