INTERVIEW: Coolabah Kings discuss their origins and influences alongside new single ‘Bitter Pill’

Having already made some serious noise these last few years, Melbourne-based trio Coolabah Kings are back on the grind once again to deliver their swaggering new single ‘Bitter Pill’.

Bringing back more of that raw and driven grunge-inspired energy they are known for, ‘Bitter Pill’ continues to cement them as one of the more exciting names doing the rounds right now. So we caught up with them to discuss their origins and influences over the years.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

My clearest thunderbolt, come-to-life, rock memory is probably hearing Bruce Springsteen on a family road trip or something like that.

I remember being awestruck by ‘Born To Run’ and I still feel a lot of that uplifting melancholy every time I listen to it. Gotta love the Boss.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

Historically speaking, it’s bands like Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and Nick Cave. That covers off the formative influence for tone, style, and songwriting.

In a more contemporary sense, it’s local acts like These New South Wales, Bad//Dreems, Amyl & the Sniffers, and The Pretty Littles.

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

Oh yeah, so many. I’ve been listening to a bunch of 50’s & 60’s girl groups lately, like The Supremes and The Ronettes. Also, lots of Patsy Cline and that sort of vintage American Country.

Rhythmically, I always like to lean into golden age 90’s hip-hop, like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Great grooves and rhythms that I shamelessly try to replicate through a dank pub rock filter.

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

It’s nothing really specific. Just try to be honest and try to connect. My general rule is to not write songs for other songwriters. I feel like that just lets the worst part of your ego take control and you end up making shit work.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

Just feeling alive and in the moment. Very simple but it’s true. When you catch someone in the audience singing along to a song you wrote, it’s kinda the greatest thing ever. It’s like a soothing lotion soaks you instantly and tells you that all your neurotic bullshit was worth it because you physically see someone connecting with something you made. Very nice.

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

It’s pretty nice when a stranger comes out of nowhere at a gig and tells you how much they loved our show. They have no obligation to do it, but they do, and when it happens it really makes your day.

How would you define success as a musician?

Having no expectations and just making what you want to make.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Just start doing it and don’t worry about fucking up. It’s fine and you’re doing great.

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Listen to Coolabah Kings’ new single ‘Bitter Pill’ below.