Five Favourites with Playlunch
Gaining viral fame with their hilarious single ‘Keith’, which stars Barry Hall in the music video, Playlunch are gearing up for the release of their sophomore album 'Sex Ed' and a five-date Australian tour. In the lead-up to these events, The Note chatted with the seven-piece about their new record, what Barry Hall is really like and who their all-time favourite AFL players are.
Image ISKA Photography
Let’s kick things off with Sex Ed, Playlunch’s forthcoming sophomore album. What can you tell us about the album, and what can fans expect?
Sex Ed is basically an album of us trying to be as silly as possible. These songs have been cooking since before even the first album came out, and each new track seemed to come into its own seemingly out of nowhere - one day it’s an idea, then the next it’s a fully formed song about an angry bald bloke.
Fans can expect the usual funky basslines and phat drums, but with a side of raunchiness as we let our ego come out a little bit. However, amongst all of this is a side of sincerity not yet seen before.
It’s been two years since you dropped your debut album, Who’s Ready for a Good Time? What did you learn during the recording of that album that you’ve brought into the making of Sex Ed?
Firstly, a whole lot of technical mumbo-jumbo. Basically, “engoodening” the songs so that they can hit as hard as physically possible. Also, since touring the last record we’ve played together so much that Liam Bell can kind of start to write parts tailored for each member’s talents to let them really shine.
You’ve shared three singles from the record: ‘Station Rat’, ‘Boys’ and ‘Keith’. Each track showcases a different side to the band. Is this indicative of the album?
Very much so. To us, it was a little scary to leave the purely disco-pop bubble. However, with the love everyone has shown to these new tracks, it’s so exciting to know that Playlunch gets to be more than one thing - and we utilise that knowledge fully on Sex Ed. Sometimes we’re a rock band, sometimes we’re a 2000s R&B act, and sometimes an ‘80s pop band, but it all still feels distinctly “Playlunch”.
With seven of you in the band, talk us through the songwriting process. Is it a collaborative effort? Does everyone get a vote?
The songwriting and nitty-gritty stuff is very much Liam’s role in the band. Where the rest of us come in is for ideation and refinement. There’s a page on Liam’s notes app that is filled with song concepts and random lines and bars that we all contribute to at different points (boredom on a plane can be an excellent help for that).
Where did you draw inspiration for the songs on the album?
It comes from a variety of sources. A lot of it is about highlighting the small things - whether it’s an experience from childhood, or a common phrase we don’t often think about. Sometimes the instrumentals drove the lyrics of a song - what does this bassline make me feel like? How will I express that?
Tell us about your viral hit ‘Keith’, which just keeps on gaining momentum. How did the song come about, and are you surprised how it’s struck a chord with Aussie audiences?
Keith was essentially just a piss-take about what seems to be every second A Current Affair segment - pissed off and unreasonable neighbours. Everyone has experienced someone like this, so it was easy to build the world Keith inhabits in the song.
Since putting it out, we’ve honestly just been blown away by the support. Every comment and share just gets us giddy, and we are so honoured that our silly little song gets to make other people happy. It’s been amazing seeing everyone share their own unique stories about their own Keith. It’s nice to know we weren’t the only ones who have dealt with a psycho neighbour.
READ MORE: Five Favourites with The VANNS
You managed to get Big Bustling Barry Hall to star in the music video for the single. How did that come about, and what was he like to work with?
Honestly it was an absolute Hail Mary of a request. Our manager Will just shot him a DM on Instagram and Barry was awesome enough to respond.
Barry was honestly incredible on the day. There can be a natural trepidation about recruiting someone to act who doesn’t have the experience - but he blew us away. The best aspect was his improvised moments - there are at least half a dozen moments in the video where he wasn’t directed, he was just able to create moments. Most of all, despite being one of the biggest and scariest blokes we’d ever seen, he was an absolute sweetheart. So keen to chat, and loves his life with his family. Love you, Barry xoxo
Any other ex-AFL players you hope to connect with in your next music video?
If any Essendon players, current or former, want to collab our drummer Aussie would probably cry - he’s a terminal nuffy for that mob.
The band’s music videos are hilarious. Do you see them as an extension of the band’s personality and a way to showcase your creativity in a different medium?
Absolutely. Videos and more broadly social media content are not separate from the art, but a part of it. These are just other ways to think and express creatively. We are so lucky to be in a band with seven blokes who love each other and have some pretty funny characteristics, so it only makes sense for us to present that.
Playlunch also just signed with ABC Music. How did that relationship come about, and why are they a good fit?
Towards the end of last year, we were getting in contact with them, and since signing the ABC have been amazing to us. It feels serendipitous for a bunch of guys who grew up glued to the ABC’s channels to be partnered with them now.
They work so hard for us and have become close friends of the band now, even though we can make them work pretty hard sometimes (Love you guys xx).
Playlunch have announced your biggest national tour in support of Sex Ed. How excited are you to perform tracks for the album for fans across the country?
The boys are absolutely buzzing. We’ve played a number of festivals lately, but there’s nothing quite like playing to a room full of people who know every word. We are busting our arse to make these songs feel bloody huge, and we can’t wait to meet all the legends around the country who have been getting around this odd little funk band from Melbourne.
You’re also bringing Brizzy’s JUNO along for the ride. Tell me more about them and why you’ve handpicked them as your support?
We’ve known some of the members from JUNO for a little while now, but last year at Bigsound we saw them twice and were absolutely blown away. The songwriting, the performance - everything was just maximum energy and fun. These shows are gonna be a non-stop party, and JUNO are gonna bloody bring it.
What can fans expect from a Playlunch show? Any surprises lined up for the tour?
Bigger than the album - that’s our motto. We aim for non-stop action and excitement. To us, the crowd is our eighth member, so bring your singing voice and your dancing shoes because you’re in this with us.
As for surprises, if we told you they wouldn’t be a surprise anymore, would they? ;)
And I have to ask, what’s your favourite playlunch snack?
Honestly, the holy trinity has to be a LeSnack, Tiny Teddies and an Uncle Toby’s muesli bar, doesn’t it?
Catch Playlunch at Lion Arts Factory on Friday 5 September. For ticketing details, visit destroyalllines.com. Sex Ed arrives August 22 via ABC Music. Pre-order a vinyl copy here.
Playlunch’s five favourite AFL Players
Barry Hall (St. Kilda, Sydney Swans, Western Bulldogs)
Hard to go past our new best mate, isn’t it? Being a premiership captain and one of the greatest goal kickers of his era doesn’t hurt either. We may be a little biased, however.
James Hird (Essendon)
Our drummer growing up had a teddy that he slept with every night with a James Hird #5 jumper on. He even wanted his hair cut like his when he was a kid and played with the long sleeves on in his junior country footy. Silky skills and ball-winning, the whole package.
Jarrad Grant (Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast)
Spindleshanks ‘Microphone head’ Grant. A cult hero of the GC and Bulldogs. Looking at that head gliding across Etihad Stadium reminds you that you should probably be practising your music instead of watching niche highlights at 3am.
Kyle Reimers (Essendon)
Everyone remembers where they were when he kicked his iconic eight goals against the Gold Coast in 2011 (sat against the fence in the pocket for Aussie). No one wore fluorescent boots quite like him.
Dane Swan (Collingwood)
Being a premiership player and Brownlow medalist is one thing, but to be just as good at partying as you are at football is something which we all aspire to. The things we would do for a debaucherous night out with The Rat Pack…
