THEY’VE been mentioned by UK music tastemakers in the same breath as Mercury music prizewinners Alt-J.
Now, having had their breakthrough hit played on BBC1 last week, Apes are set for one of the biggest gigs of their short career.
The garage rockers have been added to the bill at Bendigo’s Groovin’ The Moo bill and singer-guitarist Benjamin Dowd, of Bacchus Marsh, is looking forward to playing before thousands of new fans on May 4.
They opened January’s Big Day Out after winning Triple J’s Unearthed competition for upcoming musicians.
Dowd is stoked the band’s talent has been acknowledged by Moo organisers. “I’m really proud we made it on our own merit, rather than through Triple J.
“It’s a great opportunity to network with other bands, talk to them and see how they handle the big festivals.”
Dowd says it’s good to finally spill the beans to his friends and family after being sworn to secrecy.
“I found out a few days ago, so I’ve had to keep my lips tied a bit. I was getting out of the car when the message came through from our manager. I was just like ‘sweet!’.”
Dowd says the band’s approach to Groovin’ The Moo will be no different from any other gig. “We’ll approach it in the same way, whether we’re playing to 10 people or a thousand”.
Not long ago the Apes were declared “a band you need in your life” by the UK’s Amazing Radio. Their hit Seven was crowned winner by a panel of industry experts on a station show. Each year the station takes a punt on which acts will rock to the top over the next 12 months.
