Combining the very best of 70s funk and groove with Neo-psychedelic jangly guitars, Greatest Hits’ new EP ‘Volume 2’ is an expedition of all the sounds and styles that have inspired the band over the years. We caught up with Greatest Hits to find out a bit more about the new EP and their unique sound. Be sure to check out the new EP and if you really dig it then you’ll be pleased to know Greatest Hits are gracing the UK with some live shows in 2022.
Lovely to meet you, Greatest Hits! Tell us a bit about yourselves and how you came to form Greatest Hits?
We were all living in the UK at the time, playing in various bands. I (Ryan) had just finished up a tour with Halfnoise (Zac Farro’s project), which had given me a newfound love of bass – particularly putting bass at the centre of songwriting. I became quite obsessed with making these groove-based demo’s, which were passed around a few friends, and lead to being offered a gig (before the band even really existed)! From there, we were having too much fun to stop.
What inspired your band name?
It was a joke that got out of hand, and are now kinda stuck with it. We still get asked when we’re changing the name but it kinda sums up our whole approach – This project has never been about taking ourselves too seriously.
Please talk us through the meaning of your latest single ‘Nuclear Love’?
The song is really a love letter to someone you’re crushing on. It’s saying to someone ‘You are so great you can do literally anything! Be a movie star! Be a nuclear scientist..’ It’s more laid back than our previous releases but hopefully the music captures that optimism and sunshine that comes with falling in love.
Loving the vintage funk vibes of the track, did you grow up listening to 70s groove or is it something you discovered later on?
We are all lucky enough to have grown up with parents who were listening to great 60s and 70s music, which inevitably informs the way we put songs together. However, I think it has been us personally digging into more groove based bands, like The Meters, Talking Heads, Shuggie Otis, and even modern stuff like Altun Gun, that has really had the biggest influence.
What can listeners expect from the full EP ‘Volume 2’?
There’s definitely some sounds in there that are a little different from the first EP. It’s a lot more collaborative with all of us sharing the writing duties, so It covers a broader range of flavours. We’ve got everything from 60s rock to an INXS influenced dance ballad!
How was the recording and writing process behind the EP?
The writing process is always different. Some of these songs started back in the UK and some in Nashville, and that’s part of what gives each song it’s own sonic stamp. After all that travelling, the drums were recorded at our keys player’s studio, and the rest we recorded at home.
Where do you live? What’s the music scene like and has it influenced you?
We’re all spread down the coast of Queensland, Australia right now, so we get to see a lot of great bands. It’s always inspiring being around people doing what they love. A few favourites have got to be Brisbane bands Wiigz, Great Sage and Radium Dolls.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
L’Eclair, Silk Sonic, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Parcels, Benny Sings
Name an artist you love who doesn’t necessarily fit in with the usual?
Sparks
What’s next for Greatest Hits?
We have a headline tour here in Australia, and then the real big news – we’re coming to play shows in the UK!!! – starting with London on May 17th! We’re so stoked to be getting back to where it all began for us.
All of us absolutely thrive off playing live shows. It’s the best part about being in this band, and probably the only way to get the full picture of Greatest Hits.
Finally, we ask everyone, what’s your favourite fruit?!
Collectively, I think passionfruit. Our keys player’s Mum grows a particular variety called a Banana Passionfruit. He sometimes brings them to rehearsal and they’re DELICIOUS.