When someone mentions the word 'Webster', what usually comes to mind is that adorable midget who starred in numerous American sitcoms. But all that is about to change as rock and roll band 'Webster' climb the slow and steady ladder of the Australian music scene.
If you've never heard of Webster, then perhaps you have been focussing your attention too much in the direction of Sydney. Take a look Northward and one manages to get a glimpse of Brisbane harbouring a rock 'n' roll attitude, into playing music and having fun. But according to lead guitarist Paul they love to play hard but not in an aggressive way.
'We're very melody orientated, we're not into aggression', says Paul. In fact, judging by the laid back nature of the interview and the laissez-faire responses to the questions one might get the impression the four piece are a very easygoing bunch, not too common in today's crazy world of rock music.
What Webster do have in common with past Aussie rock acts is the hard work ethic of getting out on the road and into people's faces and building up a fine live reputation. 'It's hard to keep track of us', says Paul, 'We're real highway travellers.'
A glance at their upcomming touring schedule confirms the fact that the boys will be 'white-line-fevering' rather intensely over the next few months. Initially they will open for Superjesus/Automatic bill which takes in the greater part of each and every corner of this country before teaming up with Sydney band Fini Scad for another round of gigs.
According to Paul the guys have just about stayed at every hotel/motel/hostel up and down the East Coast and so are looking at a novel way to travel in the future when they introduce their very special 'Can We Stay At Your House Tour' where they run a competition, and whoever wins gets to have Webster stay at their place! An interesting idea but have the boys never heard of the infamous tale of the groupie bunk bed bonanza bunglings? Or perhaps that's Websters style.
Whatever the case, the main ideal with the band is to produce some groovy tunes, but unlike many young bands Webster are not into preaching beliefs or 'big ideals' through their music. 'We're not bible bashers or devil worshippers', says Paul, which is always very refreshing to hear. Which is pretty much the feeling one gets when you listen to their music.
So comes the question what's the best thing about being in Webster? 'Well, meeting great people, playing great music, just the general feel of it', says Paul. I guess he means the 'vibe' of the thing. And so what keeps them going through the tough times and good times? Meeting famous musicians? The chicks? The adrenalin rush you get when performing?
We're in it for the music', says Paul. Awwwwww... It is also worth mentioning that Paul had just finished an accounting degree when he joined Webster, about four years ago. I guess he didn't plan on being a rock 'n' roll star. He claims he just 'drifted into it'. Some people are so lucky.
(Concrete Press: 12 August, 1997.)