MBC Chats: Salarymen

This week we were lucky to get an insight into what makes Sydney favs Salarymen tick, and how they feel about the Australian music scene right now, ahead of their annual Christmas show at The Vic on the Park. Take a read below!

Salarymen have ended their year with a bang, after a calender jam packed with shows, the band have managed to release an incredible 5-track EP ‘Head in the Sand’.

Tell us a little bit about your new EP and what inspired it?

“This collection of songs was born from a rollercoaster of emotions – written partly during lockdown, and partly as we emerged. For example, we wrote ‘Summer’s Coming’ when Spring was just around the corner and the world was opening up. The lyrics reflect on us yearning for a simpler time, where the biggest thing on our mind is what beach we’re going to, and where to find a cold beer. Conversely, we wrote ‘Rerun’ smack bang in the middle of lockdown, when we were desperate to just feel something, and have something to look forward to.”

The live music scene in Australia is in a weird state of post-pandemic exhaustion. From zero gigs one month to one-hundred the next, the live landscape is still finding its feet in certain respects.

As a very active band in the Sydney music scene, how do you feel about the current state of live music around your city and beyond?

It could definitely be better in Sydney, particularly in terms of the number of smaller venues and the types of events that you’re allowed to legally hold. It seems like other cities are teeming with live venues and their restrictions aren’t as tough. If it works there, it can work here. Nevertheless, we’re really grateful for all the venue managers who’ve stuck it out just like us through tough times!

Moreover, the international scene seems to be finding its own way back to life as well which is amazing to see. Salarymen recently toured Japan.

You recently toured Japan, how was that?

An insane amount of fried chicken and beer was consumed!! It was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had as a band. The Japanese audiences were super attentive and lovely, and the venue managers took us out after the shows and made sure we felt very loved.

As with every MBC Chats, we gotta have a cracking show to follow. Salarymen take on the Vic this weekend for a Saturday night of Christmas cheer!

Your Christmas show at the Vic is fast approaching, what can punters expect? 

Silly season is upon us! There’s nothing merrier than a singalong inside a pub, and we promise you’ll know the words to one of our covers ☺️ It’s our tradition to play the Vic each year in December as that’s where our first ever gig was. Always a great time and a fun audience, and it’s totally free. Make sure you come down and catch The Brights as well, who will be playing alongside us.