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Little Red is surely a band that needs no introduction — the Melbourne darlings of doo-wop have been making waves for some time now.
For anyone who has been living under a rock, the band comprises five local lads. Four of them contribute lead vocals and harmonies over skintight primal rhythms, provided by the remaining adorable drummer.
Little Red shot to prominence in 2008, after winning the Australia-wide Garage to V competition. Since then the band has strode ahead in leaps and bounds (recycled suits in their wake) jumping on stage at the Big Day Out, Pyramid Rock, Falls and Meredith festivals. In between, they’ve hit the road and with the likes of good mates Vasco Era and even supported Vampire Weekend during their first Aussie tour (I must say, Little Red simply stole the show… and trust me, I’m a Vampire fan)
As for their sound? Well, there’s soul, there’s funk, there’s blues, there’s 60s beats and, of course, those sweet harmonies. They sing pretty ditties about girls and love, and coca cola and ice.
I recently got chatting to guitarist and vocalist Adrian Beltrame. Funnily enough, I first met Beltrame way back when in a dodgy Melbourne bistro at the ripe old age of 16 — a time when socialising meant raucous house parties when parents were away, and stealing booze signs after guzzling whiskey nabbed from forbidden alcohol cabinets. A decade later, not much has changed; Beltrame might be performing in front of crowds of thousands, but he hasn’t lost his penchant for fun.
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You boys have known each other while, what inspired you to start making music together?
Just listening to really great music together, it’s the best thing in the world. I remember back in the old days, when we were just starting, we used to play music in the day and listen to early Elvis records well into the night, playing cards. One time, Dom and I listened to Elvis’ first record 8 times in a row.
I know for you guys there is little else that comes close to playing live, so do you have a standout gig?
When we had just started up the band, we played some residencies. One at The Tote in Collingwood and the other at Northcote Social club and I remember those shows were really exciting because we knew we were onto a good formula. Also Big Day Out is a pretty amazing gig to be part of.
Tell me a little about your headline show at the Lexington in London late last year?
It’s always a bit nerve racking playing gigs, but we were well rehearsed for that show and playing in front of new people is easy because we know they’ve never seen anything like us before. The whole experience was just amazing. We did some recording for a couple days, which was probably the best bit.
As harmful as it may be to the whole rock star image, can you admit to having a come across any musicians that have left you star struck?
I met Johnny Marr (guitarist for the Smith’s and also a member of Modest Mouse). He was staying in the hotel room next to mine and he seemed like a real genuine guy and wished me luck.
When it comes to fashion, I would say your style is as old school as your music. So is it op shops or designer garb for you guys?
Op shops all the way. The op-shops in Northern NSW and Queensland are usually the best. We do try to co-ordinate but lately some of the boys have got into wearing tropical shirts, which confuses things a bit. I myself, am mostly into suit jackets because they make me look smart but they tend to get a bit smelly after a few shows and no washing [charming!]
So yesterday was yesterday, but what does the future hold for Little Red?
We are getting ready to record a second album, hopefully early this year. I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I think we have the potential to make a really special album.
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And so that’s Little Red, modest to the very end… but I spy big things on the horizon.
