Introducing Operator Please
Operator Please impressed us massively while on the Gonzo Tour last month. Their debut single Just A Song about Ping Pong recently won them Best Track at their native Austrailas Aria awards.
But their pop-indie has more depth- with violin, keys and superb riffs- than that song suggests and most of all they're a lot of fun.
The five piece- aged 16-19- have already supported Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs in their homeland and Bloc Party and Babyshambles on the MTV2 tour.
We caught up with Siren frontwoman Amandah, drummer Timmy and bassist Ash as their second proper single Leave It Alone
'How did the band form?'
Amandah: Music was my thing. My parents tried to make me go to uni but I got knocked back and I started the band.
Ash: I didnt even play and instrument till I joined the band, I was gonna do photography and fashion. I only met Amandah a week before I joined the band.
'What groups have influenced you?'
Amandah: Most of my influences stem from my parents so people like The Cars and Eurythmics.
Ashley: Im into Interpol, The Strokes, Patrick Wolf and Bright Eyes.
'Whats been your highlight of coming over to the UK?'
Amandah: Just for an Aussie band to come over and actually have a crowd that were willing to stay around is amazing.
Ash: At the live shows a lot of people only know Ping Pong but they give us a chance.
'Tell us about your hit- Just A Song About Ping Pong?'
Amandah: It was one of the first songs we wrote in mid 2005. It was a spontaneous kind of song. We didnt think much of it at all until we recorded it. It wasnt like we planned it to be a big thing.
Ash: It wasnt a gimic. It was just fun to play an we though was our most accessible song.
Tim:: But I think when our album when our album comes out people are gonna get a shock.
'How is the album different?'
Amandah: Weve had time to evolve and change. I write about whats going on around me I dont write about love. Im not at that stage of being an open book. My favourites on the record 6/8 and Leave It Alone are my favourites.
'Have any of the bands youve toured with given you advice?'
Ash: I talked to Alex from Arctic Monkeys about UK festivals and Reading.
Amandah: With every band that you tour with something will rub off on you. They are all so down to earth.
'Finally, is it hard to get taken seriously in the music industry when youre so young?'
Ash: A lot of people dont like bands because they are young.
Amandah: Its hard all the time. All the people are always older than you are but I dont think age is relevant.
LEAVE IT ALONE is out now.
