Q&A with Gavin Bowles – Picture Perfect

picture perfectHaving just released their brand new film clip for ‘I Know You Better’, Gavin Bowles of Sydney band Picture Perfect took time out to answer a few questions for LifeMusicMedia.com

:: What track changed your life ::

That’s a hard question. I’d have to say ‘Longview’ by Green Day. It definitely blew me away the first time I heard it. (Another one would be Hendrix’s version of ‘All Along The Watchtower’).

:: What is your favourite Album ::

‘American Idiot’ by Green Day. I always used to get shit about being a Green Day fan, but their music had a huge impact on me and that album is just a masterpiece, in every sense.

:: Name a band or artist we should checkout ::

King of the North and The Dead Love.

:: Favourite Quote ::

“There’s no room for modesty once you’ve sold seven EP’s in one night” (Simon – our drummer)

:: When on tour, you can’t live without ::

My iPod. And coffee.

:: When you think of Australia, you think ::

Cold Chisel. They just captured so many aspects of urban and suburban Australia. Not to mention, they’re also an amazing band (another major influence on me). They’re the gourmet-meat pie of pub-rock bands.

:: Worst thing to happen to music is ::

I suppose shows like ‘The Voice’ have their place and give people opportunities, but I’m not a fan. Either that or Ke$ha.

:: Best thing about the current music industry ::

Andrew G and Jabba have stopped doing interviews.

:: Biggest influence ::

There’s so many. Probably Green Day. Chris Cheney and The Living End also.

:: Childhood hero ::

Murray Cook (Red wiggle). He was a badass.

:: When you were younger you wanted to be ::

Jimmy Barnes, but I learned as I got older that there can really only be one Jimmy. I could never sing like that, or drink as much as he used to. But man, can he belt it out! Still!

:: Last album bought ::

Been in a bit of an Elvis Costello phase, so just bought some of his albums I didn’t already have. Also bought the ‘Royal Blood’ and ‘Microscopic Wars’ by Kingswood – both crackers!

:: First album you ever bought ::

‘Circus Animals’ by Cold Chisel. Still listen to it. Awesome album.

:: First concert you went to ::

If The Wiggles counts, then The Wiggles at Springwood Civic Centre sometime in 1994. Otherwise I think it was Jimmy Barnes at Penrith Panthers in 2001.

:: Last concert you went to ::

Mates of ours ‘The Dead Love’ had their album launch at Oxford Arts Factory. Awesome gig!

:: Favourite current band ::

Either Kingswood or Violent Soho.

:: Favourite drink ::

Canadian Club and Dry is good. Or American Honey.

:: Favourite book ::

Not much of a reader, but the Joe Strummer/The Clash biography by Kris Needs is a good read. (Another huge influence)

:: Favourite actor ::

Either Jim Carrey or James Stewart.

:: Favourite website ::

Facebook – unfortunately.

:: The best boredom buster is ::

I recently bought myself a cheap record player, so I’ve been listening to a lot of vinyl. But it doesn’t matter what medium you’re listening to – just put on a good album. Works every time!

:: The best film you ever saw was ::

Possibly Pulp Fiction.

:: Your ultimate snack is ::

Chicken and Avocado Sushi roll.

:: The first thing you do when you wake up is ::

Go to my local coffee shop.

:: Best piece of advice you’ve received ::

Just to be honest. (Thanks Mum!)

:: Your biggest aspirations ::

Just to be able to do what I love for a living, as long as it’s still fun and enjoyable.

:: Best gift you’ve ever given/received ::

I suppose it would have to be my first guitar, wouldn’t it? (Thanks Mum and Dad!)

Visit Picture Perfect at pictureperfectband.com.au for upcoming tour dates and info.

www.facebook.com/pictureperfecttheband
pictureperfectband.com.au

Upcoming shows:
November 15th, 2014 – Revolver Bandroom Melbourne
December 6th, 2014 – Tattersall’s Hotel Penrith