Please Refrain: Rudely Interrupted

By A. Chow

It seems like everyone who wants to be somebody in the music industry today has got a schtick. We have the you-can’t-tame-pole-dancing-Miley, the I’m-totally-cuckoo-cra-crazy Lady Gaga, and the we’re-pretentiously-hip LMFAO. But say that about Australia's up and coming indie rock act Rudely Interrupted, and well, then you should just get beaten up. The six members of Rudely, fronted by Rory, with Josh on drums, Connie on tambourine, Marcus on synths/keys, Sam on bass, and finally founder Rohan, formed out of a musical therapy program for those with disabilities. Yes, you read that right. Aside from Rohan (who met the five others as a program director), this unique group share the commonality of having one or more of what has been termed by some as "severe disabilities." From autism, to aspergers, to blindness and even being hearing impaired, they've managed to creep up in the Australian indie scene and make huge waves. And for once, their "schtick," if one were even bold enough to call it that, has nothing to do with it. Plain and simply, they've got talent. And loads of it. Their cross between the high energy of fellow natives JET along with the charm and melody of the early 90's Brit rock vibe, Rudely or, affectionately known as The Rudies, are making their way into radio rotation. Thankfully not out of some bizarre curiosity to see a bunch of people with disabilities make music, but because they can play and play well. Just listen to Close My Eyes or the band’s personal favourite Don’t Break My Heart.

If anything, their disabilities have been far from a hindrance for the band. More a blessing in disguise. "The guys have a unique spin on the world and that makes for some really interesting topics of conversations and that's where all the songs come from, their experiences..." says Rohan. Simultaneously, if it weren't for their "disabilities" none of the members may have possessed the capability and talent to do what they do. If not for Rory's perfect pitch and attention to detail and Connie's remarkable ability to keep time and so forth, Rudely Interrupted may very well have never existed. So much for a schtick. Granted the members may have never of met were it not for the music therapy program but as Rohan says, "though [I] put the band together, [I] also feel like the guys found [me], so it's destiny in some ways. It just worked out that these guys are touring the world, not because they are disabled, but because they are musicians."

No doubt they all have musical spirits. Their unrelenting love for good music makes them true fans of their art. And refreshingly, it is the art of it that drives them. "We love good songs, we don't care about what's cool, hot or trendy, we love good songs. You can only be influenced by what you have experienced as an individual so some might say we sound like some band we've never heard of and some say we sound like bands we think write great songs." And the influence of their love of simply good songs is evident in their work. With their natural talent attuned to melody, and their rebellious rock attitude make for music full of heart and energy. And that's something that can't be faked with autotune or on perfectly polished productions.

But it is exactly that - that heart, the thirst for experience and downright intelligence that makes you turn your head when you listen to their work. "Our story is very inspiring so we use our life situation to sell the music and trade on the fact that most think people who live with disabilities can't achieve greatness. We use our weakness as our biggest strength" Rohan says candidly. This open honesty about them is both endearing and showcases their strength and intelligence. Having disabilities and growing up plagued with stereotypes, surely they’ve had to fight to be heard and to be seen with equality. When asked about a moment of struggle through their musical journey, I very much expected a fairly light answer, that of a rabbit running in front of their tour bus, or food poisoning from bad chilli. But instead I got something much heavier along with a true look at the bigger picture – their picture.

“What has been the worst moment so far through the process? Of writing, touring, etc?” I ask.

“Police and Fire brigades rolling up to the hotel with an ambulance after Sam was complaining of a heart attack from running up the hotel stairwell…He is easily misunderstood and luckily I was onto it before they wheeled him off to the hospital.

Funny now, but then…Our tour manager being hit by a car before the tour was really tough for all of us too, but water off a ducks back really.

Try living without eyes and have aspergers or have the world think you're a retard or whatever.”

Living with these stereotypes pinned to your back obviously is no easy feat. It’s clear to see why The United Nations selected Rudely with the honor of performing for them. The validation is palpable and to Rudely, the experience was enough. “It was a very special day for everyone involved and we hope we aren’t the last to do it. We want to inspire other acts to shoot for the stars. Who cares if you miss the target, if you aim high you just might end up somewhere near your target" says Rohan.

Regardless of what's in store for them, The Rudies have a refreshing attitude about their future. "[We expect] total rock stardom. We want to play stadiums with massive bands because that's where [we] truly belong. We hope the world catches up to our delusions sooner rather than later..." Rohan jokes. But we're sure the delusions are soon to become reality.

Check them out at NXNE this Saturday the 19th at Sneaky Dee's in Toronto.