Sizing Up: BIGSOUND pick IV League on their party stamina and smashing pies

It’s a cliche to say a band are aptly named, but Melbourne outfitIV League make the kind of90s-revivalrock you’ll want to hook directly into your veins: dreamybut focused, scuzzy andsharp-edged.

The four-piece kicked off 2017 in style, winning the triple j Unearthed Laneway competition to snag a slot on the Melbourne leg of the festival, and following it up by joining Ali Barter on her Suitable Girl tour around the country.

Before their highly anticipated BIGSOUND showcases next week, frontwoman Bella Venuti took a break from the strict rehearsal schedule to tell TMN how IV League are powered by Unearthed, Kylie, and regional bakeries.

Where are you from?

I’m a Melbourne girl born and raised, having grown up in the eastern suburbs. Lachie, my songwriting partner who also fronts the band as the lead guitarist is from country Victoria, as are our rhythm section Millar and Jordan.

These days you’ll catch the four of us most often frequenting the northern suburbs as that is where we rehearse, play most shows and go about our general business.

Who were your favourite Aussie bands growing up?

I grew up listening to a healthy mix of rock and pop music growing up, and I think my thorough and equal appreciation of both genres has really shaped my songwriting style today. This looked a little something like constantly switching Silverchair’s Frogstompand the latest Kylie Minogue offering in and out of my discman.

What’s made the biggest difference for IV League so far– the biggest bit of luck or hard work or serendipity or support from a community that’s given you that crucial bump?

The gradual success of IV League has had a lot of contributing factors, but I’d say it mostly boils down to our persistence and willingness to prioritise the band through difficult patches in which other bands may have just decided to throw the towel in.

Additionally we owe so much to the continual support of triple j, particularly the Unearthed team. I have so much love for the Unearthed community, and I think it’s unlike any other platform that exists. It brought me out of my bedroom, fiddling around with my guitar alone and inspired me to really give my dream a shot.

You’ve had a massive year so far, between winning the Laneway comp and the Ali Barter tour!What have you learned that’s surprised you?

This year has been really great for us, and I think what we’ve certainly been able to learn the ins and outs of touring, and have definitely built an increasingly solid stage presence through the opportunities we’ve had to play shows of a higher caliber.

What is a IV League live set like?

You can expect high energy and focus that doesn’t compromise the fun four twenty-somethings should be having when they get up onto a stage. You can also expect a taste of new material, including some slower numbers that I’ve been really thrilled to play live as I feel that they showcase my vocal skill in a new and interesting way that this project hasn’t before.

How have you been preparing for BIGSOUND?Do you haveday jobs you have to take time off from?

We’ve basically been preparing by rehearsing like its going out of style! That has also included tightening and refining our set list and trying to make the most proactive plan that we can for the week.

It’s been full on as most of us have part time jobs and responsibilities, but really we live our lives in a way that flexes around our band commitments because its what we’re most passionate about.

Which other acts will you be making time to catch?

My top must sees would have to be Brightness, fellow Melbournites Good Morning, Hatchie and Splashh– who I feel like I have been waiting to see live for nothing short of a century.

What’s your after-dark mode – are you more likely to head straight back to the hotel after you play for a tea and Netflix, or stay out making trouble?

I think it’s safe to say we’ll be out making trouble – the last time we played in Brisbane we were the last people standing in the Foundry so I’m assuming the BIGSOUNDweek is going to follow suit.

Where in Brisbane will we find you refuelling between sets?

For me it’ll be the vegan options all the way, and I actually try to keep it pretty healthy when we tour/go interstate.

The boys however are another story– our bass player is known for eating two meat pies each time we make an interstate bakery pit stop when touring.

What’s next after BIGSOUND?

After BIGSOUNDthings are going to be pretty exciting for us! We have a few really cool unannounced support tours lined up as well as more music of our own to release. Good times!