Geelong's ultra-alternative fuzz-drenched Magic Dirt have built a strong reputation as a successful festival band, creating hype the old fashioned way….touring, in addition to securing an ever-growing cult following. After signing to Warner in 2000 their latest offering 'What are rock stars doing today' entered the national alternative charts at number four and 2002 has seen more festival appearances including the Big Day Out, more followers jump on the band wagon and a greater sense of notoriety develop around the group. Oz Music Central caught up with vocalist Adalita Srsen on the last leg of their 'City Trash' tour, where they are joined by the USA's 'Girls Against Boys' and The Nation Blue for a quick insight into the world of dirt.

Magic Dirt turned down record offers early in formation before signing to Fallaheen, when you look back now do you still think that was the right decision?
Adalita: Absolutely. There is no looking back.

Do you believe signing to a major label has changed your approach to music or your music itself?
Adalita: Definitely not.

You've gained a reputation as a bit of a festival band playing in everything from Homebake, the Big Day Out, the Falls Festival, What's your most memorable festival experience?
Adalita: One of the most memorable experiences would have to be The Falls 1999/2000. We were playing at 1 a.m. after the Violent Femmes headline. During the Violent Femmes set a few bottles were thrown on stage. The band walked off stage and were off for about 10 minutes. The organisers told us to be ready to get on stage in case the Femmes split. The crowd started to boo. The Femmes got back on stage and finished their set. By the time we got on everyone was so ready to let off steam so we just went for it and everyone went ballistic. By the end of our set there were a few punters dancing naked on the stage. It was hilarious fun.

Tell us about the 'City Trash' tour, what can we expect from you guys in concert?
Adalita: Our advice is to have no expectations. Anything can happen and its what you make of it but we will definitely be looking forward to rocking out with everyone. It will be an intense show, that's for sure.

Magic Dirt has existed since 1992, granted with a few changes here and there, how do you guys all get along, and how do you personally find it being the only girl in the group?
Adalita: Being the only girl is no problem. We all get along really well but when you're around the same people for a long time, particularly in stressful situations there are bound to be a few tantrums. We don't hold grudges for too long.

Do you guys all have trouble separating yourselves from your music and the band or are you easily able to step back and observe the bigger picture?
Adalita: It's easy and hard to do both, depending on my mood. There is no technique or textbook to help with this. It's just going with it I think and learning when to let go. I actually like being obsessed with the music and I don't really need to separate myself from it because it IS me. But sometimes it's cool to hang out with mates that have a "normal" 9 to 5 job and to have a rest from the crazy hours and erratic schedules.

You've been quoted many a time as processing a cult following in Australia, how does it make you feel to know your idolised by so many young people?
Adalita: I think it's great that people get inspired by other people. I think it's one of the most beautiful things to do in the world, to inspire people. If we are contributing to that then I am more than grateful. Young people inspire us every day with their creativity and enthusiasm about life.

'What Rock Stars are doing today' showcased a certain pop sensibility we've never heard from you guys, do you thing Magic Dirt may be mellowing or maturing with time?
Adalita: Yeah maybe. I would say we're just evolving. Evolving to a more purified state of song writing. It's exciting, actually it's even more exciting than when we were first writing music. I never, ever thought that we'd ever get to this stage in our career. I can't wait to put out the next album.

What should we expect from Magic Dirt in the next couple of years, which direction do you think the band will take?
Adalita: The greatest thing about getting older is that you don't know what is around the corner and I find that exciting. For the next couple of years we will be working intensely and obsessively on the new album. It's getting there, only a few more songs to go before we record.

Who is the little boy who has joined the band on stage from time to time? Adalita: That is Adam's little boy, Dylan. He is awesome and has absolutely no fear getting up on stage and rocking out. He's an inspiration. The crowds love him.

Whats something that nobody knows about the band?
Adalita: You'll have to wait for the biography.

Tickets are still available for the last leg of the 'City Trash' tour and can be purchased on line through the bands website www.magicdirt.com.au