The Australian Alternative Band, Ball Park Music, Open Up About Their Latest Record Entitled “Puddinghead”!

The Australian alternative band, Ball Park Music is made up of members, Sam Cromack, Jennifer Boyce, Paul Furness, Daniel Hanson and Dean Hanson.

In their only almost 3 years together as a band, they’ve seen two J-award album nominations for both Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs and the ARIA top ten “Museum”, sold out headline tours, an Australian tour with Weezer, outstanding performances at Australia’s major festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Southbound, Homebake and Big Day Out, an international tour via New York, UK and The Netherlands, and four appearances in the top 40 of Triple J’s Hottest 100, Ball Park Music are ready to strike back once again.

Their latest album is entitled Puddinghead. On this collection, the band wanted to celebrate their underdog leanings and rejoice in the love, loss and banalities of suburban Australian life with all their fans.

So how did the band come together? And where did you guys come up with your band name?

We met while we at university years ago. We were studying music. As a teen, I really liked the phrase ‘ball park figure’, and thought it was interesting when adults would ask that for ‘ball park figures’ on things. Our band name just evolved from there.

What do you think sets you apart from other alternative/indie bands out there?

Some of us were interested in metal as kids and this brings a definite intensity to our playing, especially live. Paul is different; he’s a massive jazz and funk nerd and I think this helps detract from things being too straight. Jen also takes the edge off. Her vocals and bass playing prevents us from being too much of a sweaty bloke experience.

What music are you guys listening to now? Any new artists out there that you are loving?

This year I’ve been binging on Neil Young. I never heard him much as a child, so now I’m playing catch-up and I’m loving it. I’ve also been flogging Mac Demarco, Damien Jurado and some great Australian releases this year from #1 Dads and Andy Bull.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music? Specially the songs on Puddinghead?

I believe that making art is about filtering everyday life through whatever it is you do. Musical ideas come and go. I love writing. The songs on Puddinghead were sourced from a long period of time. Some of the songs are over three years old.

Tell me about your Australian tour with Weezer. What did you learn from those guys?

Weezer reminded us of the art of keeping things simple. The shows had modest production and lighting but it didn’t detract from the impact of the show. They do what they do so well.

Can you tell me more about The Trippin’ The Light Fantastic tour? There are hologram projections involved?

It was a piss-take really. We didn’t want another boring press release to accompany the news of our tour so we decided to tell our fans that the shows would be in 3D (as all shows are). It was a silly idea. We gave away free 3D glasses to everyone who attended the tour. I think it was good for a laugh.

How are you guys keeping up with all the social media sites? Your posts on Facebook are pretty funny by the way!

Again, like writing, I think the key to social media stuff is to just be yourself and let it filter through. If we say something funny when we’re hanging, we’ll slap it up online and see how it goes.

If you could work with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?

John Lennon is my idol, so I’d have to nominate him. As far as living musicians go, I’d love to work with Jonny Greenwood.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

A policeman pulled me over one day when I was driving badly. The reason I was driving badly was because I was looking for a hire car place; we were about to head off on tour. I think maybe he thought I had been drinking or was a thief (the car was full of gear and my car wasn’t looking too great). At first he was aggressive but after he discovered we were in the band he declared his love for us and let me off with a smile and a wave.

When you guys aren’t performing or writing new material, what do you like to do for fun?

Go ten pin bowling.

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?

I like it when music makes me purse my lips and bop my head (that’s if something is rocking), and also when it makes my eyelids heavy (that’s when it’s melancholy). I hope we can do this for some people.

Finally, I’d love to see you guys in action, are you hoping to do a US tour in the near future?

We’re hoping to get over for SXSW next year. If we do, I’d say we’ll potentially add some extra shows, but I’m not sure where. The US is a fascinating place and I’m excited to get back.