The internet has somewhat spoiled what used to be a terribly infrequent phenomenon: the underground superstar built solely by word of mouth.

Now you would have people all over the world sharing links and youtube videos, and within days a million myspace hits, to tout the newest thing going. Not long ago though this was the ground patrolled by vigilant tastemakers and their little zines. Australia’s ramshackle DIY kings and queens The Cannanes would form in 1984 and slowly infiltrate this scene with their unique take on rock and roll. They were the kind of band one often read about rather than actually heard, putting out records in limited quantities on multiple small labels.

When the NME named the (high school doodle covered) Bored Angry and Jealous EP “Single of the Year!” it seemed as if all of this would change - yet the group stuck to their unloaded guns and carried on as if they didn’t understand all the fuss. Playing all over the world, they seemed to endear themselves to everyone they encountered. I was fortunate enough to see them at Arlington’s Galaxy Hut, accompanied by Boyracer’s Stewart Anderson on drums and was forever smitten, as was the packed little room around me. Still going strong and as charming as ever, you too will have that chance when they stop in again on June 16th. In anticipation we had a little e-chat with lead singer and “jill” of all trades Frances Gibson once they touched down stateside.

Here goes:

Let’s get right down to it – who will be touring the U.S. as a “Cannane” with you and how many members does this make.
Well…Stephen O’Neil, Frances Gibson, Richard King and Penny McBride. There are one or two ther associates floating around but not in USA at the moment …

Is that tale of Annabel deciding not to attend the sessions for “The African Man’s Tomato” because the weather was too nice out true?
Annabel totally denies that but we think its true - maybe cause its easier to bear than if she just wanted out! Going to the beach seems more understandable

How are my favorite punk rock cattle ranchers Stewart Anderson and Jen Turrell?
They are blooming with their little daughter Tallulah. Stew is really a cowboy. What a transformation from that English punk rocker. His job involves coming to grips with nature and the desert in what seems a really tough way to myself as a soft city type….coyotes and dead calves and castrations etc!!!

Tell me about the Cannanes documentary “Short Poppy Syndrome.”
Well that was done a few years ago by some film makers, but has sort of been in limbo for awhile- Hope to get it more widely available soon- Perhaps with the Cannanes Best of release - planned for next year. (Operative word planned!!)

When your first release was named “single of the year” by NME (back when that sort of thing mattered!) what did you expect to follow business-wise?
Nothing really I guess. EMI sent us a letter asking for a copy of it and we were affronted and wrote back asking for $3 or whatever it cost. Ridiculous. But I think we also sent a copy so it was having a bet both ways. Anyway we knew no one in any sort of business would ever like it.

What was the reality?
The reality was we just went about our lives scoffing at everything as usual!

Lets get a rundown of the adventure: strangest thing that has happened since leaving home for the tour?Hmm..well possibly alligators just in ponds round the University of Florida - seemed a bit strange…or the eagles nests at Cape Canaveral…or the fact that wherever we went there seemed to be a tornado warning

Best meal so far on this tour?
Hmm so many..TOO many!!…..had a lovely beetroot salad and gnocchi last night made by Jerome in St Louis..but I think just about every meal we have had in a city from LA, Gainesville to Shreveport, New York, North Carolina, the ranch at Flagstaff…has been great but the highway food when we are in a hurry has been occasionally dispiriting..but still no complaints

Best band you saw at the Gainesville Popfest?
Holopaw, Bright Lights, but the really bad thing about that was as we were driving from Los Angeles we didnt see most of the bands so our opinion is not worth much..(not counting Boyracer as we are biased!!)

How many broken bones has the band incurred over the years?
Again TOO many…No more..this is the end of the fractures

Number of broken bones on this tour?
None - coughs and mosquito bites only so far

Number of people named Cannane ever in the band?
One

Number of people named Cannane in the band currently?
None but Michelle C is always around

What has been the most frustrating part of putting out records in the fashion you have (primarily DIY) over the years?
Not getting enough distribution- not having enough time to do things in an ordered way- always a bit haphazard and other things like lack of money etc interfere

What has been the most rewarding?
Fun shows - Meeting people - all over the world - hearing some great music

You have gotten marvelous results from some unlikely collaborators – what do you like most about working with others outside the band?
Fresh ideas - Inspiration - Fun!

What song should the crowd at Galaxy Hut be most “chuffed” to hear?
God I dont know… some new songs I hope! Ill be chuffed if we are still healthy and speaking to each other at that stage.

What do you think of the new Forster disc?
I have only heard it once. Was a bit dosappointed after all the hype but it may be that I will come to love it like the others… Live as a solo performer he has always been mesmerizing

Assuming you have an ipod on you put it on shuffle and write down the first five songs that pop up (no cheating to hide your Beyonce collection!):
Well I do have an Ipod which I only got for Christmas and I have been in such a rush that all that is on there so far are lots of interviews with authors, An Andersens CD (from Japan) the Cannanes rough mixes of new CD and Neil Youngs “Ohio.” I am sure the others would have much more interesting answers…

(Incase you wondered about my five - but why would you? Here they are:) I will do the same and feel free to poke fun at my selections: (I will look hopelessly obscure or Vanilla Ice will show up – either way I am a dork.)
1. New Fast Automatic Daffodils “Big”
2. Archers of Loaf “Might”
3. The Whitest Boy Alive “Burning”
4. Mice Parade “Nights Wave”
5. The La’s “Looking Glass”

Looks like hopelessly obscure wins this round…

Thanks!!!!!

The Cannanes play the world famous Galaxy Hut on Monday June 16th with DC shoegazing legends Lorelei!

check it: cannanes.com
space it: myspace.com/cannanes

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