Locals Only: The Shadow Ministers
On the cusp of releasing their killer sophomore album VOL II, Paris Clark-Proud, guitarist and vocalist from The Shadow Ministers, dives into the DIY process and translation of studio to stage.
Interview Millah Hansberry // Image supplied
Congratulations on the release of ‘YEAH X3’, the first taste of your upcoming sophomore album. What does this track represent for you and the new era of The Shadow Ministers?
‘YEAH X 3’ is sort of a no-bullshit, straight-to-the-point ball of energy. We chose to open the album with it because it was the first song to really grab you by the scruff. It was tested live a number of times before we got to record it, so it has evolved a little over the last year.
‘YEAH X3’ channels a raw, unfiltered good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll energy. What draws you to this classic sound?
It’s all about attitude at the end of the day. We absolutely love anything that has that kind of feeling; from Little Richard and Chuck Berry, to The Sonics and The Troggs, or The Hives and The Vines.
Your second album VOL II is set for release on November 28. What can you tell us about the album?
The first album was recorded by Jason and I in a rehearsal space, playing all the instruments ourselves. Vol II has the addition of Seany Martin on drums, Kynan Duke on bass and Jackson Fazzalari on guitar and vocals. We really wanted to capture the different playing styles and personalities that each band member brings to the group. All five of us sing lead vocals on at least one song on the album. We also used a lot of different instruments this time, like the sitar, synthesiser and even a vegetable peeler.
Why do you opt in for this hands-on approach, and how do you find the process of doing it all in-house?
It gives us more freedom and time to do it the way we want. For example, on the final track ‘Man In Boots’, we wrote it in real time as we were recording, just sitting around on the couch with a few acoustic guitars while Seany wrote down lyrics. Everyone had a go at songwriting. We also put a cover of a live-only Velvet Underground track called ‘Over You’ on the album – track 8.
As for the recording, we bought some new gear and set up shop in a bedroom studio for most of the songs, with a drum kit and some guitar amps. This made for a more direct and less roomy sound, using some closer placed dynamics mics and a couple of cheap condensers.
You’ve put a lot of energy into playing regional shows this year. From hitting up the Eyre Peninsula, to hopping on a ‘Coast to Coast’ tour. Why is playing regional shows a priority for The Shadow Ministers?
We’ve always done regional shows because we absolutely love doing it. Our first-ever Shadow Ministers gig was in the Mallee at the Pinnaroo Hotel, so we’ve never really stopped. We’ve got some regional and interstate gigs planned for January and February of 2026, including Mount Gambier and the Eyre Peninsula again, Melbourne, Sydney and hopefully a Brisbane show.
To celebrate the album’s release, you’re playing at the Ed Castle on December 6, alongside Michael Pearse & The Endless Love Machine and Jesse Davidson. What should audiences expect?
The new album being played front to back for the very first time, some guest appearances by some familiar faces, some new and wacky instruments. And maybe a sacrificial burning of a guitar.
See The Shadow Ministers play at the Ed Castle on December 6. Tickets on sale now via moshtix.com.au.
