Exposed Vocals Interviews Adam Ryan of The Scrapes

Brisbane-based improvised experimental instrumentals duo. New album “The Songs of Baron Samedi” due for release early 2015.

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

Twitter.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

We Scrapes both grew up in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. A violin was shoved in my hands when I was 5 and I’ve never looked back. The Scrapes got together at a shithole house I was living in in 2009 and the magick was instant. We’ve continued unabated since, now releasing our 3rd album THE SONGS OF BARON SAMEDI on Soft Abuse and Conquest of Noise records. Out soon!

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

If you listen to the music I think it’s pretty obvious. Lots of harsh Scraping. There’s more to it but that shall remain a mystery for now…

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

I think it’s a useful tool and a great thing when it comes to finding rare out-of-print stuff. It’s NOT ok when artists are getting ripped off. If they’re alive and practicing, pay them. We do give it away for free from time to time. To spread the word.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Record some music, use it to secure gigs and send it to as many radio stations as you can. Be tenacious and even sometimes belligerent. Do what you believe in and don’t give a fuck about what anyone else thinks.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

No. We’re an improvisational group…a mistake can be the best thing about the performance!

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Yes. A couple of years back we played a gig on the roof of the People’s Republic of Australasia (a mysterious Sydney experimental music temple) which pissed off a few neighbours including one guy who threw a brick at us. He missed. We laughed.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Nature and its victory over so-called civilization. Life experience, the good the bad the ugly. We get together with a bunch of instruments and we jam and record it. If there’s good stuff we cut it up and use it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

We have a few. Official Scrapes HQ: http://planetofthescrapes.blogspot.com.au

Scrapes bandcamp: http://thescrapes.bandcamp.com

Scrapes soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/theonetruescrapes

Look us up on Facebook and Twitter too @TheScrapes. We use all of the above + YouTube and anything really. Our last two albums are on Spotify and iTunes as will the new one eventually.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

None. I don’t care what anyone else thinks about anything I listen to.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Travel a lot. Help some friends out. Donate to the right organisations.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

We’re always upgrading the studio at the Planet of The Scrapes. Scrap metal mics made of Soviet tanks.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Playing live a lot. Social media can work. Releasing quality work. Word of Mouth and play on bit radio stations is probably the best.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Fela Kuti at the Kalakuta Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. Why? Because Fela dey.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Yes. The NEW Scrapes album THE SONGS OF BARON SAMEDI will be out very soon on cassette through Soft Abuse records, vinyl through Conquest of Noise records and digitally via The Scrapes bandcamp page and in the US via Soft Abuse and the usual channels. We are also in the process of uploading our entire back catalogue to http://thescrapes.bandcamp.com including our extremely rare first selt-titled CDR. We will also be performing in the upcoming Burger Revolution, 7 March, Chardon’s Corner Hotel, Annerley, Brisbane, Australia,5:30pm.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I have no idea.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Yes. Nirvana Nevermind. I don’t recall.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Music is my life. There are no other responsibilities.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

The new album THE SONGS OF BARON SAMEDI. That’s all they need to look forward to. And who knows we may end up in your town sometime.

Randy M

Since 2008, I've been dedicated to supporting unsigned artists through ExposedVocals.com, evolving from platform creation to in-depth music reviews and artist discovery. I showcase talent, amplify voices, and share industry insights from legends to empower the next generation of musicians.