“It would be nice for a stranger out there to connect with it, whether it's musically or lyrically” - The Great Emu War Casualties Interview - By The Fans Magazine

Words & Interview: Jenna Stoch, Grace Wearn

Photography credit to retrospective owner.

“By The Fans Magazine is rooted in real connection — a female-led platform built by fans, for fans. We’re all about honest, unfiltered conversations that go beyond the surface, and we’d love to explore the vital elements from your journey so far, your sound and influences, and the key moments that truly drive your music — the ones your fans feel just as deeply as you do. The Great Emu War Casualties, thank you so much for taking your time to speak to us here at By The Fans Magazine. For those who are yet to discover your talent and music, could you please tell our readers a bit about yourself and your artistic identity?”

Thank you for having us and we won't bore you with the details, but essentially we are a hodgepodge nouveau shamanic alt-pop alt-indie alt-alt alternative guitar band/cult currently residing in various places up and down the East Australia Current, just like Nemo and his boring clownfish father. God, that guy was so boring and annoying. The pelican was the best character. Pelicans are the coolest birds.

“Your music has such a unique and distinctive both style and sound — where does that stem from?”

I mean, I guess the band is essentially made up of a Britpop Liverpudlian guitar lad, a metal machine Nepali drummer, a musical theatre wunderkind and a... well, a bass player. I'm the least interesting one. I have an extremely eclectic taste in music though, that's my contribution. I'll go for anything from any place in the world from any time period, as long as it's good.  

“Who are your biggest musical inspirations and influences and how do you think that has helped shaped your own style of music?”

I mean, as I say we all come from pretty diverse backgrounds... I'll just speak for myself, but artists like Everything Everything, Shiina Ringo, Meshell Ndegeocello, Talking Heads... none of them have anything to do with each other musically, but the thing I love about all of them is that none of them are limited by a specific genre or sound. They aren't afraid to push the boundaries even if it means getting it wrong or becoming less popular because they don't fit into one 'thing'. That's the coolest thing for me.

“Your band’ name, The Great Emu War Casualties, is so unique but equally unforgettable — what’s the story behind it and how did the band come together?”

Most people tell us it's entirely forgettable... in fact I can't even remember it when someone asks me what the band is called…

It's not a particularly interesting story - I was on a rooftop in Liverpool with two of the Northern English lads (one of them being Joe) and probably for lack of anything better to say I started reeling off pieces of kitschy Australiana history (like The Great Emu War) and they were like, "what's an emu?" and I'm like, "...what??" And voila. Then the other dude ended up leaving to go work on a cruise ship, then my visa ran out so Joe and I had a brief and pointlessly expensive stint in Amsterdam, then Joe couldn't find a job, then like all the other bums of Britain he washed up down under with me (who also couldn't find a job), then Bibek appeared from the internet (pretty sure he was jobless too). Cat came on board with us for the recording of this album, which was a huge stroke of luck. She has a job and everything. We have a carousel of other bums who accidentally appear with us from time to time and we take full advantage of their mistakes but most of them eventually have a fight with Joe and leave.

“Your new single ‘Wanna See You’ was recently released — what’s the story and inspiration behind it and what emotions can listeners expect to resonate with, from this track alone?”

This one is Joe's problem and when it comes to talking about the meanings behind his lyrics. This one feels pretty straightforward though. "I wanna see you every time you call". He must be talking to himself in the mirror again. He says it's a happy song but he's in denial.

“When a song idea comes to life, does it usually come from one of you or grow naturally as a group?”

Por que no los dos? It usually comes from one of us and then we flesh it out as a group.

“Your new album ‘Public Sweetheart No 1’ comes out 27th March! How was the whole process from songwriting to production? And are there any particular songs you’re excited to perform live?”

It does! It was long. We had a few snags along the way. Mostly money related. We got there in the end and we're happy about it. I am personally keen to try Sob Story because I always like making a big noise. Anyone who knows me would find that concept amusing.

“Can you name a specific moment that has cemented and been a defining moment for you as a band so far?”

I mean... as I mentioned, we're really not very popular, so... not really... you know what, being able to open for The Hold Steady that one time with a full band lineup (six of us) was really cool. That basically never happens. In an ideal world, I'd like to do that like, more than once a century, but... you know.

 Never say never! (Which is the motto of every unpopular musician ever).

“What do you hope listeners take away from your music?”

There's a little essay that Tennessee Williams wrote called 'Person to Person' which I love and more or less sums up 'artistic expression' for me. It would be nice for a stranger out there to connect with it, whether it's musically or lyrically. Failing that, I'd be happy with someone nodding and going 'yeah, cool'. That's the dream.

“Thank you so much! And the last question - Can you give any advice to upcoming young creatives, in the industry, with the same drive and passion as you?”

GET A REAL JOB, MAN.

No, but seriously. This shit costs money and as soon as you agree to take hand outs from a third party to create then your art has been compromised. It is hard to manage things on your own and off of your own back but there is a level of satisfaction that comes with having created something without personal compromise.

You can listen to Public Sweetheart No.1 here.