Scared of Sharks Unleashes Punk-Rock Fury with "Yuppie Land!"
Scared of Sharks, the punk-rock sensation that emerged from Mogareeka and currently calls the Illawarra region home, is poised to release their latest single, "Yuppie Land!" This much-anticipated track promises to be a rebellious and thrilling response to the encroaching wave of fake hippie and yuppie culture that has recently engulfed the Northern Rivers/Hinterland area, all set to the heart-pounding rhythm of punk and rock 'n' roll.
The story of Scared of Sharks begins with Ignatios Whitley and Jack Malolakis, who joined forces in 2016 to kickstart their musical journey. They made their debut at the youth stage of the Cobargo Folk Festival, marking the birth of a band that would soon become a powerful force in the Australian punk and rock scene. However, Jack's departure in 2021 didn't deter Ignatios, who continued to steer the ship with the addition of Ten Tun on drums and Louis Cruton on bass. This transformation only amped up their energy, resulting in a raw, unapologetic presence that left audiences craving for more.
Scared of Sharks' path to stardom has been an exciting one, taking them from the intimacy of backyard gigs in Mullumbimby to headlining iconic venues such as Melbourne's Cherry Bar. With each performance, they've solidified their reputation as a band that delivers unfiltered, high-octane shows that captivate both sober and inebriated audiences alike.
In the world of Scared of Sharks, they've been aptly described as "Actually Quite Good" by those who experience their music with clear heads and as "F***ing Sick" by those who have had a few too many drinks. This duality in audience reactions only serves to highlight the band's ability to provide an unforgettable live experience, regardless of your state of mind.
The band's latest single, "Yuppie Land!," is a product of inspiration drawn from the sounds of The Growlers and a contemplative reflection on the shifting dynamics of Byron Bay. This track serves as a spirited musical response to the influx of commercialism and the loss of the laid-back vibe for which the town was once renowned. Recorded at Noise Machine Studios with the assistance of producer Radi Safi and engineer Tim McArtney, "Yuppie Land!" was then skillfully mastered by Owen Penglis of Straight Arrows.
However, Scared of Sharks isn't content to rest on the laurels of "Yuppie Land!" They've already recorded two more singles alongside Radi and Tim, and have also put together a 6-track EP with Cody Munro Moore at Stranded Rec in Bellambi. Fans can look forward to a steady stream of new music from the band in the latter half of 2023 and throughout 2024 as they continue to electrify stages up and down the east coast.
Scared of Sharks isn't just a band; they're a sonic powerhouse on a mission to infuse punk-rock energy with thought-provoking messages. With "Yuppie Land!" as their latest weapon, they're ready to shake up the Australian music scene and beyond. So, get ready to dive headfirst into the tumultuous waters of Scared of Sharks, because it's a ride you won't want to miss!
We caught up with Taylor from Scared of Sharks to see what all the fuss was about:
Hey Taylor, How are you today?
Not too shabby, Thanks
Tell me how you go your band name 'Scared of Sharks’
My Friend Garto was over when myself and my brother were practicing for our first gig at the Cobargo folk festival. He wanted to go surfing but there had been a shark sighting two days previous at a beach 40min away so i was too scared. He suggested that’s what we should name ourselves.
I love that your new song is called 'Yuppie Land!', what's the meaning behind the song title?
Well, the song kinda uses Byron Bay’s decline from a chill beach town to an overpriced tourist hotspot as a metaphor for the same thing that happens all over the world. Anything nice will eventually get ruined by Yuppies haha
Who did you work with for Production, Mixing, Mastering for this one? and do you use the same team every time?
We recorded this one at Noise Machine Studios with Radi Safi on as producer and Tim McArtney as engineer And then Owen Penglis mastered it for us. We’ve done two more songs with Radi and Tim, which should be out in the next few months. And we’ve got a six track EP that’ll prob come out in the back half of 2024 that we recorded at Strandard Rec. With Cody Munro more.
What can people expect from coming to your shows?
Alota fun hopefully haha, I feel like Yuppie Land! Sits nicely in the middle of our set at the min, We’ve got a couple more chill ones and a few heavier songs aswell.
What are your go to records for listening?
My favourite records that I’ve bought this year would be,
Gee Tee - Goodnight Neanderthal
C.O.F.F.I.N. - Australia Stops
Hoon - Australian Dream
Piss Shivers - Piss Shivers
Snooper - Super Snooper
+ The new Hives Album is is sick as-well.
What is your favourite shark?
The one that is furthest away from me haha.
What inspires you to write music for Scared of Sharks?
I dunno, everything and nothing I guess? We’ve (Tim, Loui and Myself) started writing a few songs together recently witch has been fun.
What are the best bands in your community/from the local scene that we should be across?
Final Girls - Fantastic pop punk band outta Syd that we’ve played a heap of shows with. Just put out an EP “No One Gets to go Home” that is front to back all Killer.
Dribs - W’gong locals and best buds who I personally reckon I’ve seen live more than any other band and not one of those shows has been anything other than legendary. (We love Dribs! Dribs Dribs Dribs!)
Circadia - Groovy, Soulful, beautiful people with songs to mach. They just opened the Lalala’s stage on the Sunday at Y&O with one of the best sets of the weekend.
What is your plan for the remainder of 2023 into 2024?
We’re finishing off our single release tour with shows on October 28 at seeker brewing in W'gong (Scared of Halloween mini fest free entry!) and then on 10th of November at the Chippo in Sydney then after that Releasing more music and playing more shows.
If you're down to last $10, how do you plan 3 meals out?
Is that even enough for one meal nowadays? Haha maybe just a bag of rice and some carrots and onions?
Thanks
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