Ironed out: Geelong band Cast Iron Pinata is enjoying early success.
ERIN PEARSON
THE future is what you make it, according to Geelong rock band Cast Iron Pinata.
And it’s looking pretty good for the foursome after recently recording a debut film clip and planning a whirlwind trip overseas.
With the band preparing to release new songs in Geelong this weekend, drummer Khale Lewis said Cast Iron Pinata had come a long way since members’ school days at Newcomb Secondary College.
“If we think back to how we were a few years back we’ve really matured as a group and settled into our on-stage performances,” he said.
“You learn what your role is in a group after a while and it really shows.
“We’ve become more excited about the future and so have our fans.”
A chat with Lewis and bandmates Pepe Raye, Nathan Henschke and Jim Grace exposes the bond behind their edgy rock music.
They appear relaxed yet excited about 2012 as they reflected on a journey that has included sharing stages with the likes of You Am I, The Screaming Jets, Colin Hay and The Butterfly Effect.
The band has been going from strength to strength since the release of debut EP Rock/Funk/Awesome in 2010, which earned radio play on stations including Triple M and K-Rock.
Putting friendship first and music a close second, Lewis attributed the band’s early success to its members meeting in high school before navigating the industry together.
“We found we were all really musically orientated, which brought us together,” he said.
“We set out to be a band from day one.
“We’re just lucky to have groups like Spinning Half Studios here to help bring live music back to Geelong.”
Vocalist and guitarist Raye said the journey had been amazing so far, with the band looking forward to expanding its fan base.
“Khale and I had a conversation the other day about whether we would have done things differently if we had only come together as a group now. But we’re so glad we didn’t because we’ve got to explore this crazy business together,” Raye said.
“As we grow we want the show to grow more so that’s our motivation.
“It’s the best feeling in the world when people want to see you play.”
Cast Iron Pinata plays Bended Elbow this Saturday.
