After two years of postponing and rescheduling live shows to promote their 2020 album 'Respect All Lifeforms', Aussie indie champions Custard are set to embark on a 13-date sojourn around the country.
"Sure, I admit we have pretty much missed the boat on this one and it feels like we are pushing our old sh.t up a rather steep incline," lead singer Dave McCormack says."But we hope there are enough old bastards out there who will be willing to spend their hard-earned cash to see us play a bunch of songs that are about 30 years old."
The band will play shows in Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, San Remo, Geelong, Melbourne, Canberra, Fremantle, Perth, Launceston, Hobart and Adelaide.
Drummer Glenn Thompson sat down for a quick chat about the tour and the associated slice of nostalgia, new Custard songs, and getting Rewiggled.
The life of a musician the past two years; how have you dealt with the endless stream of disappointment plus the uncertainty of when the music industry will bounce back?
We all realised our music career was a risky proposition early on and secured individual plan Bs. So we were fine. However, we greatly empathise with musicians whose livelihoods were decimated by the social restrictions.
The band is only days away from resuming a tour originally planned for 2020; how long will it take the group to get back to real gig 'match' fitness?
We like to teeter on the edge of the unknown with regards to what occurs between the beginning and the end of a live gig.
We relish any disruption to the status quo. There are many bands out there that would play our songs much better than us if recorded perfection was the target.
This run of shows is for your 2020 album. . . it's certainly a unique time for everyone; how have you remained close to these songs despite the time that's elapsed since you recorded them out west?
It has been a very tough time for a lot of people and it's not really over yet, current disasters not withstanding.
I don't think we have remained close to the songs from 'Respect All Lifeforms' at all. We can play two of them, but not well.
The tour features a host of old mates: The Fauves, Ben Ely, Turnstyle, The Namesakes. How much nostalgia is involved when you reconnect with folks you've known a long time when on the road?
Nostalgia is all that remains. Backstage is like being an animatronic in a living museum. It's unnerving for some, reassuring for others.
The Custard tour rider circa 2022; how does it compare to your early days and are there any items you just must have provided?
Spirits are absent, some non-alcoholic drinks are popping up. Beer is a staple.
You've no doubt had plenty of experience finding a decent feed post-gig over the years; do you have a go-to meal that's fit for all occasions these days?
We have no go-to meal. We like to explore. There is some vegetarianism, which is easily satisfied in most places.
Slightly left of centre for this next question but continuing the food theme; best dessert that features custard?
Galaktoboureko. Great name.
The band covered The Wiggles' 'Do The Propeller!' for the 'ReWiggled' compilation. How much fun was that to piece together and are you expecting a Top 10 Hottest 100 hit 'cause of the Wiggles association?
We did that via email during lockdown.
That was very satisfying to realise we could achieve that without analog contact. It inspired us to pursue more remote recording. We were chuffed to get a run.
The next Custard studio album. . . any news on that front you can share?
We have new songs taking shape. If we are lucky they will become another album. It is a difficult era for plans and predictions.
Given the longevity of the band that has witnessed countless technological upgrades for making music, what new instrument, computer programme or another piece of technology have you most enjoyed adding to your music making arsenal?
We're definitely not at the vanguard of contemporary music making techniques, but we have always been adaptable, so whatever works is what we'll go for.
All mixing is digital these days and we'll use whatever input is available. Ranging from vintage analog gear through to an iPhone built-in microphone.
On a personal note, I find it hard not to dedicate at least one track of a recording for my son's digital Melotron, and I use Acustica and Nebula plug-ins all over the place. They're very CPU hungry but they sound superb.
Which fictional character best describes your personality?
I'm a news junky, fiction is not in my universe.
Last show you binge-watched?
'Vera'.
What's the one chore you dislike the most?
Cleaning Venetian blinds.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for your interest.
Custard 2022 Tour Dates
Thu 17 Mar - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)* supporting RegurgitatorFri 18 Mar - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)
Sat 19 Mar - Princess Theatre (Brisbane)
Sun 20 Mar - Solbar (Sunshine Coast)
Thu 24 Mar - Westernport (San Remo)
Fri 25 Mar - Wool Exchange (Geelong)
Sat 26 Mar - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)
Sat 2 Apr - The Basement (Canberra)
Fri 8 Apr - The Railway Hotel (Fremantle)
Sat 9 Apr - Badlands Bar (Perth)
Fri 29 Apr - Royal Oak Hotel (Launceston)
Sat 30 Apr - Republic Bar (Hobart)
Fri 8 Jul - The Gov (Adelaide)
