2015 was a huge year for Perth-based rock outfit Tired Lion, and things aren't about to slow down in 2016.
Last year Tired Lion were named the winners of triple j's Unearthed competition, received WAMIs for Best Rock Act and Best EP as well as winning Channel V's Discover competition.
2015 also saw the band lap Australia three times. Enigmatic lead for Tired Lion, Sophie Hopes, understands there is no break for the band and that they must strike while the iron is hot. “Getting added to high rotation twice, we have had to be full-steam ahead. There has not been any real time to relax, so it's all been fun and we have been away quite a lot. There is no rest for us.”
The band performed live in the triple j studios for Like A Version with a mash up of Violent Soho's 'Saramona Said' and The Smashing Pumpkins '1979', which has been viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube. “I guess after we did Like A Version, we had a lot of exposure and a lot more people were interested in our music and it was really cool,” Sophie says.
The band's first single off their 'Figurine' EP, 'I Don't Think You Like Me', has enjoyed plenty of radio time, climbing as high as tenth most-played song on triple j. The band are thankful for the exposure the radio station has given them. “It has been a major part in how many people know who we are and the exposure to new listeners. They are really nurturing Australian music, which is what we need to be doing at the moment so these younger bands actually have a chance these days. Without it, it would take you twice as long [to get recognition],” Sophie says.
Seemingly uncomfortable talking about what is unique about the band, there is an unwritten rule with Tired Lion members to have as much fun as possible on stage. “I hate trying to talk about us in that way. In terms of sound I guess our guitarist Matt has taken his favourite parts of Billy Corgan's style of playing. I have taken parts of Pixies. We make everything our own but we do take these influences and sort of make them something that hasn't been heard of. I don't actually think we are super unique to be honest,” Sophie says.
Understanding how to interact and play to a rowdy audience is important for any young band, and Tired Lion seem to have the hang of it. “[The crowd] really love interaction, so they love it when we get rowdy and go for a cheeky crowd surf, and they love it when Ethan our drummer takes his shirt off. There have been times when we have all taken our shirts off because someone has yelled out 'female equality'! And I was like 'ok'.”
Written by Joshua Bell
Tired Lion Tour Dates
Sat 23 Jan - Ozfest, Miami Tavern (Gold Coast)Sun 24 Jan - Ozfest, Waterfront Hotel (Maroochydore)
Fri 12 Feb - Metropolis (Fremantle)
Sat 13 Feb - The Gov (Adelaide)
Thu 18 Jan - The Triffid (Brisbane)
Fri 19 Feb - The Triffid (Brisbane)
Sat 20 Feb - Party In The Paddock (White Hills, TAS)
Fri 26 Feb - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
Sat 27 Feb - The Metro (Sydney)
Sun 28 Feb - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
Thu 3 Mar - The Gov (Adelaide)
Sat 26 Mar - The Hills Are Alive (South Gippsland, VIC)
