Newcastle punk rockers Trophy Eyes start 2019 with an east-coast tour that includes regional dates and UNIFY Gathering.
Trophy Eyes released their third studio album, 'The American Dream', in August, an introspective record on which vocalist John Floreani reflects on the person he is today.
Here we catch up with John to discuss the new album and its significance, plus what's in store for audiences when they hit the road in January.
“I looked to Bruce Springsteen and The Killers for inspiration to tell these stories in a classic, American way.”
It's been a big year for the band; what have been some of the highlights?
We recorded our latest record, 'The American Dream', in Thailand and that was like a dream. Making music you enjoy in paradise – it doesn't get much better than that.
Other than that, we've been able to tour much of the world already, see old friends, play our biggest headliner to date at home and also spend time with our families and friends. It's been a pretty great year so far.
How have fans responded to 'The American Dream'?
It's been our warmest response so far. You can see it in the rooms we're playing and the love on social media. I was worried we wouldn't make a record as good as our last one, but the reception seems to suggest we left it in the dust.
Did you start writing songs for the album with a specific creative vision in mind?
I was living in Texas at the time and I definitely let my surroundings influence me. I was in love with the South, the people in it and the romantic countryside.
Their stories and their way of life came in to play when I was writing songs about my life, and I found myself telling them in a middle-class American sort of way, because I like the matter of factness about it all.
I looked to Bruce Springsteen and The Killers for inspiration to tell these stories in a classic, American way – a way that mimicked the environment I'd fallen so deeply in love with.
What is the personal significance of Lavender Bay to you?
When Bianca and I lived in Milson's Point in Northern Sydney, we would walk through Lavender Bay on occasion and we would jokingly point out the houses we would buy when I made it big in music.
I'd also remember the people I was surrounded by prior to living there, their negativity and how damaging that was to my dream, which was solely to make music. I shed those people and pursued my goal; I wanted to make the city I called home know my name.
How are you feeling about the band's regional Australian tour in January?
I'm excited to play regionally! It's been something our listeners have always asked us for, so it's great to finally be in a position where we can do that and give a little back.
You'll also be playing UNIFY Gathering as part of the tour; how will your festival performance compare to the headline shows?
The regional shows will be fun, but obviously smaller. Trophy Eyes is good at adapting to their environment. We can play heartfelt, intimate shows and then play a giant festival the next day and blow the roof off that stage with production and high energy.
What have you got planned for Christmas and New Year's?
I'm taking some time away from music to be with my family in Texas. No internet, no music, just quiet and company.
The dodgiest present you've ever received?
Lynx body spray and body wash set.
The dodgiest present you've ever given?
I don't think I really have done that. I take a lot of care with my gifts – I really love my friends and find huge joy in finding them something heartfelt and special.
Are you working on new music yet?
Always. It's f...ing mental.
Trophy Eyes 2019 Tour Dates
Wed 9 Jan - Barwon Club (Geelong)Thu 10 Jan - Karova Lounge (Ballarat)
Sat 12 Jan - UNIFY Gathering (Tarwin Lower, VIC)
Fri 25 Jan - Narrabeen RSL (Sydney)
Sat 26 Jan - The Cambridge Hotel (Newcastle)
Sun 27 Jan - UOW Uni Bar (Wollongong)
