Melbourne shoegaze sweethearts Pretty City are hungry for success – they’ve got a taste for life on the road and are keen for a slice of the pie. “We’ve played in Sydney five or six times, but we’ve never played at Frankie’s Pizza,” says drummer Drew Schapper. “I’ve only heard good things about it and I’m really looking forward to trying their pizza, to be honest – I can’t wait.”
Pretty City are currently at the halfway mark of their Triple A-Side Tour,and from all accounts life couldn’t get much better for the likeable trio. “Touring is not quite as glamorous as I thought it would be when I was a kid!” laughs Schapper. “But it’s fun and we love playing together live – that’s what we live for. It’s nice to get out on the open road with your mates and do something we all really enjoy.
“It feels like there’s a real synergy between us at the moment,” he adds. “We all feel really invested in this band and we know that each of our roles is integral to our success. I don’t think we could function as a band and get the best out of each other unless we have equal input and ownership of everything.”
This theory was behind the band’s recent decision to release not one but three singles simultaneously. ‘Melt’, ‘Running Around’ and ‘Second Hand Clothes’ can all be found on their latest EP, The Triple A-Side.
“There are three of us and we’ve all got different taste in music,” says Schapper. “Each song on the EP is reflective of each of our personalities. There’s method to our madness, not simply flat-out indecision like everyone thought! ‘Melt’ is my baby. I absolutely love that song. Hugh [Matthews, lead vocals and guitar] sounds incredible on ‘Running Around’, and Johnny [John-Luis Moretti, guitar and vocals]’s energy and crazy party vibe ooze out of ‘Second Hand Clothes’.”
The EP was the result of Pretty City being “holed up in the studio”, but Schapper reveals that’s not all they were up to. “We’ve actually finished recording our first LP. It’s nearly all mixed – there are two more tracks to mix on it and it should be done by the end of the month, but we’ll probably release it a bit later in the year. Hopefully we can get it out and about around August or September and do a national tour.”
In the meantime, Pretty City are concentrating on the last few shows on their current tour, with Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane left to go. “At the Sydney gig our support is a Queensland band The Vultures,” says Schapper. “They’re actually on tour themselves so we’ll just be crossing paths. They’re coming down the coast while we’re going up the coast, and we’ll meet in Sydney. They’re playing in Melbourne while we play in Brisbane, so we’re kind of tag-teaming on the way through.
“In Newcastle there are a couple of bands playing supports, but I know that one will definitely be Raave Tapes. They’re Newcastle locals and we’ve played with them in the past – they’re really lovely guys. We’re looking forward to playing in Newcastle – actually, we’ve only played there once before so we’re pretty excited to get back there. Last time everyone was really rowdy and we love a rowdy crowd.”
Released independently, The Triple A-Side is availlable now. Pretty City are appearing, with The Vultures, at Frankie’s Pizza on Wednesday July 8 and Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle on Friday July 10.
