The Badnitz: Ground’s Men.

The Badnitz launch Ears To The Ground at The Zoo on Thursday.

Brisbane band The Badnitz have been working hard on their first CD release, and are set to rock it this Thursday at the Zoo. When did The Badnitz form, and why?

“The Badnitz formed at the beginning of 2000. We were in a band together for nearly four years before that (Bezza & The Bandits). That band folded in '99 and after a year we decided that we missed jammin’ and decided to start something new and totally different.”

What would you describe your music as?

Folk, breakbeat, medieval, rock

How was recording the new CD?

“Great. We did it all at Highland studio, Mapleton, over four relaxed and fun-filled days. We can’t wait to get in and record again though.”

What’s your craziest gig so far?

“Our craziest gig was probably our first show. We had no real idea what we even sounded like because all our jamming had been in a shitty little tin shed with 10 watt amps and one crap mic'. The sound at the show was huge and we were all a bit shocked. We didn't really expect people to respond as well as they did. They must have been on drugs.”

How do you think the venue situation in Brisbane is at the moment?

“I think the venue situation is pretty good. Though there is no real all ages venues. Bar prices could be more reasonable, a few more punters wouldn't go astray.”

How do you feel about the state of live acts in Brisbane. Are we still a rocking town, or is it all going to shit?

“I think Brisbane still rocks pretty hard. Especially as far as original music goes. Brizzy gigs are usually pretty diverse witch is very healthy. The gigs themselves are as diverse as the music that is now pumping out of Brizzy. 2002 is set to be an exciting year. Lots of good bands releasing quality recordings. A few independent promoters, like Funk Folk and 'revolution music group' are starting to get really active as well.”

So what can we all expect from the shot at the Zoo this Thursday?

“It should be a fairly ‘interesting’ night, just with the different styles of music. Cherry Cherry will be doing a live improvised sound track to Astro Boy, and there will be projected visuals all night as well. So any one who comes to the show should experience something new and have a well wicked time.”