More than a year since their last release, WA indie rock band Koi Pond have just dropped the energetic new single 'Valhalla'.
Part of a recording session the four-piece – consisting of Tom Caughey, Alia Golestani, Aidan Veitch and Kirwan Mactaggart – completed last November, and the first piece of more new music to arrive in 2022, 'Valhalla' is about letting go, leaving toxic partners behind and watching too much 'Vikings'."The lyrics are quite ambiguous actually, they can be interpreted by the listener in a way that feels right for them," frontman Tom says, who wrote the song at his family home north of Merredin .
"For me I think subconsciously I was escaping, I felt I escaped an ex partner but also I was just writing gibberish!"
With the group's launch show for 'Valhalla' postponed to next month, Tom sits down for a chat about the group's music, as well as more random stuff like participating in reality TV, the band's cooking skills, and the ultimate prank.
Who is Koi Pond... I formed Koi Pond in 2020; the band has changed and been through a lot since then. We are finally on a solid line-up with the beautiful Alia Golestani, Kirwan Mactaggart, Aidan Veitch and myself.
We sound like... Nirvana and Ball Park Music we like to think; Donna from The Waifs said our live show sounded like a cross between Powderfinger and Tame Impala, she struggled to put her finger on our sound which was nice.
Our first gig was... At the Swan Hotel in North Fremantle, it was with a completely different line-up except for myself. Since then, we've had plenty of line-up changes to completely perfect our sound and relationship as a band. Our first proper gig was Mojos with legends Fool Nelson.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... We settled on the name with the old line-up. Two of my really good old mates came up with the idea individually which was a total spin-out.
They both had this idea for a name and told me at different times. They called the band Koi Pond because my last name Caughey is pronounced Koi.
In the studio we usually... I write and demo all the parts of the music at home then bring it to the band to practice for a gig. Alia is an absolute shredder of the drums so she takes artistic license with them.
Aidan and Kirwan do the same on bass and lead guitar. Then we hit the studio and record what we've been playing. I then analyse it all and add bits I think of in the studio and redo the parts I don't like. I'm in the studio solo a fair bit. When we're together we all usually get a feed and just hang out having a fat time.
If we could tour with anyone... Ball Park Music would be an absolute dream. Or Tame Impala, Dulcie, Foo Fighters!
Social media is... Bad for the mind and soul. But beautiful as it gives us the opportunity to connect with our fans.
My favourite app at the moment is... Canva. It is perfect for creating all our promo, couldn't recommend it enough for gig posters and all your social media. Also, it's free.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... We were playing a gig at an art exhibition in Freo. My girlfriend's friend came up to me and showed me a photo. She said, 'Doesn't this guy look like Kirwan?'. I then said, 'Nah, he's a budget version of Kirwan, Kirwan's way better looking!'. The photo was of her boyfriend. She wasn't stoked. So many apologies to her and her boyfriend. I was not thinking.
Life on the road can be... We haven't been on tour yet so we wouldn't know. If anyone needs a support on the road hit us up!
If you'll have us on your bill, all we I ask is that our rider contains... Peppermint tea for myself, beers for Kirwan and Aidan, and lemon lime and bitters for Alia.
The most scary scenario we've found ourselves in, was... We were playing a gig at a local pub in Fremantle. A drug-intoxicated, violent, mountain of a man approached Aidan and I in the carpark. We had just seen him threaten some children and their father.
He walked up to me and asked, 'Do you want one or two?' referring to his fists. I was packing it and replied, 'Neither! Can I buy you a drink mate?'. The man then agreed and proceeded to give me a handful of cash and trailed me closely from behind to the pub.
It then all ended in the man throwing a fist that turned into a hug at me and having a fight with the seccy on the way out.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Hamish Blake.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Somewhere in the Philippines or Japan near surf, snow and snorkelling. I love the lifestyle around those 'sports'. Those two countries hold a very special place in my heart.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... My Pop, Dave Grohl and Yagan.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I like to get a bit creative, so I'd cook you something random.
I reckon Aidan would be in two worlds; if he was having a hectic week you'd be eating two reheated spring rolls. If he was vibing he'd do the same as Kirwan would, cook you up some meat and make a super healthy smoothie. Alia would cook you something Persian.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? We all love animals, three of us grew up on farms.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... A couple years a go I would have said Emu Export but now I don't drink so I'd give the slab to Kirwan and Aidan.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... None of us really gym besides Kirwan, he's definitely the looker of the group.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I hate doing the bloody dishes, they just pile up every day. It isn't too bad though really.
Do you have any phobias... Alia and I struggle with pretty bad anxiety so a bunch of things. Kirwan and Aidan god knows.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I reckon 'SAS Australia' would be nuts but a wicked experience.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Aidan has always said that for a support show, we need to retrieve and learn the band we're supporting's set. We will then continue to play this set right before they play. Ultimate power move.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Any place that's open. So probably a kebab shop.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? In my opinion Kirwan is Leon from 'Mortified', Aidan is Wayne from 'Wayne's World', Alia wishes she was Katara from 'The Last Airbender' and I'm probably Jake Peralta from 'Brooklyn 99'.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Vikings'! My addiction to the show actually inspired our latest track, 'Valhalla'.
Koi Pond play Amplifier Bar (Perth) 29 April.
