With its surprising blend of punk and Celtic music, The Go Set’s fourth album Rising has taken up permanent residence in my stereo. I recently caught up with lead singer and guitarist Justin Keenan to learn more about this exciting band.
Rising is your fourth album in as many years. How do you stay so prolific?
It’s just a matter of being creative all the time, rather than writing songs when you need them I guess. I think constantly writing songs also helps you improve as a songwriter much more between albums. Being independent, I suppose that we are in the position where we need to constantly have new material in the market too, because we don’t have the mainstream media prolonging the lifespan of the songs like a major label act has.
On this album you worked with Jonathon Burnside, who has produced some massive punk releases (Melvins, NOFX). What was it like to have him involved?
The guy is great to work with. He’s really creative in a wacky kind of way, and it was the first time we’ve made a recording where the producer actually came in and really messed with the sound. It was good because he really identified the band’s live sound and captured it really well. He’s got a stack of great rock stories too!
Your music goes back to the roots of punk with its political and social messages. What has you fired up at the moment?
The environment is an issue that drives me fucking nuts. It’s been glaringly obvious for so long that we need to change our patterns of living, and yet oil companies and car manufacturers continue the old practices to extract every last cent before the world becomes unliveable. I think what drives me nuts the most about that situation is that people see themselves as individuals at the mercy of large corporations, but in fact it is quite the opposite. If every person in Australia decided not to drive a car or go to work for a day, who would hold the power then? Most people don’t realise the power of collective action in bringing about change.
You’ve covered “New Race” on this album. Are you all big Radio Birdman fans?
Yeah, I grew up on Radio Birdman. We actually worked with Rob Younger in 2006, he produced our Hungry Mile album. New Race is a cranking song and fits really well with our political stance.
Your music is so unique with its traditional Celtic instrumentation and punk sensibilities. How have music fans taken to it?
When we started the band we actually thought that people would hate it. It’s got bagpipes for Christ’s sake. Funnily enough, the band has got a really strong following everywhere these days. It’s partly due to lots of touring, and I think that people connect with the honesty in the music. We aren’t trying to be anything that we are not. We all grew up on this type of music, so it feels really natural to play.
Rising is your fourth indie release. Why do you choose to remain independent artists?
Partly its because it is a distinct style of music, and major labels are not interested in taking risks on a band like us, but mainly its because we love to be able to do what we want with our music and everything that we have created so far, songs and fans, is our own doing. There’s a real satisfaction in that I think.
You’ve played some massive international festivals, but here in Australia we’re likely to see you playing pub gigs. How do the big festival shows compare with the more intimate ones?
I love both. The festivals are great because they get you in front of a lot of new people who wouldn’t otherwise have seen you, but the pub gigs are always chaotic and crazy – lots of beer and singalongs. Both have a really special energy.
You’re touring the album all across Australia. How do you keep each show fresh?
We have a massive setlist of about 30 songs, so we change it around a little each night. Besides, every show is always going to be fresh because it’s a different city, different crowd etc.
What do you miss most when you’re on the road?
Going for a surf after school, and my two kids
And finally, do you have a message for your fans out there?
If you haven’t got the record – go and buy it! We’ll be heading around the country again in February and March and then off to Europe in June.
Make sure you keep an eye on Oz Music Scene to see all those 2009 gig dates as they’re announced!
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment
