1. Thanks for doing this interview. What else are you up to today?

Hey man, no problem! We’ve got the day off in southern Netherlands watching Die Hard.

2. Describe the first gig you ever played..

The first gig we ever did together was a house party in Seattle. Everyone crammed into this room and turned all the lights off and vibed out together. I think there’s footage online of us doing “Shadows of the Night” there.

3. Is there anywhere or anything you’re really looking forward to seeing while you’re in Australia?

I want to be shown something I’m not expecting to see. And kangaroos.

4. Are there any tracks that really get the crowd going every time? Do you have favourites from the album?

Some night the crowds wild from the beginning and sometimes it takes a couple for them to really feel loose, but we always get there together. Different songs different nights get me going.

5. Where did the album name Sonic Bloom come from?

Danny Lee came to us with it and it was instantly what we wanted. It wrapped up where we felt we’d come from and where we were going.

6. What’s been the best musical moment of 2014 for you so far?

Coming to Australia would have to be it for me this year.

7. Do you have a preference between festivals and solo shows? What makes each better?

We approach shows all the same. I can’t really say I like one over the other. Festivals can be great because the amount of great music in one place, kinda makes you step up the game sometimes. Make the next band sweat having to follow you ya know?

8. Have you started thinking about songs for the follow-up to Sonic Bloom, or are you just focusing on touring for now?

We’ve begun writing for the new album.

9. Night Beat’s music contains such a good mix of psychedelic, garage, soul and blues (and I believe the band name is an homage to Sam Cooke!) What are some of your favourite soul artists?

Light In The Attic puts out some great little known soul music like Pastor T.L. Barrett and Wendy Rene, the former being an all time favorite. Muscle Shoals put out amazing soul as well – Arthur Alexander, Etta James, Aretha’s best stuff. Ike & Tina Turners record “River Deep-Mountain High” has been playing every chance I get lately.

10. What about blues?

Lightning Sam Hopkins and Abner Jay are killing it for me right now.

11. You’re touring Australia with The Laurels, who are such an amazing live act. Are there any other Aussie bands you’ve listened to?

Yeah its great getting to tour with The Laurels. We all really dig King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Tame Impala. KG&TLW blew me away at Austin Psych Fest this past year.

12. You’ve toured with bands like The Black Angels, The Jesus and Mary Chain, (both are two personal favourites) and more. If you could tour with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?

The Monks and Los Saicos come straight to mind. ZZ Top seems like they probably know how to have a real good time.

13. If you could collaborate with anybody, who would you work with?

Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem

14. If you could curate your own festival, who would be the headliners?

Oh man, I can’t even start on that list.

15. What else have you got planned for the rest of the year?

We’ll be recording. Tarek has a solo album coming with Burger Records in October. Keep an eye out!

Click here for the full Night Beats tour announcement

Night Beats Tour Dates:

Friday 12 Sep – The Curtin, Melbourne TICKETS
Saturday 13 Sep – Jive, Adelaide TICKETS
Sunday 14 Sep – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney TICKETS
Thursday 18 Sep – The Brightside, Brisbane TICKETS
Friday 19 Sep – Elsewhere, Gold Coast TICKETS