Locals Only: Oscar the Wild

From Cranker beginnings to AC/DC support slots, Oscar the Wild are turning up the heat this November. Here, the trio chat sharing stages with idols, their latest EP Blue, and building spaces where everyone belongs.

Interview Millah Hansberry // Image supplied

It has just been announced that you’re supporting AC/DC and Amyl and the Sniffers at the BP Adelaide Grand Final at the end of November. What is running through your minds right now?

Ari: I’m freaking out.

Nic: I’m excited. I’m trying to put all of the logistical nerves to the side and focus on the fact that it’s just going to be, crazy fun.

Ruby: Amyl has been one of the biggest inspirations for us, not only like as artists, but as young musicians in the industry, wanting to make a bit of noise. The way that Amy speaks on political issues in a way that’s so inclusive of all audiences is so inspiring. That’s the way we want Oscar to go forward. Not just being artists, but also advocating for social justice. It truly blows my mind.

How are you preparing to play in front of such a huge audience? What will your set look like?

Ari: We’re going to be practising a lot. We’ve got so many shows coming up, so we’ll get our practices through playing heaps of shows in the lead-up as well.

Ruby: Nic’s already requested the pyrotechnics she wants. She’s been very specific about wanting fire. So, we’ve been practising around the bonfire (haha).

Looking back from where you are now, to your first show in 2018, did you ever predict where you’d be right now?

Ruby: I think we’re very play it second by second. I remember getting that first gig at the Cranker supporting Superdose Gangway and thinking that was wildly incredible, to have the opportunity to share the stage with local musicians. The excitement for that first show is probably actually similar to the excitement that I have for these big, crazy shows as well.

In June, you released your sophomore EP Blue with three tracks, 'Roll With The Punches', 'Big Think' and 'Blue'. What made these three the perfect bundle to wrap together sonically and thematically?

Ruby: The answer is that they all don’t match whatsoever. In fact, they’re all three extremely opposite tracks, opposite inspirations, in really different genres. The idea behind that EP was trying to give our listeners a little three-course meal that can appeal to anyone’s tastes. In our songwriting, we love to push the boundaries of genre and really be diverse in our sound.

Your music often tells queer and feminine stories in a world that can feel pretty turbulent right now. Do you find that writing and performing helps you process or express what’s going on?

Ruby: I think art in general serves to be an emotional release, and a way to get your message across in the same breath. Being young, queer, female and gender diverse musicians, we definitely have run into a few obstacles. But honestly, the community feeling of the Adelaide music scene, for the most part, it hasn’t seemed like we’ve been pigeonholed as an all-girl band. We’ve really been so accepted.

Nic: What we’ve noticed is our gigs seem to be like a safe space for everyone. We can see that in how our crowd interacts with us, how they interact with each other, how they feel comfortable expressing themselves in all different kinds of ways.

Ari: That also extends out, not only to Adelaide, but across Australia as well. I’ve found as we’ve been playing shows, we’ve also been connecting with a lot of queer and diverse artists. We’ve found this beautiful community across all of Australia, between artists and audiences.

The Adelaide music scene is bursting with incredible acts and energy right now. How would you love to see it grow or evolve?

Nic: A lot of people have started to notice that the Adelaide scene is so strong and there’s so many amazing artists coming out of it. I would like to see Adelaide being seen as more of an industry hub. There is truly so much talent here, and it would be great to see as much of it as possible being fostered, and let bloom and grow.

Ruby: We’re a UNESCO City of Music, and we’ve earned that title for a reason. We’ve got such diverse acts in so many different genres. We’re on the smaller scale, but sometimes you can get these bigger opportunities because of the BP Grand Final, Harvest Rock and WOMADelaide only being in South Australia. We really are bursting at the seams with musicians, but also opportunities and festivals.

What is next for Oscar the Wild?

Ruby: Oscar is like our most demanding firstborn child that is screaming for attention at all times. We’ve definitely been busy.

Oscar the Wild plays at the BP Adelaide Grand Final, supporting AC/DC and Amyl and the Sniffers on November 30. Tickets on sale now via adelaidegrandfinal.com.au.

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