If you haven’t heard of The Potbelleez it’s time you crawled out from under your rock and put some headphones on because this Australian dance powerhouse has some seriously popular songs. But to all the loyal ‘belleez fans out there, I must ask you this: do you actually know what the members of this musical sensation look like? If not, you’re forgiven, as I too was unsure of The Potbelleez persona despite knowing all the words to their songs. When I mentioned this to the band’s DJ producer and co-founder, Jonny Sonic, he didn’t seem fazed. He says it has always been important that the music comes first.
“We are not a face-driven band, so although our faces appear on our artwork occasionally you don’t see our faces printed everywhere. The music always comes first; tunes first, name second and faces third.”
Nobody doubts that the band have been putting their music first, as they’ve been busy touring almost non-stop for the past six years. They’re currently on the second leg of their national tour for new album ‘Destination Now’ which Sonic says is, “very classic Potbelleez, but with lots of big grinding dirty backing tracks.” There are also great festival sounds on the album, which features a lot more of the band’s only female member Blue MC and her amazing vocal talent.
Although they haven’t visited the nation’s capital in quite some time, the ‘belleez will soon be back in Canberra, as they are due to perform at the ACT’s first-ever New Year’s Eve music festival, Mission to Launch.
“It’s actually been a while since we’ve been to Canberra, so we’re really looking forward to it,” Sonic says. “Every time we’ve come it’s been for a great festival or venue, and this time it’s New Years so it should be a good party.”
The Potbelleez have the perfect song to celebrate the start of 2012, as they plan to play their new hit, “Midnight Midnight” when the clock strikes twelve. They’ll be performing twice on New Year’s Eve, first with a performance for Canberra crowds at Mission to Launch, followed by a quick flight up to Sydney for the NYE Harbour Party.
But will these two parties of epic proportions be backed up with promises for the New Year? On the topic of New Year’s resolutions, Sonic says that his track record is nowhere near as successful as his music career.
“It depends, but I never seem to change really. I think the more I get into my thirties the crazier I’m getting, and I think that’s pretty much the same for everyone else in the band I reckon.”
Ruined resolutions aside, The Potbelleez are sure to live up to all expectations for next year, so long as they promise to keep making music. We’ll hold them to that.
Mission to Launch is on at Weston Park at Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday 31st December 2011. Click Here to buy tickets now.
Win tickets
We have two double passes to Mission To Launch to give away. For your chance to win, tell us in 25 words or less your New Year’s Resolution for 2012.
Fill out your answer and details in the entry form to right. Entries will be judged on creativity and only winners will be notified by email. Competition closes 12.00pm, Friday 2 December, 2011.
