Best known as the shirtless, rugby-league-short-wearing keyboardist for Sticky Fingers, Sydney-based artist Freddy Crabs recently released his debut solo track 'Good To Waste'.
A sultry, funk-laced tune that invokes imagery of smoky club backrooms with its swaggering basslines, arpeggiating synths and Crabs' crooning vocals, 'Good To Waste' combines elements of '70s yacht rock, '90s G-funk and psych-influenced synth flavours."'Good To Waste' is a fictional narrative of a broken-hearted man foolishly falling in love with someone who is only using him for his money. It's a playful and frivolous take on the desperation of a confused character trying to understand their feelings and emotional needs in a world that's quick to put them down," Freddy says.
"While it is comical at heart, the song hopes to shine a light on the more taboo topics that men don't often race to talk about – the desire for love, the struggles in break-ups and loneliness."
Accompanying the single is the music video directed by Sami Swilks (Hayley Mary) and filmed by Sam Brumby (King Stingray). Shot across an Italian mansion in Leichhardt's Little Italy and The Italian Forum, the clip sees Crabs coming face-to-face with a future version of himself.
"When we first meet Crabs, he has just returned home from tour. A gorgeous house in Sydney's Inner West – a family home. Except it's not his own home. It's his parents' home. . . where he still lives. The fruit of their hard immigrant labour, the reason they overcame adversity, fled war zones, and settled in a hostile foreign land to set up their future and provide for their family—the ultimate dream," they explain.
"But when Freddy is visited by the spirit of his future self, who warns him that should he stay on the same path of uselessness, he will end up like him – bald, lonely, and crooked. Crabs is terrified. What should he do? Move out of home? Nahhhh, that's ridiculous. His parents have to go."
Who is... Freddy Crabs. Hairy, half-naked keyboardist who is now launching his solo project to the world.
I sound like... Lo-fi '90s groove meets yacht rock.
Our first gig was... In a bowls club. We didn't finish our set.
When did you settle on your artist name, and was it a unanimous decision... It was settled before I released my first track 'Good To Waste'. Would never be anything else.
In the studio I usually... Write cool ideas or scream at the wall tryna come up with them.
If I could tour with anyone... Maradonna.
Social media is... A whole lot of baloney. I treat it as such.
My favourite app at the moment is... Uber Eats. I smoke weed and drink beer.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... A fire engine was called to the venue cos a microwave went up in flames in the green room. It was just a cheese toastie.
Life on the road can be... The best and worst times of ya life. Always exhilarating.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Fresh undies. Always a fresh pair for every show.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Sitting in some strapped-up drug dealer's car in Atlanta, US. We feared our safety, but we came out alive.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Raygun. Anything to get her away from breakdancing.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? LA. It's got everything you need and want. Plus it's sunny all the time. Love that.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Heston Blumenthal, Stevie Wonder and Steph Tolev. I'd have crazy food, amazing music and ridiculous humour all sorted.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Cevapi and octopus on the charcoal with a side of Greek salad.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover of dogs. Cats make me sneeze. I don't think they like me, unless they look like Mr Bigglesworth.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... VB.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... A few days ago. I'm not too hopeless when it comes to the pump.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Mopping the floor.
Do you have any phobias... Heights. Crabs aren't meant to be up high.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Nah I don't think so. I find them pretty cringe and always feel people get exploited and misrepresented by the show itself. It's a pass for me.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Beaker Best. Just the classic cake to the face on his birthday. I'm old school.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Frangos in Petersham.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Mr. Satan from 'Dragon Ball Z'. When you see his face, it'll all make sense.
Last show you binge-watched (and what kept you glued to the screen)? 'Last King Of The Cross'. Thoroughly entertaining Aussie crime soap opera. Surprisingly great acting too.
