Canberra is like a second home for Queensland funksters ANARCHIST DUCK. Six years young, this three-piece is heading back to the Capital for their third visit in February, including a performance at the Corinbank Festival. “Canberra is our favourite city to play in,” explains singer/guitarist Flawless. “We love the music scene here and have been welcomed with such open arms every time we’ve played here. There’s such a diversity of music and an appreciation for styles a little left-of-centre, which is really refreshing.”
It’s hard not to love the enthusiasm and energy that Anarchist Duck exude. Arno (drums), Jules (vocals/bass) and Flawless (vocals/guitar) make up this tight-knit three-piece, who are true patrons of the kind of funky grooves that get everyone on their feet – fusing reggae, soulful harmonies, funk and a dash of hip-hop.
“Our most memorable show [in Canberra] was by far the Backyard Backanalia held by the Canberra Musicians Club, because there was such an eclectic range of music and characters. We loved The Big Score… and also the community vibe. So many musos in one place has got to be a good thing!”
Anarchist Duck are already on the second pressing of their debut album, Popaganda, a testament to the solid fanbase they are building through constant east coast touring. Their current tour takes in over 20 shows from Melbourne to Brisbane throughout February and March, including a venue close to their hearts (and our town): the Braidwood Hotel.
“Flawless lived there [Braidwood] for many months, frequenting the Jam Jar nights on weekends as a soloist and later as a duo with Jules,” explains Arno. “All the musos there would just jump on instruments and improvise together and some amazing music was created. It was awesome!”
Full of enthusiasm for music, Anarchist Duck have many influences – some obvious, others not so: from Veruca Salt to James Brown; Björk to Bob Marley. “We [also] love Cat Empire, The Herd and Ani DiFranco… we love Dolly Parton!” they explain enthusiastically.
When they’re not touring Anarchist Duck spend their time songwriting and managing their expanding ‘musical empire.’ “We are independent… that is self-managed with friends helping. It’s become apparent this year that we are in way over our heads and are opening our wings for the perfect manager so we can play more music!” the group explain. “When we are touring, we all shack up in a very small space and sweat it up, labouring over songs for as long as we can tolerate each others’ body odours! Often when we are away, we will write songs separately and bring them almost finished to the band. Usually the jamming of this stuff is an amazingly quick process as we all just get on the same wavelength. Bewdaful!”
Anarchist Duck play at the Corinbank Festival (Saturday February 27), The Front (Friday February 19) and The Phoenix (Saturday February 20) with local outfits Beth & Ben and Dub Dub Goose. They will also play The Braidwood Hotel (Friday February 26).
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