Q & A with Hot Little Hands' James Harvey

Hot Little Hands aren’t a band who likes to stand still. Fresh from their run in the Toohey’s Extra Dry uncharTED competition, the band are now touring around the country to promote their debut album Dynamite in Black and White. The band’s drummer James Harvey took time out of his busy schedule to chat to me about the CD, life on the road, and their unique sound.

You’re about to start your Australian tour. Are you looking forward to getting back in front of local audiences?

Yeah we love it! Australia’s so massive and so each city we play in is so different – it’s great!

You recently played some shows in New Zealand. How did the crowds over there respond to your music?
New Zealand was very kind to us indeed! The audiences went nuts – and as far as we know they hadn’t heard much if any of our music before. We might even be playing the Rhythm and Vines festival over the New Years period!

This is a bit of a blink-and-you’ll miss it tour. Are there any plans to get out and play some regional dates later this year?
Hopefully. We do love playing regional shows – again it’s so different each place. Fingers crossed we will get to but we’re also hoping to record a new album soon so we’ll have to see.

There’s a lot of travelling involved in getting to all those capital cities. How do you amuse yourself on the road?
I’d like to say we knit up a storm … but that would be a lie. There’s lots of loud music listening and Frisbee inside the airports until we get told off … and then sneak a few more throws in before they come back.

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Hot Little Hands Announce Hot Little Tour

Fresh from their stint as Toohey’s Dry uncharTED finalists, Hot Little Hands are taking their music on the road. The Melbourne outfit will join forces with New Zealand’s The Tutts for four big shows.

Hot Little Hands come armed with two synthesizers, a Wurlitzer, and some surprises! Their sound has been described as a “mix of 80s revival, 50s electronic-voodoo-swamp-blues and 60s garage disco,” with “some soul, electro, four part harmonies, funk, trumpet blasts, and pop” thrown in for good measure. That’s an impressive blend!

The tour celebrates the release of “Dynamite In Black & White,” the third single from the band’s album of the same name. It’s currently available through Rubber Records.

Tickets for the following shows are available now through Posse.

14 August 2009 – Spectrum, Sydney
22 August 2009 – Troubadour, Brisbane
27 August 2009 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
28 August 2009 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide

Image source: The Harbour Agency

The Deer Republic, Foxx on Fire, and Hot Little Hands Make uncharTED Grand Final

After months of voting and showcase performances, just three bands remain in the running for this year’s Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED title.

Sydney band The Deer Republic will take on Melbourne’s Foxx on Fire and Hot Little Hands at the grand final, to be held at Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory on July 9. The winner will play this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival, and take home an artist development package worth $25, 000.

“Being in the top 3 for uncharTED is just so great,” enthused James Harvey from Hot Little Hands. “It’s like there’s a party in our favourite dancing shoes and everyone’s invited!”

“We have never felt so happy in our entire lives!” added Geno Carrapetta from Foxx On Fire.

“Reaching the final is like building castles in the sky and there will be one hell of a party at the Grand Final!” Mike Andrijic from The Deer Republic assures us.

Congratulations to all the bands for making it this far!

Image source: Reinn @ Flickr

Hot Little Hands Make uncharTED Semis

The Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED competition is beginning to take shape, with the announcement of the MySpace media pick. Melbourne outfit Hot Little Hands have automatically secured a spot on the semifinals, which kick off on May 22. They’ll join the other media picks, Ellington from Brisbane and Death Mattel from Sydney.

MySpace was drawn to Hot Little Hands original sound and stage presence.

“They’re an ‘ORIGINAL’ band – and you can’t say that about a lot of bands,” explained Mark Bulgin, Marketing Manager for MySpace Australia. “They manage to take influences from electro-pop and rock n’ roll and make something unique out of it without any pretention. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re white-hot live.”

Hot Little Hands will join the other media picks and the bands receiving the most public votes at the uncharTED website. Head to the site and cast your vote for your chance to win tickets to Splendour in the Grass!

Image source: Bratha @ Flickr