Go/No-Go are a Sydney five-piece with a big future. After cutting their eye teeth performing with bands like Spod, Devoted Few, and 78 Saab these lads have found the right combination. I caught up with Tarek Darwish, Dan Arena, and Steve Claxton ahead of the launch of their new single “Lost in Berlin” to talk about the song, their recent time in the studio, and what the future holds for this exciting new band.
People outside of Sydney may be unaware of your music. For the uninitiated, how would you describe your sound?
Stirring, powerful, angular synth-rock. We play pop songs with an indie aesthetic, but we’ve got 2 drummers so it is a little more rhythmic and experimental than most bands perhaps.
You’re about to release your third single “Lost in Berlin.” What can you tell me about the song?
This one went through about a hundred different versions before we figured out how to make it work. It started off as this weird electronic thing with almost no live instrumentation. Now when we play it live, it’s a bit of a crazy jam. There’s a lot going on, lots of keyboards and samples.
You’re going to launch the single at the Sandringham Hotel, which is such a lovely little pub. What do you enjoy about playing those sorts of small, intimate shows?
The Sando’s in a really good spot, the refurbishment they did last year is a big improvement on the old stage. The new room is actually a pretty decent size; it’s just got a great vibe now.
What can music lovers expect if they come down and see you live?
We haven’t played many shows recently, so we’ve had the chance to change a few things around and tighten some of the songs up a bit.
We’re lucky to have a bit of flexibility on stage. Some songs have the double-drummer thing happening, other songs we’ve got three people playing keyboards; it’s a bit random at times.
Will fans in other states get to see you playing any time soon?
We’re always keen to play wherever we can, and I’d be surprised if we haven’t done a few Melbourne shows by the end of the year. Getting further afield is going to depend on everyone’s timetables lining up though.
“Lost in Berlin” is the last single you’re offering before you release your second album midyear. How’s the album coming along?
We were going to follow-up our album Autofocus with an EP but it was going so well that we’ve decided to keep recording until it turns into an album. We’re a little over halfway through that process. Probably going to start working on some more video clips while we’re at it.
Your singles have enjoyed a lot of airplay on community radio and FBi Radio. How important have those independent music outlets been to your success?
FBi, 2SER and the other independent stations are totally crucial for both young and established bands in Sydney. They reach a huge audience and you don’t have to prostitute yourself to get your music on them.
You’re all seasoned musicians, playing with the likes of Sarah Blasko, Devoted Few, and 78 Saab. What have you learned during your musical past that you bring to Go/No-Go?
I think we have learned to just have fun and not to sweat the small stuff. Also I think we’re trying to each play a little less than we normally would. With five of us, if everyone is playing something different at the same time you tend to stomp on each other’s toes. So I guess we listen to each other a bit more now?
Go/No-Go is such an interesting name. Where did that come from?
We yelled at each other until someone though of a name that didn’t appear to have been claimed yet by some other band. That said, after we had christened ourselves I came across a video on YouTube (can’t find it anymore) of a weird Euro 80s band of the same name, but I am pretty sure we are in no danger of being sued.
After this single launch, what’s next on the horizon for the band?
Gig-wise, we’re playing “The Smith Kids Are Alright”, a benefit gig at the Annandale on 26th Feb with a bunch of bands including a reformed ‘The Camels’. We’re always on the lookout to do remixes as well. And yeah, hoping to get out of Sydney for a few shows, probably when the next album is done mid-2011.
Image used with permission from Go/No-Go