Quick-fire Questions: 10 minutes with Peter Bibby
Hangovers: the great unspoken hamstring of human history. Who knows how many golden mornings have been splattered down toilets, how many bright ideas have been spurned by headaches, and fortunes squandered on groggy forgetfulness. Yet, we wouldn’t have it any other way if it meant the golden night before was abated, so we have to make the best of it. That is how the music of Peter Bibby has always sounded to me.
Few artists in history have ever braved embracing the notion of hangovers in their work for reasons that are largely unknown, but grogginess is always inherent in Bibby’s music. The glory of the evening is also present in his chirpy melodies. It’s a luscious and relatable world that he creates, and it makes life a little easier. But he’s given up on all of that.
Now, he’s back, as he shares punky new singles like ‘The Arsehole’ ahead of his new album, Drama King. It’s a record that reconciles his journey to sobriety. Even the songs are cleaner as it’s the first time he’s worked with a producer, too. Speaking about the forthcoming record, the Australian explained: “A lot of the songs on the album are the result of situations where I was drunk or dealing with the drama that comes from it all. It suggests a period of change and honing in on the shitty situations which have inspired it.”
Ahead of the record’s release on May 31st, we caught up with Bibby to find out where he’s at presently. We tossed a few quick-fire questions his way and got to know about his weirdest gig, love of Dr Dre, and ambivalence about Mark E. Smith. Enjoy…
Quick-fire Questions with Peter Bibby:
1. What song would you want played at your funeral?
“Dr Dre – ‘Xxplosive’.“
2. What song do you wish you had written?
“Dr Dre – ‘Xxplosive’.“
3. What album have you listened to most in the 2020s so far?
“It’s a tie between Angel Olsen – Big Time, Outkast – Stankonia and Arse – Primitive Species.“
4. What’s one conspiracy theory you kind of believe in?
“The Bunyip is real and has tormented my friend’s sister on her bush property late at night.“
5. Where’s the best pub in the world?
“It was in John Forrest National Park, but it closed down last year. There were kangaroos leaning on the bar, and if you were there at 4pm on a Friday, one of the ladies would bring around a tray of complimentary sausage rolls and party pies.“
6. What is the best hangover meal in the world?
“Two dexies and a Bloody Mary.“
7. If you had to get a lyric tattoo, what would it say?
“All you real smokers know, Nate ain’t passing nothing but dope indeed.”
8. Who the fuck is Mark E. Smith?
“Some prick from England, I think.“
9. If you won $100 in the next hour, what would you spend it on?
“Two bags of potato chips and a can of solo at the grocery store.“
10. Dual question: What is your favourite soup and favourite comfort movie?
“Tom Kha and The Matrix. Nothing compliments Neo and the gang’s crazy shenanigans better than a spicy coconut broth.“
11. Name one band from the past you wish you had been in?
“Dr Dre’s band.“
12. Can you recommend an album we might never have heard?
“Arse – Primitive Species.“
13. What song are you most proud of writing to date?
“’Wangaratta Gazza’.“
14. What’s the weirdest gig you’ve ever played?
“I played this gig in someone’s backyard on Philip Island in Victoria, Australia. The stage was the back of this ute, and these guys were graffitiing it as I played, then they started graffitiing me. Maybe I was the weird one, but I swear it was them.“
15. Are The Beatles overrated?
“They’re no Dr Dre, but I think they wrote some ripper songs!“
