q&a: reef
The mention of British indie rockers, Reef, tends to elicit responses like, “Is that the ‘Place Your Hands’ band?” and a brief rendition of Gary Stringer’s distinct vocals; they have a solid decade-long career under their belt in addition to a couple of seminal songs, and reformed in 2010 to again tour together and share their much-loved catalogue with old and new fans.
Ahead of their Australian tour, Stringer took some time to chat to Lip about Glastonbury, AC/DC and the pressure to perform their anthems.
Describe your sound in five words or less.
I sing using my mouth.
Was there a particular moment or artist that made you want to pursue music when you were growing up? Who were your early influences?
Yes. AC/DC and in particular, Bon Scott. I loved the High Voltage (1976) album. It was one of my first. I connected with the lyrics to ‘Rock n Roll Singer’ and ‘It’s a long way to the top’. I followed the instructions of both. Perry Farrell was a big inspiration too, especially when it came to writing words for songs.
There have been a number of bands in the last couple of years reforming and/or doing reunion tours – what was the appeal for you?
Personally, I just felt like it.
Have you found it’s mostly old fans at your gigs, or are you attracting some new ones too?
Old ones, middle aged ones and a smattering of young ones.
You have some rather seminal songs in your catalogue; do you feel obliged to perform ‘Place Your Hands’ and ‘Come Back Brighter’ at every show? Do you still enjoy playing such songs as much now as you did when they were first written?
I have an inclination to give people what they want at Reef shows. We just did 2 tiny sold out shows in London to launch our 93/03 all encompassing box set and we played B sides and rare stuff but that’s what the crowd had paid to see. On the tour in Australia, we’ll play the hits and I still enjoy performing them for sure.
Any plans to record new material?
Yes, but not yet with Reef. Me and Jack Bessant have a stack of songs to record for our band. Hopefully Dom (from Reef) will come play drums with us.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
I grew up in Glastonbury town so the festival is always special. Supporting Paul Weller and the Rolling Stones were 2 totally different but exciting experiences. Having a number 1 album is ace.
A song I wish I wrote/played is…
‘Lone Wolf’ by The Eels.
I couldn’t live without…
My children.
The best advice I ever received was…
If you can’t get out of it, get on with it.
Reef will be kicking off their Australian tour on June 1 at Fremantle’s Metropolis. Find out all the tour details here!
