Sound Bites: Radio Free Alice

It's been a long time coming, but Radio Free Alice's debut album, What’s In Between, is finally here.

Released to rave reviews, the record finds the London-based Aussie outfit channelling post-rock and contemporary indie across soundscapes across 11 riveting songs produced by the legendary Peter Katis, who has worked with the likes of Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie and The National.

Having previously chatted with the band about the making of their album, we wanted to find out a little more about the five members – vocalist and guitarist Noah Learmonth, guitarist Jules Paradiso, bassist and saxophonist Michael Phillips, drummer Lochie Dowd and keyboardist Maayan Barnatan – so we got them to answer a round of rapid-fire questions.

What three words would you use to describe your debut album, What's In Between?

Fun, eclectic and melodic.

You've got a song on the record called 'Crying With You'. When was the last time you cried?

None of your business.

The band has been touring overseas a bunch recently. What do you miss most about home while on the road?

My family, partner and friends.

What's the one song you've written that you would recommend to people unfamiliar with Radio Free Alice?

'Undressed'.

What's your go-to karaoke song?

'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' – The Smiths.

The Rolling Stones or The Beatles? 

The Beatles.

What's your favourite junk food to eat on tour?

Shake Shack.

Who would be your dream music video director?

Spike Jonze.

What was the last great book you read?

The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss.

What Australian band is on the cusp of superstardom?

Sex Mask.

Guilty pleasure album?

Maybe you've been brainwashed too by New Radicals.

READ MORE: Sound Bites: The Rubens

What artist or band is the most unexpected influence on your sound?

Doja Cat.

Best live act you’ve ever seen?

Viagra Boys.

What song do you wish you had written?

'New Improved Hypocrisy' – Radio Department.

Do you believe in UFOs?

There's plenty of unexplained Aerial phenomena, and if it turns out there's some benevolent aliens out there protecting us all, I won't be surprised. They might want to step in soon.

What's the best hangover cure? 

Waking up at 4am, going to the nearest airport and checking in 15 pieces of oversized luggage.

Who are your four dream dinner guests?

Richard Hawley, Reni, Ram Dass and Ringo.

If a movie were made about your life, who would play you?

Doja Cat.

What is your favourite movie one-liner?

 "The air got dirty and the sex got clean" – Point Break.

What's the best gig you've ever played?

We played a festival in the Netherlands called Best Kept Secret. We were so surprised by how many people came out and got down that hard for a mid-afternoon show. Sorry we're on right before us, so I think we felt inspired by them.

What song would you have played at your funeral?

'The Ocean' - Richard Hawley.

Is AI going to be the end of humanity?

Humanity as we know it. Likely, but hope is not lost. There are obviously some doomsday scenarios that could spell the end quite quickly, so it's probably important we all come together and pick some leaders that are focused on protecting the people instead of special interests.

Assuming no doomsday, we may simply fall further into the comforts of technology, having it replace our personalities and cognitive tasks till we reach the point of cultural singularity and we're all floating on the lylo's from Wall-E… On the other hand, and what I hope for, is a mass cultural movement towards more human experiences and connection valuable more curious and tolerant of each others differences and creating with the intention. 

What's In Between by Radio Free Alice is out now. Listen here.