Listen to what Terry has to say.

Five long years since their last album, the Aussie post-punk outfit known as Terry have come roaring back with a new offering that's guaranteed to tickle your eardrums. Call Me Terry is a clever and upbeat pop album that fearlessly confronts Australia's dark colonial past, unearthing the greed, privilege, and entitlement of the country's elite. Terry is made up of Amy Hill, Al Montfort, Xanthe Waite, and Zephyr Pavey. We caught up with Al ahead of the album’s release.

For those unfamiliar with your music can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and something about the music you make?

Terry are a 4 piece band living across 2 cities in so called Australia. We love punk, rock n roll, country and folk music. Our own music probably falls within there somewhere.

What inspired the name Terry for the band?

It's been a fair while since we came up with the name so not quite sure. We always wanted to make unassuming music that reflected where we were and the influences around us (people, politics, music). Terry is a common name in Australia from our parents generation so maybe that had something to do with it. I had an uncle named Terry. Everyone has an uncle Terry around here.

How has Terry evolved musically since their last album, "I'm Terry"?

This LP was probably more thought out and considered, in a reflective way. The previous 3 lp's were made consecutively while touring and playing quite a lot. This probably gave those albums a sense of urgency, energy and sick chops. This LP, on the other hand, was made in a period of reflection. We were living in different cities and there was a bit more time between sessions due to travel restrictions.

What inspired the themes explored in "Call Me Terry"?

Colonialism, exploitation, imperialism, entitlement.

Can you describe the songwriting process for "Call Me Terry"?

This record was worked on a bit more separately rather than writing songs all together. Xanthe and Zephyr moved to the Blue Mountains at the end of 2019 so a lot of these songs were written separately. Because we had more time to make the record (no rush with touring in 2020-2022) we probably spent more time messing with compositions after the basic stems (drums, bass, guitar) had been recorded.

How has the band dynamic changed with members moving interstate and starting new fields of work?

As we aren't rehearsing on a weekly basis songs don't get much of a live trial before they are recorded. We still talk quite a lot and try to have a group facetime once a month but it's a bit different. It's hard to tell what impact the distance has had on the changing dynamic when a lot of other stuff has been happening such as global pandemic and travel restrictions.

In terms of new work I'm not sure if that has had much of an impact. We are always changing jobs. Seems like a lot of people have to change jobs due to an excess of cheap labour and exploitative employers.

What sets "Call Me Terry" apart from Terry's previous releases?

As we said above I feel like the way it was recorded had an impact on the songs. Probably hard for us to say as we are in the thick of it but I hope other people get a buzz out of the time taken to develop the recordings.

Can you explain the significance of the gang vocals in Terry's music?

Good enough for ABBA, good enough for Terry.

What has been your most memorable live performance?

So many good gigs. Barrytown in Aotearoa (we met the Mayor)? Cuneo (great Focaccia)? Antwerp (following getting robbed)? San Remo (rush out of the venue before you have to pay the venue for the lack of patrons)? Dublin (met King Joffrey)?

If your new album were a movie which would it be?

Human Centipede.

What has been the most difficult challenge you have faced as a band?

We are pretty privileged people, in the context of challenges I don't think we can say we have faced too many difficulties. Even when we got our passports stolen in Europe it only took us 2 days to get an emergency passport and play our last show in London. Asylum Seekers spend decades fleeing persecution, violence and poverty. No Borders.

Name an artist you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why?

The Cure - great songs. They seem like lords too.

What do you love right now?

Collective bargaining.

What do you hate right now?

AUKUS

Are there any other releases you’re looking forward to in 2023?

Eternal Dust (Sydney), Vampire (Melbourne), Punter (Melbourne),

Thanks for speaking with us! Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Join your union. Watch Limmy.

Start Listening To: Terry