Recently returned from their regular world travels, The Basics have released ‘The Lucky Country’, a rock & roll rant against the age of entitlement and current political leaders.
Kris Schroeder, along with bandmates Wally De Backer (aka Gotye) and Tim Heath have ever railed against the mainstream, channelling Dylan and Garrett in a pointed message that they want heard. “We’re songwriters, but we’re not just here to talk about love, heartbreak and getting drunk,” Schroeder says.
“We believe in reflecting something of the society we live in, and right now there are a lot of people who seem to think that they’re better off sticking our heads in the sand and pretending the rest of the world isn’t there.
“It’s about time someone stood up and said that valuing education and believing that being aware and informed is important; doesn’t make you a ‘hippy’. Wanting to leave the planet in better shape for our children doesn’t make you a ‘bleeding heart’. Thinking that respect for other cultures enhances our nation rather than diminishes it doesn’t make you unpatriotic.
“Whether it’s politicians, newspapers or ‘shock-jocks’, we’ve got this toxic culture that has been fostered on ‘what’s in it for me’ – it’s as if this ‘Doctrine of Prosperity’ that’s been preached in churches for years has filtered down to the rest of us. It’s been encouraged for so long for quick votes and ratings – like ‘You’ve only got two cars? You should have six!’ – and maybe someone needs to take Australia by the wrist, give it a shake and say ‘WAKE UP!’. And why not a bunch of musicians to do it?”
The Basics will spend the Christmas/ New Year period taking the new EP on the road to many corners of the ‘Lucky Country’.
