Last month Adelaide based duo Moonhunter made huge waves with their debut Hypersensitive EP, and we just haven’t stopped listening. This week Steff and Jack decided to sit down and ask each other a few questions, a deep insight into their unique artistry one might say. It’s safe to assume that things got a little weird.
“Moonhunter’s infectiously raucous Hypersensitive EP completely encapsulates the duos inimitable ability to combine sensitive lyricism with unforgettably powerful, punchy hooks.”
Moonhunter’s debut Hypersensitive EP was a magnetic combination of untamed energy and unadulterated individuality, this week Steff and Jack sat down with us to reveal some of the madness behind the magic.
To kick it all off, Jack asked lead vocalist Steff a few very serious and very professional questions. Prepare yourself to see into the slightly out of the ordinary minds of the weird and wonderful Moonhunter boys.
1. How has learning a new instrument (voice) helped you grow as a musician?
Steff: Hi Jack, good thanks.
In all seriousness, I’ve tried to give myself challenge after challenge and tackle them to the best of my abilities. I think this is the best way to grow because even failing at something difficult brings you further towards where you want to be that if you hadn’t tried to make that leap, to begin with.
2. What’s your favourite fret on the guitar?
Steff: The 12th fret because it is the equinox of the instrument. It is the path to the highest level of consciousness.
3. What draws you to the type of music that you write and engage in?
Steff: I think my brain is hot-wired to obsess over guitar music. I think I have a shorter attention span when I hear music without a guitar in it. Mongolian throat singing is cool but I don’t know how you can write Message In A Bottle with your throat.
4. What’s your favourite thing about the 2 piece scenario?
Steff: “Hey Jack are you ready? “Yeah?” Ok let’s go.” < That. There is only one other party in the band that has to sign off on something for it to go ahead. Decisions are so easy!!
Also, I like the challenge of trying to write interesting and energetic material with only one other member to bounce off. It keeps me on my toes.
5. If you were Jimi Hendrix, would you:
a) extend your life by 10 years to eventually uncover the truth to life on your deathbed OR
b) would you keep your normal existence for free hugs and a personal jet with David Bowie and Elton John as the pilots and huggers
Steff: B! With Bowie on board, there is every chance that this private jet will leave the earth’s atmosphere and fly through space. “Starman Airways”
6. What’s your dream venue to play, at if you have one.
Steff: The one with an arena full of people who have connected with our music and are there to forget the world and have a good time!
7. Would you live on the moon for 2 years if given the chance with minimal space training and intensive cardio?
Steff: Yes.
8. If you were given $11.50 right now, what exactly would you spend it on?
Steff: I’d start a fund to support inexperienced astronauts.
9. If Moonhunter were a folk band, what origin would you think it would be?
Steff: Egyptian. We’d sing about our great-pyramid woes and play tri-tones.
10. What best describes you?
a) potato salad
b) a room full of pillows
c) pumpkin and spinach pastie
d) a yeti holding a large tree in one arm while yelling ‘Weeeeehaaaa’
e) Steff Esposito
Steff: A little bit of b), a little bit of d), and a lot of c).
If you think it could get any weirder, you’re really wrong. Check out these questions for Jack asked by Steff.
1. Hi hello, Jack, what do you think about before we are about to go on stage for a show?
Jack: I generally try to think about not much at all. Hitting the drums right and some gnarly fill possibilities would the extent of it!
2. If you could create 1 law that the world would have to abide by, what would it be and why?
Jack: It would be that everyone had to only do as much as they wanted of any given thing. As long as what they’re doing is positive for the people of the world.
3. What is your dream drum kit set up?
Jack: A really nice old and big 4 piece kit of any kind really, an old Ludwig or Tama would be yum! Two lovely cymbals, 24” crash/ride and 22” crash, big 17” or so hats to top it off.
4. Do you reckon we are alone in the universe? (Please elaborate in excruciating detail)
Jack: I don’t think we are, there’s any great possibility that there is someone/something out there that is just like us or even more advanced than us. I think that thought is pretty exciting so why not keep the wonder alive! We’re all connected so there’s no reason we aren’t connected through the universe to something else.
5. If you had to pick ONE food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Jack: My one food would probably be bananas. They’re just great tasting and fun to do a lot with, but considering it’s all I’m eating I probably wouldn’t last long but I’m ok with that hahaha
6. Who inspired you to pick up an instrument?
Jack: My mum did as she sang in bands and what not when I was young and still does! I remember going to her gigs at the fringe festival when I was a wee lad and singing my heart out.
7. What did you think about playing on the roof of Wundenberg’s studio for our EP launch?
Jack: That was a pretty awesome experience, I’ve never seen or been a part of something like that so it was a pretty special time. Felt nice and on top of the world literally and figuratively.
8. Name our next song title that we MUST use:
Jack: I’ll save me
9. Do you think fish get lonely?
Jack: Fish in small tanks would have a rough time without mates but I think most fish would be pretty happy.
10. What is your favourite memory about being in Moonhunter so far?
Jack: My favourite time would’ve been coffee hunting in Bendigo and abroad. Many other musical times have been great but that was a fun time to be alive.
