FINALLY FRIDAY: Bigger Potbelleez

Living large: The Potbelleez will play two gigs in Geelong after touring Australia with Usher.Living large: The Potbelleez will play two gigs in Geelong after touring Australia with Usher.

ERIN PEARSON
BIG stages are large crowds are the future for Australian electro-pop group The Potbelleez, according to DJ/producer Dave Greene.
He spoke to the Independent after the four-piece, known for its various hits including Don’t Hold Back and Are You With Me, recently finished a sellout 14-show tour with American music royalty Usher.
Greene said the group had caught the big-stage bug.
“We just couldn’t believe where we were every night of the week,” he laughed.
“The whole thing was such a well-oiled machine, it was amazing to see.
“We loved the big stage. Now we have the hunger for it.”
Preparing to embark on its first unsupported solo tour, The Potbelleez will have two gigs in Geelong to perform songs off the latest album Destination Now.
Greene said the album, co-produced by Australian dance legend Paul Mac, stayed true to the group’s distinctive dance sound.
“Developing a signature sound that people recognise is one of the hardest things to do musically, so when you’ve got it and it’s unique,you’ve got to keep true to it.
“Our signature sound remains the same, we’ve just gelled more as a group and people will hear our solidarity a lot more.”
From performances at the ARIAs on the Sydney Opera House steps to gigs at every major festival in the country, The Potbelleez have performed across the globe since its breakthrough year in 2007.
The band’s music has featured on television programs shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and Australia’s Next Top Model. Some of the group’s singles have achieved number one on both ARIA’s club and dance charts.
“There’s no real rest for us,” Greene said.
“We’re very lucky though to be able to make music all week and perform all weekend.
“The hardest thing to do in the music industry is to make your career provide for you.”
The Potbelleez will be at Rush Nightclub this Friday and Eureka Hotel on July 7.