Stealing O’Neal
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Stealing O’Neal

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The likely lads from Melbourne’s own Stealing O’Neal have put in more than their share of hard yards over the few years since the band’s inception, something clearly evident in their steady rise through the echelons of the Aussie pop-rock menagerie. The sweet fruits of labour come in the form of Don’t Sleep, the rousing gadabouts’ long-awaited debut album . As the good ship O’Neal sets out once again for an east coast tour, bass wielder Tom Fleming recounts the long build-up to the LP’s release.

The likely lads from Melbourne’s own Stealing O’Neal have put in more than their share of hard yards over the few years since the band’s inception, something clearly evident in their steady rise through the echelons of the Aussie pop-rock menagerie. The sweet fruits of labour come in the form of Don’t Sleep, the rousing gadabouts’ long-awaited debut album . As the good ship O’Neal sets out once again for an east coast tour, bass wielder Tom Fleming recounts the long build-up to the LP’s release.

“Yeah the recording process was pretty cool, we had all the drums laid down in a proper studio, then we rented out this house, this sweet beach house in Angelsea, to do guitars, bass and vocals,” he recalls. “So being able to surf and just enjoy the beach as we worked which wasn’t too shabby.”

The seaside sojourn provided a far more conducive atmosphere for what can usually prove to be a tense, labour-intensive process, a fact the lads greatly appreciated, “We’re all from the city, so it was good to get out into the fresh air for a change,” he laughs.

As for expanding the band’s sound to cover a full-length release, Stealing O’Neal stuck to what has proved to be a winning formula thus far. “I wouldn’t say the album varies much from what we’ve done on the EPs,” he contemplates, “just more of a step-up than anything.” Those EPs, Spin For Me and Collidescope, were received more than well enough to warrant a pretty much non-stop touring schedule, landing the boys more than a few choice support slots for some big name acts – including a few giants of the US scene. “We toured the country with guys like The Ataris, The Used, and we did the Take Action tour last year with All Time Low, which was pretty awesome for us,” Tom states.

Playing alongside acts of such calibre not only earned the boys a whole swarm of new followers, but also provided inspiration during the writing of new material. “Yeah all those bands, The Used especially, are definitely a big influence on the way we create music,” he says, “and Set Your Goals, who we did a few shows with last year, are probably my personal all-time favourite band.” The band’s reference points aren’t limited to touring mates, “I’d say the number one influence that comes through on Don’t Sleep would have to be (Philly pop-rockers) The Starting Line,” Tom notes with a deal of reverence. “Listening to their last album, Direction, definitely played a big part in the creative process.”

With a solid half-decade’s worth of experience under their belt, it’s hard to believe the bandmates’ average age still registers in the low 20s. “Basically me, Chris (vox) and Tim (guitar) all went to the same high school together,” Tom explains, “then Ryan (drums) played in this other band we did some shows with, and Jack (guitar) happens to be Chris’s cousin.”

The teenaged genesis of the band may lay some explanation why the group resonates so well with a younger audience. “When we do underage shows the crowd seem to get into it more, be a little more responsive. I suppose they appreciate the fact that at least some bands are putting on shows for them,” he says. That’s not to say the best shows are necessarily reserved for before sundown, “But then again, doing shows at night is a lot easier, mainly due to the copious amounts of alcohol involved,” he laughs.

In the lead up to the album’s launch, the band gave their followers a tasty sample with lead single Hometown, given away as a free download. While this may be a strategy that’s no longer as groundbreaking as it once was, it’s still carried out with due thought. “I suppose it’s just giving back to the fans, keeping them interested,” Tom ponders. The track’s subject matter deals with overcoming fear and doubt ­– a reflection of the album’s journey.

“Yeah that song’s not so much about our hometown in a literal sense – it’s more about dealing with issues we faced trying to make the record,” he muses. “Like people not having faith in the album or us as a band. It’s just us showing everyone, and ourselves, we have what it takes.”

The track’s overwhelmingly positive reception would surely go some way to dispelling any such fears, yet Tom remains cautiously optimistic on the eve of release. “It’s pretty nerve-wracking – it’s what it all comes down to, like the do or die stage really,” he admits. With so much riding on the album’s performance, he can be forgiven for suffering form a little proverbial myopia. “It’s hard to say what comes next really, if the album’s a success we’d love to maybe bring out an American band to tour, that’s definitely something we’re thinking about,” he says, “we’ll more than likely start writing again for album number two I suppose.”

The ever-changing musical landscape throws up many unique challenges, and Stealing O’Neal feel more than capable of navigating this new ground. “Well, I think at the moment it’s getting tough for our style of music, we’re well aware that the scene is…” Tom pauses for a second, contemplating, “I dunno, I’d guess you’d say ‘dying’ in a sense,” he considers cautiously, “but we feel confident we’ll push through that.”

STEALING O’NEAL launch their brand new debut album Don’t Sleep with two massive shows at The Corner Hotel on Friday October 15 (18+), and an arvo show on Saturday October 16 (u18). Tickets from The Corner box office, 9427 9198 or cornerhotel.coms. Don’t Sleep is out now through Shock.