Interview with Craig Selak – The Bennies

Interview by Stuart Blythe
the bennies

We caught up with THE BENNIES bassist CRAIG SELAK to chat about Soundwave Festival 2015, touring and the year ahead.

2014 was a massive year for The Bennies. Touring with the Dead Kennedys, shows with NOFX, a US tour and the release of your second EP Heavy Disco just to name a few highlights. What were the standout moments of 2014 for you?

Playing the opening slot at Melbourne Soundwave was an absolute dream come true, can’t believe we’ll be back again for the whole thing this time! Also our China tour was a blast.

You’re playing at Soundwave 2015. What are you most looking forward to about the festival?

Other than watching some of my favourite bands of all time, I’m also really keen to play our songs to a bunch of new people who’ve never heard them before. There’s something awesome about getting on the stage and trying to get people to take notice

What’s your favourite/least favourite festival experience?

My fav was draining a beer with Phil Anselmo (Pantera) at last year’s soundwave.
My least fav was at a festival called ‘weekend at the farm’, the festival got closed down one band before we were meant to play!

Have you got any pre-show routines/superstitions?

HAhahah this is a loaded question as I have OCD… so in short, about 1000! hahahah

What other bands are you excited about touring around Australia and sharing the stage with?

The Interrupters, FNM, Soundgarden, Aquabats, and Area-7 for possibly the last time

What is the most important thing you bring when you’re on tour?

My bass guitar!! That and my Nintendo 3DS

Does the band have anything special planned for Soundwave 2015 in particular?

Last year we brought along a 5 foot giant paper mache doobie that we hooked up to a smoke machine. Expect something similar this year!

After Soundwave 2015 finishes up you’ll be heading out on your “Party Whirlwind” tour. Tell us a little more about that?

We love to tour, and on the Party Whirlwind Tour we’ll be supported by our great mates Foxtrot – so it’s pretty much a massive excuse to party with friends around Australia!

Is there anything you would like to say to your fan base ahead of the tour?

Yes, Mum and Dad I’ll see you at dinner on Wednesday

—– Quick Questions —–

:: What track changed your life ::

Queen – Killer Queen

:: Biggest influence ::

Blind Melon

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

Apart From This

:: Favourite Quote ::

“If you can’t eat them, joint them”

:: Three words to describe the last few years ::

Fucken best time ever yeah boy!

:: Three words to describe the year ahead ::

Party Whirlwind Tour

Visit www.facebook.com/thebenniesband for all things The Bennies
Visit www.soundwavefestival.com for all Soundwave Festival information and updates.

Photo by Rachael Barrett – www.rachaelbarrett.com.au/