Cousin Betty is a band from Australia with a beautiful and unique style of Rock. They have recently released the track Taxes and Death. We interviewed the band’s drummer, Andi Dyson, and asked her about her band’s music and her thoughts on many other things. Here’s our interview with Andi Dyson from Cousin Betty!
Hello Andi. How are you and the rest of the members of Cousin Betty doing?
Pretty bummed as we haven’t been able to play gigs for a while. But also very excited to get into the studio and record some new tracks. We’re actually starting pre-production this weekend and haven’t seen each other in months. It’s going to get a little silly I suspect.
Hope you will get back on stage soon! If you were to describe Cousin Betty’s sound to a reader who hasn’t got to listen to your music yet, what would you say?
I am literally the worst at describing music. My friend who has seen us play was trying to describe to another friend what we sounded like. He gave up. The only way he could describe us was “Weddings in Space, Weddings in Space…”
That’s interesting! I think every person learning and working a hobby or profession has heroes from that profession that inspire them. So what drummers were you inspired by?
I’m a bit of a rock drummer. I’ve been drumming since I was 14 and grew up listening to a lot of seventies music so loved John Bonham, Ginger Baker and Bill Ward. Later on Mike Bordin from Fath no More, Brant Bjork from Kyuss, John Stanier from Helmet etc, Abe Cunningham from Deftones, and Peter Kostic from Front end Loader (and about a million other Aussie bands) were big influences too.
Great names! In order to get to know you better, and to have some fun, also because I’m a nerd, how about we play a nerdy game? I will set up some alternative universes and give you a scenario and a question about it. Are you ready?
I think so……
In a universe where you find yourself the queen of a kingdom, what would be the first legislation you’d make?
Ughh, That’s hard. Going by the current state of our world there’s much that needs improving. Strict domestic violence and child abuse laws. Ban fossil fuels. Make strong protections for native flora and fauna. Make music and art mandatory in schools. One of those would be a good start.
In a universe where you can choose a superpower to possess, would you rather have the ability to teleport from one place to another, or the ability to read minds?
I do not even want to know what other people are thinking. I am also quite lazy, so teleporting for me.
In a universe where you’re the statue of liberty, what object would you be holding instead of a torch?
A dog. I love dogs.
In a universe where people pay for things they buy by making people laugh, not money, how rich would you be considered?
What’s higher than a trillionaire?
In a universe where the sense of taste and sense of hearing got somehow mixed up in the human body, what food would Cousin Betty’s music taste like?
Hmmm. We’re spicy, tangy with a touch of sweet. Maybe a curry.
In a universe where Earth was invaded by aliens with superior technology, it was discovered that their only weakness is that their brains melt when they hear songs with heavy beats, which “Cousin Betty” song would you go to battle against the aliens with?
I think Weddings in Space would be apt.
Thank you for playing, Andi! Hope you enjoyed this! Do you remember the first time you performed in front of a live audience? How did it feel?
I was about 14 or 15. It was a party in Newtown, Sydney. I was scared shitless. But the rush when we started playing and then when people actually got into it was amazing.
Have you ever been treated in a sexist manner? How would you have sexism and what advice would you give to young people who deal with any kind of discrimination?
Unfortunately, having been in the music industry for a long time, I have come across a lot of dickheads. My advise is to never back down and apologies for your feelings. That shits me the most. That anyone who calls out discrimination of any kind is made to feel worse for it. You get to put down, you speak up, you get put down again. It’s exhausting. But don’t give up. Don’t let them win. It’s not you who needs to change. It’s them.
Thank you for your time, Andi. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Great and fun interview