As a teen growing up in Australia, the songs of Jebediah formed the soundtrack of my senior high school years. Songs like “Leaving Home” and “Animal” were all over radio, but after four big albums the band packed it all in. Kevin Mitchell reinvented himself as Bob Evans, and it seemed these Aussie rockers were destined to become but a memory.
Thankfully the band has realised there’s a lot more rock left in them. They’re back together, recording a new album and playing some big shows, including next month’s Blueprint festival. I recently caught up with the band’s drummer Brett Mitchell to chat about what it’s like to be back.
You’ve taken a lengthy break from the music scene. What inspired you to get back out there?
We’ve pretty much always been keen to keep it rolling as circumstances permit. Kev has his Bob Evans commitments, Ness is finishing up a degree and Chris and I both have full time jobs. Also Kev is living in Melbourne now. So between all those things if we get offered a show or start feeling itchy to do a small run of dates, we’ll arrange it. Basically it’s a hobby now that we will be able to indulge in sporadically, as long as everybody is still prepared to make the time for it. I hope this situation continues for a long time.
Is anything different for the band this time around?
I think it’s one of those things in life that will always feel the same on an emotional level – although the physical side changes a bit – we’re not in our twenties anymore. So yes there are differences to do with time and money, and perhaps we have to work harder to prepare for live shows, but apart from that it’s not changed much. I do think you appreciate fun stuff more when there are other things in your life to provide a contrast!
How have the crowds reacted to your return?
You would have to ask them! It seems pretty positive though. I guess that some of the audience are enjoying it on more of a nostalgic level which is fine by us.
Why did you want to be a part of the upcoming Blueprint festival?
Because we were asked! Shows like this will be a rarity for us now so we will always appreciate the opportunity to be involved – it’s a privilege really. The lineup is very cool and quite eclectic. One of the most difficult aspects for us now is working out which songs to include in the set.
You’ve got a long history of playing festivals. What attracts you to those kinds of shows?
It’s a chance to see a whole bunch of different performances that you probably wouldn’t see any other way, meet new people and hang out with old friends, play to a much bigger crowd than we otherwise would and just generally feel amongst it. I think the appeal of these events is pretty similar for all, whether they be punters or bands.
You’re currently working on a brand new album. What can you tell me about it?
I think we have about nine songs so far in various stages of completion. It’s quite a different vibe recording without any pressure, schedule or expectations. Hopefully this will result in something that we are all very proud of, with the possible added bonus that others will appreciate it too!
We’re not really the sort of band that tries to reinvent ourselves, but we hope to end up with some stuff on there that doesn’t sound like anything we’ve done before. Since most of it sounded pretty similar, this shouldn’t be too hard.
You’re working on the record with Dave Parkin (Snowman, The Panda Band and Red Jezebel). What has he brought to your sound?
He doesn’t eat fruit or vegetables. I can’t say what the musical ramifications of this are, but it’s pretty full on hey? Dave likes to tinker with things in his spare time which is perfect for us because it will take us in different directions than we would otherwise consider, and probably give each song more of it’s own character in the end too, which is quite an important idea for us this time around. He it technically skilled, musically skilled, close to home (for most of us) and has a very laid back and open-minded approach. What more could we possibly ask for? Apart from that he might occasionally eat some fruit, but let’s face it; that’s his call.
What’s most exciting for you? Being back in the studio or back on stage?
They really are very different experiences, and I don’t know if we could pick a favourite. I mean, there are few things more fun and exciting than a really great show, and few things more rewarding than being involved in creating something in the studio which feels like it has a bit of magic in it. We will be aiming for good things from both.
I hear you’ve showcased a few new tracks at your recent shows. How have the crowds responded to the new tunes?
Well nothing has been thrown at us yet, which may be a good sign. Not that that has ever really happened in the past, so perhaps not the best barometer. Although I did once at a BDO main stage gig get hit in the head with a metal mickey mouse watch – minus strap – which I like to think wasn’t actually aimed at anyone in particular. If it was aimed at me it was a corker of a throw. It didn’t hurt at the time but I got blood in my eyes. That’s pretty punk. Sort of.
After the release of the album, what’s next for Jebediah?
We’ll might eat some doughnuts. I’m also thinking about ordering off ebay the entire He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series on DVD. Haven’t decided if that’s a good idea or not yet.
Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity