The American Public
Genre:Pop/rock
This highly inventive and articulate South Australian pop band, which formed in 2000, comprises of Ben deHoedt (Bass / Vox), Matt Harris (Guitar / Vox / Glockenspiel) and Mel Horsman (Percussion). Their canon of tight pop songs are delivered in sharp bursts and the group shares an undeniable chemistry in their live performances. Their songs are radio friendly, intelligent pop numbers which take advantage of the three-piece dynamic, showcasing the distinctive playing styles of the band and clever arrangements.
The American Public are really into the classic pop sounds of bands like the Police, REM, New Order and the Go Betweens and also enjoy exploring electronica and hip-hop. Artists such as Matmos, Aphex Twin and De La Soul are all considered influential. The electronic medium has long played an important role in the formative demo work of the band, and is often used via backing tracks played off a trusty MD console on stage.
This upbeat trio are not into the divisive mentality of performer / audience and like to interact with their crowd. There can be a shambolic quality to their shows which often occurs as a result of instrument swapping and people falling over glockenspiels and metallophones, which only sets them aside from regular guitar bands. The American Public naturally reinvent their recorded material when playing live. Stripped back and often integrating sample beats and glockenspiel the band present upbeat, rocking and engaging shows.
