When it comes to great, contemporary, Aussie rock music, you don't have to look much further than The Superjesus.
Formed in Adelaide in 1994 and fronted by guitarist, vocalist and singer-songwriter Sarah McLeod, The Superjesus have been a mainstay of Aussie rock and were earlier this year inducted into the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame.
With their reformation in recent years, we catch up with Sarah for all the details.
What can you tell us about the new solo album you're working on?
[Sarah McLeod] It's called 'Rocky's Diner'. I wrote it in New York at the beginning of last year. I gave myself three months to write it as one body of work, from beginning to end. One very long session. I really love it and cannot wait until I can play it to people.
When will we get to hear it?
It's coming out in August, but the first single is in July.
Who is in the band these days?
In The Superjesus? It's myself and bass player Stuart Rudd, Jason Slack is on guitar (he was with us for our third record 'Rock Music') and Andy Strachan from The Living End plays drums with us.
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What's the biggest difference for you playing in The Superjesus now versus during the '90s and early 2000s?
I enjoy it more now because it's not my entire existence. There is less pressure and we can relax and have fun with it without worrying about how many people's jobs are on the line if we stuff something up or stand in the way of a decision. It also brings back so many memories for us, not only to play these songs but just to be together as a band. This line-up is really fun too, so that helps.
How has the sound of the band changed with the new material?
I think the sound has developed a little over the years as the writing partnerships have changed. In the beginning it was myself and Chris Tennant on 'Sumo' , then it was myself and Stuart and Tim on 'Jet Age' and 'Rock Music'. With each writing dynamic the sound changes slightly. We are working towards a new record for next year in which we are going back to our old roots a bit more; it's gonna be heavier.
Why did the band part ways back in 2004?
We had just hit the wall. There was no bad blood. We were all really tired and sick of touring. We had been on the road for years and the passion had gone. It became more like a job that we contractually had to do rather than a recreational indulgence that just happened to pay the bills. It just wasn't fun anymore.
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Do you have any regrets from that time or is there anything you would have done differently given the option?
We worked really hard and that is the main thing. We never let an opportunity go by the wayside. We rose to every challenge and worked well under pressure; for that I will never have any regrets.
How did it feel being inducted into the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame earlier this year?
It was a beautiful moment actually. We played an acoustic set with a string quartet and I've never heard the band sound more swingin' and lush. It was such an honour to be recognised in that way. You should see the size of my freakin' medal!
Are you working on more solo material?
Yes. I've got a plan for my follow-up solo record, but it's too soon to discuss it. But it's different alright.
The Superjesus will be joined by fellow '90s, early naughties music icon Alex Lloyd at the Winter Warmer Festival at Hamilton Hotel (Brisbane) 24 June.
