What is happening the Australian rock scene right now?
"It’s a really exciting time in the Aussie rock scene right now: it feels like there’s a bit of a renaissance happening. We had a few kind of bleak years without any major rock festivals down under after Soundwave and Big Day Out both collapsed and heavy music almost disappeared off the radio. But now we’ve got a stacked calendar with two world-class roaming rock fests (Download and Good Things), plus UNIFY Gathering which is a bit more boutique. There’s also a fresh generation of killer new acts coming up through the scene who are making waves both nationally and internationally, many of whom, like us, are actually female-fronted – big shoutout to our mates in Yours Truly, Stand Atlantic and Pagan!
"There are still obstacles of course, especially here in Sydney where the government’s lockout laws and drink curfews have killed off dozens of iconic live music venues, and right now the jerks seem to be doing their best to shut down all our music festivals. We're not even kidding, the war on music festivals is real, but it’s been really heartening to see the music community banding together in the face of that and growing even stronger. Overall it’s a very inspiring and cool time for rock music here right now!"
Your image is very striking and full of bright colours. How important is your visual aesthetic?
"When it comes to our sound, we never wanted to fit neatly into a box, so it was always important that the band’s visuals reflect that too. We’d rather people see a picture of us and think 'What the fuck are these guys all about?' than 'Oh yep, here’s another metalcore/pop-punk/X other genre band.'"
What do you want to achieve with Redhook? What is at the end of the rainbow?
"It’s funny to be thinking about the endgame so early on in our careers, but I guess it’s probably much the same as every band. To tour our arses off all over the world, to contribute something positive to peoples’ lives and get to a point where we’re able to quit our day jobs and play music full time. Dare to dream!"
Catch Redhook at this year's Download festival at Donington Park, UK, on June 14-16. Get your tickets now.