The Form and Function of Gangs of Ballet

Supernova, the mag for curious kids caught up with Gangs of Ballet frontman Brad Klynsmith to chat about their new EP Form and Function, and about life as a musician.

Gangs of Ballet (Photo by Craig Scott)

What does ‘Gangs of Ballet’ mean?

It is the result of a childhood story that involved dancers, ninjas and Super Moos.

Is it scary, exciting, or a bit of both to release a new album?

Any time you release new art it's really vulnerable. You put a little part of you out there and wait for the thumbs up or thumbs down.

Gangs of Ballet, Form and Function

What new lessons have you learnt with the release of each album?

The biggest lesson we're really trying to learn, and it sounds strange, is to 'be less perfect'. Not in an arrogant way, but in a digital age, our music is too perfect. It is all edited and pushed into perfect time, and every sound is massive and clean and quantized. You have this pressure to play it flawlessly so people don't think you're a bad musician and you forget that the impurities are what give it character.

What do you enjoy the most about being in a band?

Love the travel, although it can be tough, and the flexitime aspect where we get to do what we love and get paid to do it.

What are some of the challenges in this line of work?

Travel, family, staying relevant in a high paced industry, and social media demands.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on tour?

You're always faced with a few crazies, which keeps things interesting.

Where would your dream performance be?

Gangs of Ballet (Photo by Craig Scott)

Any and every stadium!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully with a significant career overseas.

Fun questions:
What is the craziest place to listen to music?

In a library... Extreme.

What was your favourite book as a child?

My adventures with Meg the hen, Ben the dog and Deb the rat! 

Interview by Andrea Vermaak