photo taken by Kate Slattery

Perth is well-known for having a thriving music scene, and one of the most popular acts is local five-piece The Fergusons. The guys have released two EP's, 2001's "Hurting The Washing Machine", and "Never Too Young To Hitchhike", which just hit the shelves a few months ago. Both full of catchy, instantly-likeable songs, they win you over after the first listen. The guys have just returned from a couple of dates interstate, and we caught up with vocalist/guitarist Al for a rundown of the last few months in the Fergies camp.

First off, I want to say congratulations for taking out the awards for most popular local original pop and indie acts at the WAMI's this year. It must mean a lot to get recognition, considering how many great bands there are on the scene?
Thanks. Yeah, we were totally surprised and stoked. But with the amount of piss that gets consumed, the whole WAMI festival is the real winner.

During the festival you also did a live at the wireless set for Triple J, which had an incredible turnout. What was that night like from your perspective?
It was fucking amazing. We were totally blown away. At first we were nervous because we thought no-one was gonna turn up, and then we were nervous cause so many turned up, but it ended up being a great night and the energy we got from the crowd was awesome. It was definitely one of our top 3 gigs of all time.

You guys have just returned home from your first east-coast dates, supporting UK act seafood. What was the experience like?
Seafood kick ass. We had only heard their radio songs before we saw them live, and they blew us away. Like so many other bands I can't believe they haven't yet taken the world by storm. We were just stoked to get the chance to go to Melbourne and Sydney, so to play alongside such a great band was awesome.

On a less serious note: which member is most likely to get tossed out of the tour van first, and why?
Hmmm that's tough, because we would probably all get tossed out at some stage. I'd say Grant, but he'd be driving, so I'll say Matt. For no particular reason.

The Fergusons have a distinct sound... I'm interested to know if you share common influences, and if you think those influences are apparent in your music.
Umm it's weird, we share some common influences but we all have our own tastes as well. The common influences would have to be Weezer and Built To Spill, and I think that they both definitely come through in our music, hopefully not too much though.

Onstage you have a great chemistry and come across as a really tight unit. Do you spend a lot of time together outside of the band, or do you get sick of the sight of each other?
We don't spend heaps of time together outside of the band I guess, mostly because the band takes up a lot of time, and we have no money, so we don't do much.

"Everything's Gone Bad" is the song that has really generated national interest, and it's been on high rotation at Triple J. Most bands save their well-known song until last in the set, but I notice you don't do that... is that a conscious decision on your part?
Yeah, we don't really wanna be one of those bands. We just like to play the set the way we see it fitting together the best.

What's been your most memorable gig to date, and why?
Umm for me, it's a tie between Rock-It (a Perth festival) and Live At The Wireless. Both because of the hugeness of them. But I think i'd actually say LATW, or the "Never Too Young To Hitchhike" cd launch for the energy.

Both of your EP's have been successful and warmly received. What are the plans now for future recording?
Umm, we don't know yet. We are going to demo some more songs soon, and then see how we go saving the dosh. .

The Fergusons - 05th October 2002 (photo's © Sarah Moses)

Check out the Fergusons @ www.thefergusons.com.au