Newtown Knife Gang

By Genevieve Vieira

After two years of silence, former 16 Stitch members have returned with a force that’s sending them straight to the top.  This time a little more energetic, diverse and with a band name that seems to spark curiosity.

Newtown Knife Gang stepped into the limelight in April 2011 with the smash hit ‘Listen’ invading airwaves across the country.  The accompanying music video stunned the world when it received over 25 000 views in just 48 hours of its upload.  With their latest single ‘Read between the Lines’ following suit; the track has already found itself a cosy spot on the TUKS FM Top 30 charts, a week after its release.  The song comes as a prelude to their self titled debut album, set for release end of September.

It is no surprise that these muso’s knew exactly what they were doing, considering their past experiences in the music industry.  16 Stitch dominated the airwaves and headlined stadiums from 2003 to 2008, paving the way for them to hit back even harder and better than before.

With the addition of ex-We Shall Embrace singer Spencer Martin taking the reign on vocals, Newtown Knife Gang are busting the scene with a live energy that’s reminiscent of bands like Korn and The Used.  I got to sit down with drummer Nick Argyros to talk about the gang, knives and Newtown.


Congratulations on your debut album!  Two years is a long time to work on an album, right?
Thank you very much... Well, two years isn’t long if you think that we had to find a vocalist, write a full length album, record it, mix it, master it, do all the artwork and film the first video (all of which we did ourselves).  I don’t think we did too badly?!


Do you feel that your history as 16 Stitch has fuelled the success of Newtown Knife Gang?
Yes and No.  Newtown Knife Gang is definitely its own thing.  The sound, style, the music and artwork is quite different.  It’s always pleasing to see that people are interested in what we are doing now.  Many didn’t even know that we were the same guys.


What has the transition been from 16 Stitch to Newtown Knife Gang?
A few man tears were definitely shed when 16 Stitch decided to call it quits, but then something inside you says “man the hell up (Australian voice included) and get on with it”.  So we simply started something new and I am super stoked with what we have done in such a short amount of time.


When did you first know that Spencer Martin would be the perfect vocalist for the band?
He just seemed to slot right in.  He’s a talented guy.  He auditioned at my studio and I just couldn’t believe the range that he had.  We jammed a couple of times, had a couple of beers, spoke some shit... and that was that!


You must be one of the most tightly knit bands I’ve ever seen.  Does this come naturally or is it a result of intense practice?
We spoon a lot... so there’s lots of man love.  We don’t just play in a band together; we are friends outside of the band, so that helps a lot.


Do you think the name ‘Newtown Knife Gang’ may cause people to cast you off before even hearing your material?
Yes! How awesome is that.  It’s like my mom saying ‘why did you choose such a violent name’ ...damn, it makes me laugh.


You produced the album yourself, why take this approach?
Well, Paul and I both have studios. It’s just the way we have always done it.  Paul is really talented, plus he's super handsome and smells good.


Most of you have full time jobs, how do you juggle work and the band and still manage to stay sane?
We are lucky because we love what we do and we love the band; all its components – the creativity, music and touring.  So it’s a win-win situation. Wouldn’t you agree.


So if someone wanted to see you live, where can they catch you?
2 September @ Sundowners (Alberton) with OneDaySky, and Climate Control.
23 September @ Red Door – PMB.
24 September @ Unit 11 - DBN (Street Party).
1 October @ Cool Runnings - (Fourways) with Get Up June and Cable Stealing Gypsies.
http://www.newtownknifegang.com