A QUICK CHAT WITH MAC THE KNIFE

Congrats on the new single! How does it feel that the song is now out in the world, and what is the story behind the track?

Thank you! We’re over the moon. We haven’t released a song since 2018, so it feels great to get something new out into the world! Labour in Vain was the last song written for our upcoming E.P ‘In The Shadow Of It All’. It’s a letter of hope to anyone who feels suffocated by the fear of the judgement of others. We wanted Labour to be a light at the end of the tunnel, a symbol of a way out. 

What are some musical influences you can liken your sound to?

At the moment we’re hugely influenced by overseas post-punk bands like Shame, Idles, Fontaines D.C, Viagra Boys, and The Murder Capital. Back here in oz, we love The Peep Temple, Bad Dreems and Cable Ties. 

How do you go about writing songs together and what are the typical roles each of you in the band take during that process?

It’s ever-changing. Sometimes Bryn will come to the band with a complete song, lyrics and all, ready to play. Others we’ll start with a riff or a chord progression and jam it into shape. Everyone in the band is a multi-instrumentalist, which means we have access to even more ideas and avenues. Jonny (Our drummer) might jump off the skins mid jam and come up with a sick riff for a new track. Or Gerry (our guitarist) might lay down his guitar and jump on the kit with a rad idea for a fill. It’s super collaborative, and it’s one of our favourite things to do as a band. 

What are some goals you are looking to achieve over the course of your career?

We would love to play Glastonbury one day. Standing on that stage overlooking a sea of flags would be the best feeling in the world. We’d love to support some of our idols such as The Strokes, Shame or Idles on an Australian tour. But our number one goal is to keep doing what we love and strive to put out the best material we can!

How do you plan on finishing up 2022?

We’re launching ‘Labour in Vain’ on the 28th of October at The House of Music and Booze which will be a rowdy one. Then we have a couple of secret shows lined up towards the end of 2022 before we launch our next single early next year. Busy times.