How'd the Chats come together? Did you know what you'd sound like initially, or did it take some time to figure out your sound?
It took us a while to figure out our sound completely, but we knew we wanted to write fun songs that we could play for our mates when we had a party.
You guys aren't easily one thing or another -- not quite punk, or indie rock, or alternative. How would you describe The Chats' music to a total newcomer?
I just call it shed rock because it doesn’t necessarily tie us down to one genre. shed rock can be punk, surf, rock n roll, even rockabilly. You just have to practice in a shed.
How does being from Coolum inform The Chats’ music?
Being from Coolum has been an influence on a fair few of our songs, especially Wrong Way Sekisui, which was about a building company called Sekisui who wanted to build high rise apartments right on our beloved Yaroomba Beach.
Both the terms "on smoko" and "pub feed" don't exist in American slang. What are some other Australian terms your average American ought to learn?
“Suck piss” (means drinking alcohol)
“Dog act” (if someone lets you down or betrays you)
“Dead horse” (tomato sauce)
“Bowlsie” (local bowls club)
“Lung Buster” (cigarette)
“Billy” (a bong)
Finally, describe your perfect pub feed.
Chicken Parmy.
American shed enthusiasts can catch The Chats at one of the following dates: