Getting To Know... The Dolphin Show

Having spent the last few years releasing a string of fun and frantic punk-inspired anthems, Australia's The Dolphin Show have now returned with their latest slap-in-the-face record 'Fuck Off Dad'.

With notable nods to the likes of Slaves and IDLES, 'Fuck Off Dad' is the short but punchy stomper that we all need to let loose on right now. With a riotous mix of pounding drums, hook-filled guitars and catchy vocals, this new release looks to see the band move from cult notoriety to your new favourite band.

So with their latest offering thundering through our speakers right now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has inspired them over the years.

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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?

James & Will: Drums. playing drums is probably the coolest thing you can do.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

Gotta be QOTSA, lots of them bleeds through our music and Iggy Pop. I feel his deep warm breath swirl in our heads. I guess we’re just trying to make music which is unique and sounds like nothing We’ve ever heard before.

What kind of music did you love as teenagers?

James: Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Led Zeppelin.

Will: Early Kings of Leon and Queens of the Stone Age were my favourite bands as a young boy.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

James: For me, the Foo Fighters’ Greatest Hits album that I bought on CD made me pick up the guitar again at 14 yrs (after giving up at 10). Everlong (acoustic version) was the magic song.

Will: I’d say Millionaire or Songs for the Dead by Queens of the Stone Age.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

James: If it's a Sunday, I would treat myself to some Bill Withers.

Will: Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Khurangbin and Kings of Convenience on my way to work.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Will: They are all about people in my life, whether directly or indirectly. I like to write with a subtle sense of realism, which can be interpreted by the listener as they like.

What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?

We used to play regularly at the Moonshine Bar in Manly, Sydney (RIP as it no longer exists), and would rent out a room upstairs, even though we only lived half an hour away. It was just a dingy little room with two single beds and sock over the smoke detector. We would play a wild local show and then get on the absolute lash afterwards in the room. Very fond memories.

James: Also, Bands 4 Bushlands was a super cool event to be a part of, where we helped raise over $20k for bushfire-affected communities last December. Was a really fun night with lots of local talent on display.

Will: I love playing shows, they are always really fun. But I will always remember the day we recorded our new track, Fuck Off Dad and 24 Hr Quality Dining. Everything seemed to come together that day and I was just so excited to see everyone lay down their parts.

Outside of music, what are your biggest passions?

James: I really like rugby and any other team sports. It’s an absolute hoot.

Will: Surfing, I’m obsessed.

If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Will: Well I’m a carpenter at the moment and I’m still doing that!

And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?

James: Give it a red hot crack, it’s a lot of fun.

Will: Make shit that is your own and don’t try and sound like anyone else.

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The Dolphin Show's new single 'Fuck Off Dad' is available to stream and download now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.