Melbourne funk and soul band Cookin' On 3 Burners have released their latest studio album, 'Lab Experiments Vol. 1: Mixin''.
The first in a new series from Australia's hardest-hitting Hammond organ trio, the album comprises eight tracks recorded straight to analogue tape including lead single 'Real Life Baby', which features UK-based Australian vocalist Emmi as well as a jumped-up version of 'Enter Sandman'.
Tell us about the new album, 'Lab Experiments Vol. 1: Mixin''?
[Jake Mason, Hammond organ player] This record is nearly four years in the making and the first with guitarist Dan West. Our last album had lots of cinematic elements, strings and horns and a huge cast of special guests. For this record, we made a conscious decision to bring it back to the trio, raw and funky. However, we couldn’t resist a few collabs with some of our favourite vocalists.
How does it compare to previous albums in terms of sound and style?
It definitely has the Cookin’ On 3 Burners sound, but stylistically has the freshness and influence of a new member. Cookin’ On 3 Burners have been making records for nearly 20 years, so with every new record we are always looking for a way to mix in new ideas and influences on top of the classic, soulful, Hammond trio sound.
Why record straight to analogue tape?
The main reason is it just sounds great. It's warm, friendly and fuzzy but it also puts us in a live performance headspace. We hit record and have 23 minutes of tape to get it on. No digital editing. No drop ins. Just playing live.
This release is the first in a new series of albums; what are your plans for the others?
It will be more experiments in the lab; some familiar chemical reactions, blue smoke and the odd explosion.
What was it like working with Emmi for 'Real Life Baby'?
Emmi is super funky. We had such a great time writing and recording this tune together and can’t wait to do it again.
Following your tradition of performing unexpected covers you've done a version of 'Enter Sandman' on this album. Why choose this song?
Choosing a cover in Cookin’ On 3 Burners is always a great excuse to get a little nostalgic in our sessions; many a long lunch playing DJ to each other and trying to rein in the ever-growing shortlist. 'Enter Sandman' ticks all the boxes. It has such a great riff. It joins the dots between funk and metal (who would have thought) and it keeps people squarely on the dancefloor.
You guys are touring the east coast during June and July. What have you got planned for the live shows?
We are super excited to have Stella Angelico joining us as a special guest on these shows. Stella also features on the new album and we can’t wait to unleash it. There is no doubt there will be dancing, funk and food for the soul.
When can we expect the next instalment in the series?
As soon as we have mixed all the experiments in Vol. 1 Mixin’, Vol. 2 will be fully tested and ready to roll. If you have been good, Santa may just have some with him.
How did you react when the Kungs remix of 'This Girl' topped French charts last year?
It was a massive blast for us, having ‘This Girl’ remixed has certainly put us on a whole new dance floor! When a song goes from loungeroom writing sessions to an indie release to the most Shazamed dance song of 2016 in the world, you do find yourself thinking it could be a dream and should you pinch [yourself] to wake up.
In a perfect world, which artist is your 'dream' collaborator?
That would have to be Mr. James Brown!
Jake, who are some of your Hammond heroes?
I love listening to Jimmy Smith and as the grand daddy of the Hammond organ, you can’t go past him as a huge influence. I also think Larry Goldings is a bit of a god! I have worn out several times the live album that he plays on with Maceo Parker, 'Life On Planet Groove'. So GOOD!
Cookin' On 3 Burners Tour Dates
Fri 23 Jun - The Bearded Lady (Brisbane)Sat 24 Jun - NightQuarter (Gold Coast)
Fri 30 Jun - Karova Lounge (Ballarat)
Sat 1 Jul - Northcote Social Club (Melbourne)
Fri 7 Jul - Leadbelly (Sydney)
