There's nothing quite as powerful as a New Orleans second line to get people up and dancing.
And there's no better second line than Nola royalty, Hot 8 Brass Band.
One of the undisputed modern legends of the birthplace of jazz, Hot 8 Brass Band are an indisputable force of musical nature, bringing all the vibrancy and life of New Orleans' iconic second line parades to audiences the world over.
Hot 8 Brass Band will release their latest EP 'Take Cover' in February, a collection of covers including 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' by Joy Division and 'Give Me The Night' by George Benson. The EP follows on from their much-loved cover of 'Sexual Healing' by Marvin Gaye.
Making their live debut in Australia back in 2017, Hot 8 Brass band return to our shores for a tour in support of 'Take Cover'. Here we take some time with Hot 8 to discuss new music and their second-ever Australian tour.
How is everyone in Hot 8 Brass Band feeling about 2019 and the year ahead?
Tyrus: I feel like this is going to be our biggest year. I’m claiming that.
What kept you all busy in 2018?
Tyrus: We took close to a year off touring, but we kept busy. As well as recording our new EP, ‘Take Cover’, we played a lot of shows in New Orleans.
'Take Cover' is due in February; what can you tell us about the record before it comes out?
Al: People like the way we re-work big hits, so we thought we’d dedicate an EP to just that. ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ by Joy Division is one that’s got a lot of people talking.
How did the band approach deciding which songs to cover?
Larry: Most of the time, the songs come from what we’ve grown up listening to around the house, so [they] mean something to us. We love the challenge of arranging the songs and putting our Hot 8 flavour all over them.
Hot 8 Brass Band was last in Australia in 2017, what's changed for the band since then?
Tyrus: As we said we have a new EP, ‘Take Cover’, for y’all and we have three, new members that have brought some undeniable energy to the band.
2017 was also the band's first-ever time in Australia; what were some of your first impressions of Australia?
Larry: First impressions were how friendly and welcoming y’all are and how much you like to party and have a good time. We’re kindred spirits in that respect.
How did Australian crowds respond to the second line, New Orleans street party style of your live performances?
Al: They got down hard and gave us back some real energy! We're looking forward to sharing that Hot 8 energy with y'all again real soon.
What can audiences expect from your live shows this time around?
Tyrus: Nothing but good times, big energy, great music and a show like never before.
What has playing and touring as part of a band for over 20 years taught you about being a musician?
Tyrus: That if you put in the graft and keep it real you'll reap the rewards. It doesn't come easy though; being on the road really isn't as glamorous as it might seem some times.
If we were your guests in New Orleans for a day, where would we go and what would we do?
Tyrus: Let's say you're with us on a Sunday. We'd go have lunch at Dookie Chase, then go check out a second line and top the night off with yours truly at the Howling Wolf. We play there every Sunday night.
What are some must-do activities and must-see places in New Orleans, apart from the obvious tourist stuff?
Obviously, you gotta check out some real Nola food. Head to the hood and try out some places like Cajuns Sea Food or The Wing Shack. Then you got Frenchmen Street for some good music.
At this stage of the band's career and history, what is the legacy you hope to leave behind?
Tyrus: We’re hoping to open doors that no other brass band has been through. Just 'cos you’re a brass band doesn’t mean you have to be boxed in. We want people all over the world to be able to enjoy live what we have in New Orleans.
Is the band working on any new, original material?
Al: We’re always working on new, original material. Coming to your ears soon.
What other projects outside touring and recording does the band contribute to?
Larry: When we're home we like to do as much as we can in the community. We go to hospitals and play for patients, go to schools and do workshops. Whatever we can to inspire others.
Hot 8 Brass Band Tour Dates
Thu 28 Feb - The Valley Drive In (Brisbane)Sat 2 Mar - Tanks Arts Centre (Cairns)
Sun 3 Mar - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
Wed 6 Mar - Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Fri 8 Mar - Rosemount Hotel (Perth)
Sat 9 Mar - Pirate Life Brewing (Adelaide) - free entry
