THEY shouldn’t need much introduction. Over 10 years as one of Australia’s most successful dance/rock outfits, Cut Copy have legions of fans all over the world.
Tim Hoey (guitar) and Mitchell Scott (drums), although exhausted from a hectic world tour, were excited about their biggest headlining London show to date and spoke to us a few hours before taking the stage at the Roundhouse in Camden.
“London has always been good to us,’’ Tim buzzed enhtusiastically. “We’ve been playing here for six years, we’re nearly at the end of this insane touring cycle averaging five shows a week since February. Hopefully we can end it on a good night.”
Mitchell explained it’d been a long year but one which has seen them play throughout Europe, North and South America and everywhere in between.
“We’ve toured non-stop since the album (Zonoscope) came out. We went to some amazing places across the world. We’ve got a few more to go then we’ve got some time off back in Australia before we do the summer festivals back home. It’s going to be a good chance to reflect back.’’
Prior to the intense tours and shows, the band were locked down in Melbourne making their third album Zonoscope. Taking a step away from the conventional studio recording, they created the record in a warehouse located in Melbourne’s outer industrial area. With more time to experiment and develop the music, Tim said it changed the way they could create their albums.
“It took the pressure off and gave us time to experiment. We weren’t in an expensive studio worrying how much money we were spending. For us it was about creating a new record which was a new world for our listeners. Every piece of art is a product of it’s environment so it was important for us to have the right setting.”
They took the process seriously shutting themselves off to become immersed in the music making process. Tim said it was a time to focus purely on the sound.
“We were cooped up with no internet, phone reception or heating. It was a very liberating experience although we probably could have done with the heating.”
Did recording in an isolated and enclosed space like that cause any cabin fever or Lord of the Flies style scenarios for the band? Mitchell tells me they had enough down time to stop it becoming an issue although he and Tim also enjoyed a bit of co-habitation as well. “We were in Melbourne so were able to go home at night but during the day far enough to isolate ourselves. Except Tim and I were living in a hotel together. We were both homeless at the time. Actually yes, that was really weird wasn’t it!”
After badgering the boys for a bit longer it was time to go and let them prepare for their huge London show. As two friends who seem quite relaxed and chilled out, it’s a stark contrast for the energy and excitement which comes with a Cut Copy performance. They mention they hope to be back in London next year and for anyone who hasn’t taken in one of their shows, hopefully another chance will come soon. But for me, I only had to wait a few more hours and I was not disappointed.