Futuremag Music: Naturally, you’ve just landed back in Australia — what hit you first this time around?
The Scratch: The heat. The sun. That’s it. You can spot Irish lads straight away — especially this time of year coming somewhere warm. There was a massive thunderstorm earlier, but the last few days have been beautiful. We had two days to roam around Melbourne. Gary’s Angus, who runs Bloom Coffee, put us up, filled us with cold brews. And the coffee here… you just can’t get away with bad coffee in Melbourne. Even the train stations are ridiculous compared to what you’d expect.
Futuremag Music: Sounds like you’ve settled in well.
The Scratch: Yeah, when we got here last year, we had such a blast. It’s a beautiful place, people love music, love live shows — and the gigs were amazing. So, getting the chance to come back is class.
Futuremag Music: Your last visit was for Misneach Festival — how did that come about?
The Scratch: Yeah, organised by Dermot Kennedy. ‘Misneach’ means bravery in Irish… and it was a brave move booking us. (laughs). He had amazing acts — all Irish artists — playing in Sydney last summer. That was what got us over here, really. We added more shows around it, but that festival was the starting point.
Futuremag Music: Who else was on the lineup?
The Scratch: Amble, Kneecap, Cliffords, Susan O’Neill… loads of incredible artists. Matt Corby too — the one local lad snuck in there. (laughs). It was a privilege to be part of it.
Futuremag Music: Now you’re back for your own shows — how does that feel?
The Scratch: Buzzing. Melbourne was actually our first show last time too — we played Howler. We were wrecked from the flight, barely functioning… but the second we walked out, the place was just flying. It was on wheels. We also did a secret gig in Sydney the next day — tiny room, St. Patrick’s Day — absolutely mental. So yeah, coming back now with proper headline shows is very exciting.
Futuremag Music: Do Australian crowds bring something different compared to home in Dublin?
The Scratch: It’s very similar — which is probably the best compliment we can give. It’s that same kind of feral energy (laughs). The mix of Irish and Australian crowds is perfect. It actually feels closer to home than a lot of other places.
Futuremag Music: Important question… if presented with a shoey — are you doing it?
The Scratch: If the shoe comes off the shelf… then absolutely not. (laughs) Is it an honour? Like, do you get presented with it?
Futuremag Music: Usually the sweatiest bloke in the front row throws it on stage.
The Scratch: Ah okay… yeah that’s rough. I’ve never done one — I’ve seen it. It’s nasty. In the heat of the moment though… who knows. Is it disrespectful to say no?
Futuremag Music: Kind of…
The Scratch: Right… okay, we might have to do it so. (laughs). So yeah — bring your shoes.
Futuremag Music: Let’s talk about Pull Like a Dog. When did that phrase become the identity of the album?
The Scratch: Cathal brought it up — it was just a line at first. It ended up in the song, and then when we heard it, we were like — that’s the album title. It was one of the first times we had a title before the album was even finished, and it kind of shaped everything — it became the ethos. It came from a challenging period in our lives… so it became a mantra for getting through that.