Creating a Red Abum

The Red Paintings. Love them or hate them they are one of the most unique Australian bands around at the moment. Singer/Guitarist Trash McSweeney took a few moments away from mixing the bands debut album to have a chat to Mission #1 about life as the vision behind The Red Paintings, and I started by asking him about the American tour the band recently completed.

“Considering we had no marketing, no PR for our tour I thought we had great turn outs. Sure it wasn’t like touring with the [Dresden] Dolls playing to thousands each night. Overall I’m happy, I really couldn’t have asked for more. Plus I believe this trip to the USA was about a lot more then touring an idea.” I asked Trash what shows on the tour had stood out for him. “I’d say Portland because I was the most pissed of over the entire tour and we lifted the roof of the venue because of it. I also recall that night we sold a lot of merch and people were buying everything they could get their hands on.”

The band was touring the USA after playing at Museexpo, a showcase attracting some of the “most influential executive talent from around the globe.” I asked Trash what some of the feedback he has received from the industry representatives has been like. “[They said] that we are our own sound and idea, and they think we fit inside our own scene. I’ve received positive and negative [comments] and all comments made were valid.”

In 2007 The Red Paintings launched an appeal from their fans for donations, a pre-order, so they could record their debut album, titled The Revolution Is Never Coming. As mentioned earlier, Trash is in Canada mixing it. I asked him how it was coming along, and if there were any hints of a possible release date. “It’s a hard album to make, because it tests your patience like you wouldn’t believe. It’s coming along, I’ve changed ideas in the mix a few times now. This was the album I wanted to get right so it’s only fair that it would send me crazy and it’s doing a great job of that. I’m not ready at this stage to offer a release date, as soon as it’s complete in all ways I will see that date, and everyone that cares about us will notice.”

The album is set to be one of the defining moments of The Red Painting’s history so far. I asked if there was anything Trash wanted new listeners and old fans to take away after listening to it. “That they are received more then their $40 worth in these 13 songs. That I’m giving you an album that is been recorded and felt like no other. Doesn’t mean its any good just means I’ve [been] sacrificing myself for it. And lastly that i am very thankful for this incredible experience, this album has taken me to some life-changing places.”

The band is returning to Australian shores in July and August for two special showcase shows. Trash refused to give away any information about them, except that we can expect to see and hear animals screaming. I finished off asking Trash what art inspires him most. “Performance Art. Organizations that get out on the streets and protest against animal cruelty. That inspires me most.”

The Red Paintings return to Australia in August for two free showcase shows. To register for the ballot to receive a free double pass, visit http://www.individulaunch.com.au/

Check out The Red Paintings on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theredpaintings . Debut album “The Revolution Is Never Coming” release date to be announced. Image sourced from the bands Myspace