Man, have you heard of Subterranean Deadbeats? These guys from Melbourne are just killing it right now. Their frontman, Chris Taranto, is something else.
So they just dropped this new EP called “Spewing Voodoo” and holy shit, it’s intense. It’s like they took all the grit and rawness of grunge, threw in some blues, and mixed it up with this garage rock vibe. The result? Pure, unapologetic rock that hits you right in the gut.
There are only four tracks, but each one packs a punch. Taranto’s vocals are wild – one minute he’s all brooding and melancholy, the next he’s howling like a man possessed. And those guitar riffs? Jagged as hell.
I actually got to sit down with Taranto for a chat about the EP. We dug into what inspired it, how they put it all together, and the personal stuff that fuels their sound. It was pretty cool to get a peek behind the curtain, you know?
We also talked about their influences and what’s coming up next for the band. If you’re into the Melbourne music scene or just dig raw, authentic rock, you’ve gotta check these guys out. They’re easily one of the most exciting acts coming out of the city right now.
Listen to Spewing Voodoo
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Congratulations on the release of “Spewing Voodoo”! How does it feel to finally share this new music with your fans?
Thanks!
It feels good to have these songs out for everyone to listen to and enjoy, hopefully resonate with them.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the name “Subterranean Deadbeats”? How does it reflect your music and artistic vision?
It was definitely a play on words, i was always a fan of Bob Dylan’s song ‘Subterranean homesick Blues’ and i loved the word Subterranean’ it sounds vintage, Deadbeats is really just how a concervative socialite may see a group of rock n rollers, it made sense to stick the two together.
How would you describe your musical style, and how does “Spewing Voodoo” fit into that narrative?
It’s a. mixed bag, folky chords with maybe a post punk Lou Reed vocal vibe, some songs may be a bit punk rock and others maybe be a bit more subdued.
What sparked the idea for “Spewing Voodoo”? Is there a particular story or message behind the song?
I suppose it’s my way of getting through the hard times, heart break and Anxiety attacks, you really got to make sense of all that stuff, so putting it into music was my way of dealing with it.
‘spewing voodoo’ to me , means getting rid of all that stuff.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind “Spewing Voodoo”? How did you approach songwriting, production, and recording?
I think the last question and answer explains a bit of how i approached the songs writing from a lyrical point of view, musically i would just sit down and write riffs i thought were catchy and Edgy, it took time, some songs were written years ago that i had brought back into the fold because it suited the E.P style.
Recording took place at my friend Richard Putnam’s home studio in Melbourne.
I felt completely comfortable with recording these tracks with him and he really got where the songs were going, it’s good being on the same page.
What’s the significance of the title “Spewing Voodoo”? Is there a particular theme or symbolism you’re exploring?
The dark side of life , sad emotionsetc, i’d rather write about the trouble i’m going through, something that is real.
Are there any notable collaborations or features on “Spewing Voodoo” that you’d like to highlight?
Working with each member was great, Rick’s bass really locks in with Joe’s drumming, it’s a solid rhythm going on which is the backbone of the Deadbeats sound.
Ben’s Lead on ‘As above so below’ is killer and so is his ripping harmonica on ‘In the Wild’.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, the list goes on, but one of the biggest influences would be Spencer P. Jones, i was lucky enough to Tour and gig with him in my early twenties, i loved the way he captured a song, and the way he encouraged me to do the same.
How do you draw inspiration from outside of music (e.g., literature, art, film, personal experiences)?
Of those things, mainly personal experiences though.
What’s next for Subterranean Deadbeats? Can you share any details about upcoming releases, tours, or projects?
i’m working on new songs, hopefully we will see another ripping E.P out soon !
Are there any notable festivals or venues you’re looking to perform at in the near future?
if any festuval wants to have us, we would love to jump on board.
Does “Spewing Voodoo” address any social or cultural issues that you’re passionate about?
Maybe a bit of isolation and how that shit is bad for you, human’s are meant to connect with each other.
If “Spewing Voodoo” were a visual artwork, what would it look like?
Maybe like the front cover of the E.P, but it could also be something a bit more deranged.
What’s the craziest or most memorable experience you’ve had as a band?
The most memorable so far was our E.P Launch a few months ago at George lane in St.kilda, Melbourne Australia, not bad for a Thursday night !
