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.