Nervous certainly don’t mess around. With only a few live shows under their belts, this new punk quartet have already had a single and EP launch – comprised of five in-your-face tracks full of vitriol and fuelled by the current times.
With their self-titled debut currently spinning at RTR FM’s local feature, we chatted to guitarist Jarrod Murfit ahead of their performance on Saturday, March 20.
Sara (Salt; vocals) referred to the band as a musical outlet for her anger in a recent interview. How does the rest of the band feel about this project as a creative outlet?
We’re all pretty new to our roles within the band, so I feel like it’s been a massive learning experience for all of us. I’ve loved the chance to start fresh and find my own sound within this band.
From the first jam, I was blown away by the power behind Sara’s vocals in a punk setting. I’m really just trying to channel that same energy with my guitar and so the songs justice.
Can you give a bit of background about where the concept for ‘I’m Here’ came from?
I feel like we are able to come together sonically in the end section of ‘I’m Here’, to give Sara’s vocals the right platform. The lyrics and delivery are really raw and moving, so we made a concerted effort to match that with guitars and drums.
The band released your first EP recently. Can you give an idea of the creative process behind it?
It’s usually a very simple process and I love it. It usually starts with a bass line from Jacob and we’ll build around it and adjust the structure to Sara’s lyrics when it’s needed.
I definitely get a little carried away with the guitar at times, but I’m working on that.
Nervous, as a band name, is definitely something that feels ‘right’ in these weird times. How’d you settle on the name, and how has the meaning evolved over your time together?
It’s now a completely unavoidable bad pun before every show. But, yeah, the relevancy was definitely compounded by the state of the world around us last year.
I can’t speak for the rest of the band, but my connection to the name feels less introspective now. It seems like last year has made me feel more connected with people – especially in terms of nerves and anxiety.
People express themselves with more transparency now and are more open about their experiences with anxiety. No one should feel alone in that shit anymore.
Everyone is nervous and that’s sick – as long as it sparks positive change. Please reach out to your nearest and dearest.
Describe how your live show has manifested from your single launch to now?
Still nervous. Still tightening up our set and trying to get better. It’s coming along though and we’re all having a blast.
ALT//FEST is on Saturday, March 20 at Badlands Bar. Tickets available now here.