1.The First Record I Bought

It was probably ‘Sugar, Sugar’ by The Archies – an irrepressible slice of bubblegum pop that I and about four million other kids thought was awesome!

2. The Last Record I Bought

This Is Acting by Sia. She’s a great songwriter and an amazing singer. The album’s production is excellent and there are some cracker songs on the record. My personal favourite is probably ‘Reaper’.

3.The First Thing I Recorded

Sunset Strip by The Riptides. We’d formed our band after being inspired by groups like The Saints and the Sex Pistols. True to the DIY ethic of the time we decided to make a record. Oblivious to the fact that we couldn’t really play yet, we found a recording studio in the phone directory, booked it, turned up on the day and went for it. We had no idea what we were doing but youthful enthusiasm can carry you a long way!

4. The Last Thing I Recorded

GANGgajang’s latest single ‘Circles In The Sand’, recorded at Blackfoot Sound with Dave Nicholas (INXS, Pulp, et cetera) at the helm. Dave engineered our first album 32 years ago, so it was fantastic to get back into a vintage studio with him and record everything ‘old-school’ again. We recorded live with minimal overdubs and it turned out great. And the reaction has been terrific as well – not only because of its sound but also due to the song being inspired by the story of the Pintubi Nine, the last true nomads to emerge from the western desert and encounter ‘civilisation’ for the first time. That was in October 1984, around the same time GANGgajang formed!

5. The Record That Changed My Life

When I was a kid my family lived in Africa. I remember being about seven years old and becoming inspired after hearing The Beatles’ ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ on Voice Of Kenya radio. One night, as she was putting me to bed, I recall asking my mum: “Mum, if I wrote a song for The Beatles, do you think they would sing it?” She said, “Of course they would!” I didn’t actually start writing songs for another ten years but I’ve never forgotten that moment and often wonder what would have happened if she’d have given a more sensible answer!

GANGgajang (remastered) is out now through IS Music. They play The Basement Saturday April 16, with Warren H. Williams and Dani Young.

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