With their new release O Tempora! O Mores! Heartbreak Club has created one of the most addictive EPs I’ve heard in a long time. The five songs are the perfect blend of punk, pop, and rock music. The tunes are accessible but the clever quirky lyrics ensure these tunes stay left of the mainstream.
I want my readers to hear these songs, so make sure you read on to find out how you can score one of three copies of this brilliant EP. But first, I caught up with Heartbreak Club singer Teddy. Here’s what he had to say about this release, life on the road, and what 2009 holds for this fantastic Aussie act.
You worked with Ed Rose (Motion City Soundtrack, The Get Up Kids) and Anthony The (The Vines, Youth Group) on O Tempora! O Mores! What did they bring to the recording?
An amazing cross-pollination of Australian rock and American production sensibilities. Ed totally got what the band was about, and in addition to pulling and mixing some huge sounds, he worked us really hard to extract our best performances. Ed was crucial in making the CD accessible to a broad audience and radio, while not compromising the tongue-in-cheek nature of the project.
This is your second EP, and I’ve got to say five songs just doesn’t seem long enough. When can we expect a Heartbreak Club album?
We’re talking to Ed about flying him out for a month or so in early 2009. We would be looking at releasing the new album, which is almost completely written, in August-September 2009. It will have at least 12 tracks, as we totally agree, 5 tracks is just not enough!
This EP has such a great energy. How do you manage to keep those songs sounding so fresh after months on the road?
Live audiences always keep the songs fresh, particularly with all the new faces in the crowds this tour! Sure it may sound non-rock to say so, but I want people to like us – and that means we have to have the energy and freshness at every live show. Bands have gotta earn a crowd, y’know?
You’re in the middle of a national tour at the moment. What do you love most about playing live?
When we win over people who have never seen us before. It usually takes about three songs before it ‘clicks’, but by the end of the set, if they are up and dancing then we’re pretty chuffed. Also spontaneous moments – we played in Canberra on the weekend, with a fill-in bass player (due to exceptional circumstances). We rehearsed for three hours, then played a show for a crowd that for the most part were not into our style of music. But then we got offered to play a set at The Phoenix next door, and despite being exhausted we said yes. It turned out to be one of the best shows on the tour – great reaction, dancers, singalongs, and a very eclectic crowd. Meeting people on tour is also another major incentive to playing live.
You recently played the Cruelty Free Living Festival in Sydney. Is this a cause close to your heart?
We’re a pretty non-political band, but we consider ourselves to be pretty ethical people. So lending our name to a cause that encourages ethical lifestyle choices is something we felt quite comfortable with. We are all ethical eaters in varying shades, so yes, the cause is something we give a lot of consideration to.
You’re doing plenty of all-ages shows as you travel around the country. How do the kids respond to your music?
The kids have been amazing! They dance, they sing. I’m just glad people are having fun. There’s too much overly serious music at the moment, and I think the kids appreciate the opportunity to – how do I say this without sounding lame(r) – “shake their booty,” “rock out,” you get my drift!
Are there any crazy tour stories you can share?
Ha! There’s many tour stories I could share, but I fear being ostracised from the rest of my band mates. “What happens on tour, stays on tour” as they say. Many of the stories involve Grimace, our tour mascot, but you’d have to ask us at a show about Grimace!
What’s on your Christmas wish list?
I’ve actually been able to block out Christmas so far, and not given it any thought. Setting aside the commercialisation of it all, it reminds me of companionship, family, love and happiness – all the things that have been so absent from my life the past few years. As such, I try and keep it blocked out. Or something.
What does 2009 hold for Heartbreak Club?
A new album! Also there will be at least two Australian tours. We are enjoying getting around Australia so much! It was kinda weird that until this tour, we’d seen more of the USA (from our 2007 tour there) than Australia. Indeed, the next tour we’re locking in many more regional towns and distant places, as they often have the most unique and rewarding shows.
Do you have a message for Oz Music Scene readers?
Not really. I’d end up sounding preachy, or something. Hmm, perhaps to learn from my mistakes – like don’t say a former lover’s name in bed, because it gets really, really awkward … is that publishable?
So how do I get my hands on a copy of Heartbreak Club’s O Tempora! O Mores! I hear you ask? It’s simple! Just leave a comment on this post and tell me why you’d like to add this EP to your collection.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address (this won’t be posted publicly) so I can get in touch with you if you win. Entries close at 5 pm AEST on November 28, and I’ll announce the winners on Saturday November 29.
In the meantime, if you’re in New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia it’s not too late to catch Heartbreak Club on their O Tempora! O Mores! tour. Here are the remaining dates!
22 November 2008 – Armidale Club (18+)
23 November 2008 – Greenhouse Tavern, Coffs Harbour (18+)
27 November 2008 – National Hotel, Geelong (18+)
29 November 2008 – Fist to Face, Ringwood (All ages)
30 November 2008 – The Tote, Fitzroy (18+)
2 December 2008 – Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave (18+)
5 December 2008 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide (18+)
6 December 2008 – The Underground, Adelaide (All ages)
18 December 2008 – Queen’s Wharf Brewery, Newcastle
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment