Back in 2005 hip hop crew Schoolfight scored popularity with Triple J and music fans alike when they released their debut LP, ‘Big Man On Champers’.
Following a seven-year hiatus between albums, 2012 marked a year of silver linings for the band who released their second album, 'Curse Of Work'. Spurred on by loyal fans, the boys are currently working on a third longplayer, ‘Ease On Summer’.
Getting back into the swing of things a little over a year ago proved challenging, but rewarding for frontman Emcyte (aka Zac Eakin). “'Curse Of Work' was a long time in the making,” he says. “We had some hiccups such as members leaving which caused a lengthy hiatus and it all got a bit stressful. You start to think 'Fuck, will this ever come out?' When we finally got it out, it was a relief more than anything.”
Despite a seven year blackout, Schoolfight had little to worry about when it came to entertaining a lively audience for their gigs. Their loyal Brisbane fanbase proved unwavering in their dedication to the West End collective. “They never cease to amaze me,” marvels Emcyte. “They know the words and they really get into an album.”
Although grateful for the band's loyal fans, Emcyte is turning his the attention to recruiting a swag of new Fight members. “You always get that mob up the front who know who you are and have followed you on Facebook, but it's about turning those people at the back of the bar who don't necessarily know who you are. I like drawing them in, that's the real challenge for me.”
When touring, Emcyte relishes the opportunity to play to new audiences, but he doesn’t enjoy the close proximity he has with his band mates. “The worst thing is putting up with boy stink in the fucking Tarago. You get to the end of that tour and there's a pile of unwashed jocks to take care of. You wanna pour fuel on that shit and get rid of it. It takes about a week after getting home to get that stink out.”
Next on the band's live agenda? Chadfest. A community fundraiser to be held next month for band mate Winston H. Chadwick (affectionately called Winnie) who was recently involved in a taxi-pedestrian accident resulting in several broken bones and one bruised ego. “The thing about Winnie is that he's a nugget,” Emcyte says. “When I heard he'd been hit by a taxi I thought 'Jesus, that taxi's not going to be okay'. He's a solid dude and he's tough as nails. He's going to be out for a few months, but we're making plans to cover the gigs with a substitute guitarist. The fundraiser is going to be a hell of a night.”
An album release for 'Ease On Summer' is also in the works which Emcyte expects audiences will dig. “We wanted a cruisey summer album that you can play with your crew at a barbeque. It's not rocket science, what we wanted to do was make beautiful summer tunes that you could sing along to and spread that message of mateship and drinking piss and smoking weed.”
Schoolfight settled upon a relaxed fun vibe for the upcoming tunes following fan reception of their last record. “We had a look at the responses we were getting from 'Curse Of Work',” Emcyte says. “We looked at what people were attracted to, whether that was through YouTube or feedback through Facebook or hits on Soundcloud, and saw what they were gravitating towards.”
A single launch will be held on Anzac Day Eve for the aptly titled 'Australia'. “You've got a pubic holiday afterwards so people should come and get really really pissed,” Emcyte laughs.
Along with the fundraiser and single launch, Schoolfight have scored a monumental gig as the main support act for Jurassic 5's upcoming Brisbane show. “We got really lucky with that,” Emcyte says.
“I knew a couple of guys who were putting that on and they threw our name in a hat and it came back positive. I had the pleasure of meeting Charles Stewart [Charli 2na] a few years ago at Stradbroke Island. He's an awesome guy and it's a big deal, their reunion show. We're fucking stoked, completely over the moon.”
Written by Sam Allen-Ankins
Schoolfight support Jurassic 5 at Eatons Hill Hotel March 22; Chadfest takes place at The Joynt March 1; and the 'Australia' single launch will take place at The Joynt April 24.
