 MIA DYSON is rocking out like never before, thanks to a new band and … She chats to CLARE FLETCHER. The first thing you notice, seeing Mia Dyson play with her new band, is the confidence she exudes. Although you’ll also notice the tall, long-haired, black-clad bass player and similarly hardened-looking drummer, if you’re accustomed to her original, “cute” rhythm section.
But whether it’s her natural progression as a performer, or being flanked on stage by two very rock-looking dudes, Mia is rocking onstage in a way it seems she’s been waiting to for a long time.
“For me it’s my ultimate line-up: they’re very spontaneous, very exciting players,” Mia says.
Drummer Angus Diggs and bass-player Wayne Freer have been with Mia since she parted ways (amicably) last year with her previous rhythm section. She’d been eyeing off Angus for a while at festivals, and he brought in Wayne. So what did Mia think when first faced with the towering prospect of Wayne?
“He’s really tall, about a foot and half taller than me. But he’s the classic gentle giant. He looks like a death metal guy, but he’s not - he’s a hippy! I like odd characters, I like how it’s a raggle-taggle band now!” Mia giggles.
And they do have their cute side too, apparently.
“Wayne is a real leftie, a hippy. He’s very disgruntled with the current state of Australian politics… I don’t think he’s ever been really happy with it! And Angus is the archetypal partying musician. It’s been his dream since he was a teenager to be on the road, playing music, partying, getting smashed… He’s a big joker, loves having a good time.”
Wayne and Angus are based in Western Australia while Mia spends most her time in Melbourne, so every tour is a reunion for the band. Mia admits it’s hard not being able to pop down the road and have a jam.
That said, Mia’s been writing prolifically by her standards and if the new songs aired at Bluesfest are any indication, her third album could be her best yet.
“I’ve already written two thirds of a new album, so I’ll hopefully finish it this year, record in December and get it out in March.”
Mia and the boys are on the road right now, promoting new single, I Meant Something To You Once. While it’s not the boys’ first show in Brisbane, it should be a special one.
“We’ve got a couple of new tunes, we’ve got Liz Stringer supporting and she’s also going to jump up with me. And we’ll have Dirty Lucy supporting,” Mia says.
And I never thought I’d hear lil’ old Mia Dyson bragging, but brag she does about making her maiden voyage to the States at the end of June; including a gig in New York’s Central Park with Ani DiFranco.
“Regardless of how well the gig goes, it’ll be fun. A good introduction - I mean, our first gig in New York will be to five thousand people at Central Park! Sorry, I’m being a smarty-pants. But I’m very excited!”
Mia Dyson plays The Zoo on Thursday. Parking Lots is out now through MGM Distribution.
|
| Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged. |
|
Be first to comment on this article
