01Profile
A U-Bahn Photo
U-Bahn
Musician — Melbourne
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Lachlan Kenny (U-Bahn), Melbourne, Australia.
Describe your style in three words?
Gothic seventies swinger.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Surprisingly enough I personally wouldn’t consider myself to be that big of an avid gig-goer, But Connan Mockasin performing 'Jassbusters' earlier this year stands out. Really personable and loose performance - reminiscent of a seedy, smoke hazed jazz club.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
We are, in a sense, already billed on the same lineup as one of our collective hero’s of 21st-century music, the glorious Cate Le Bon (playing on the same bill at Meredith Music Festival in December!) which is a personal dream come true for us! - But another dream act that we would love to perform with would be London based quintet Vanishing Twin. An incredibly unique group with heavy emphasis on timeless experimental music and stunning visuals that harken back to the aesthetic brilliance of German expressionist film and Dada performance art - a must-listen for any Stereolab enthusiasts!
Which subcultures have influenced you?
It’s difficult to pinpoint specific influences, given the fact that U-Bahn’s collective influences are so expansive and diverse - In terms of music, the subcultures of DIY & ‘Outsider’ genres, spawned from the decline of major record labels, have been a huge influence on our philosophy and sound. Proving that you don’t have to be incredibly wealthy to create a form of artistic expression.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
If we’re selecting an individual based purely upon their wealth of knowledge and what they can share with us, a forward-thinking, Avant-garde composer the likes of Karlheinz Stockhausen springs to mind - may not be the most riveting and jovial of conversations, but an hour to soak in his intellect would’ve been something special.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I think all of us have a big soft spot for The John Curtin Hotel on Lygon Street, Melbourne. Played there many times and the sound is always really consistent, very friendly/caring staff and Paris (the booker) has been tremendously supportive of us over the past year and a half!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Delia Derbyshire comes to mind. An incredibly influential pioneer of electronic music in the 1960s, most famously composed the original Doctor Who theme!
U-Bahn are an Australian new wave 5-piece who released their self-titled debut album digitally in 2019. Listen, stream, pruchase or pre-order the physical limited pink vinyl version via ubahn.bandcamp.com.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
First song you ever played on repeat?
Mum and dad had a really neat record collection from their youth that they would often dust off and spin when I was very young, I vividly remember listening to '80s bangers like ‘Love Missile F1-11’ by Sigue Sigue Sputnik on repeat whilst I jived around the coffee table.
A song that defines the teenage you?
I remember when I first delved into some artists local to Victoria, I stumbled across The Frowning Clouds LP ‘Whereabouts’. The third track ‘Into The Ground’ served as a hazy soundtrack for my 15-year-old self.
One record you would keep forever?
'Trout Mask Replica' by Captain Beefheart, purely due to its repeatability factor and mind-numbingly dense and complex composition. I may go insane and chant “fast a bulbous” sporadically for the rest of my life, but it’s the price you pay for a masterpiece the calibre of 'Trout Mask Replica'...
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“Show me your thumb if you’re really dumb!”
From ‘Wind Up Workin' In A Gas Station’ by Frank Zappa. I just really like this line from Zappa’s 1976 ‘Zoot Allures’ LP. Perfectly encapsulates Zappa’s unapologetic witticism and the sheepish mentality the education system indoctrinates us to abide by. Simple, yet inspired lyricism.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
‘I Feel Love’ by Donna Summer will forever be the ultimate dance track.
A song you wished you had written?
'Under The Light' by R. Stevie Moore. Not the most refined of recordings but I’ve always just adored how much of a beautiful track it is melodically, really great guitar work - paired with Moore’s signature brand of compositional structure makes for a continuously refreshing and nostalgic listen.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Vienna' by Ultravox springs to mind. Nothing in pop music has surpassed the timelessness brilliance of 'Vienna' since in my opinion. That hook is everything and more...
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I’m not too certain, it’s hard to say because I’m fairly open about what I like and dislike, as we all are collectively. I feel like some friends of mine have been taken back by the fact that I personally don’t take much inspiration from any ‘Punk’ artists really, but rather find a lot more admiration for funk and soul movements. The pocketed bass lines of legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson have set the precedent for many basslines we have written. 'Bernadette' by The Four Tops.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
Something soothing and somewhat haunting would be ideal I think, ‘I’d Like To Walk Around In Your Mind’ by Vashti Bunyan sounds nice, very reflective and isolated sounding.”
Any new music you are listening to right now?
Our good friends Parsnip released their debut LP a month or so ago and it’s a MUST listen for anyone who adores incredibly well-crafted '60s inspired pop, so we’d love to give them a massive shout out! Also been really getting into the side project of White Fence’s Dylan Hadley called Kamikaze Palm Tree... Their track ‘Tucan’s Nose’ bares heavy resemblance aesthetically to Hadley’s peers in the likes of Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley.
'Taking Me For A Ride' by Parsnip.
'Tucan’s Nose' by Kamikaze Palm Tree.
'Magic Of Meghan' by Dry Cleaning.
'Parsec' by Vodovo.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Lachlan Kenny (U-Bahn), Melbourne, Australia.
Describe your style in three words?
Gothic seventies swinger.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Surprisingly enough I personally wouldn’t consider myself to be that big of an avid gig-goer, But Connan Mockasin performing 'Jassbusters' earlier this year stands out. Really personable and loose performance - reminiscent of a seedy, smoke hazed jazz club.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
We are, in a sense, already billed on the same lineup as one of our collective hero’s of 21st-century music, the glorious Cate Le Bon (playing on the same bill at Meredith Music Festival in December!) which is a personal dream come true for us! - But another dream act that we would love to perform with would be London based quintet Vanishing Twin. An incredibly unique group with heavy emphasis on timeless experimental music and stunning visuals that harken back to the aesthetic brilliance of German expressionist film and Dada performance art - a must-listen for any Stereolab enthusiasts!
Which subcultures have influenced you?
It’s difficult to pinpoint specific influences, given the fact that U-Bahn’s collective influences are so expansive and diverse - In terms of music, the subcultures of DIY & ‘Outsider’ genres, spawned from the decline of major record labels, have been a huge influence on our philosophy and sound. Proving that you don’t have to be incredibly wealthy to create a form of artistic expression.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
If we’re selecting an individual based purely upon their wealth of knowledge and what they can share with us, a forward-thinking, Avant-garde composer the likes of Karlheinz Stockhausen springs to mind - may not be the most riveting and jovial of conversations, but an hour to soak in his intellect would’ve been something special.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I think all of us have a big soft spot for The John Curtin Hotel on Lygon Street, Melbourne. Played there many times and the sound is always really consistent, very friendly/caring staff and Paris (the booker) has been tremendously supportive of us over the past year and a half!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Delia Derbyshire comes to mind. An incredibly influential pioneer of electronic music in the 1960s, most famously composed the original Doctor Who theme!
U-Bahn are an Australian new wave 5-piece who released their self-titled debut album digitally in 2019. Listen, stream, pruchase or pre-order the physical limited pink vinyl version via ubahn.bandcamp.com.
04Playlist Notes
First song you ever played on repeat?
Mum and dad had a really neat record collection from their youth that they would often dust off and spin when I was very young, I vividly remember listening to '80s bangers like ‘Love Missile F1-11’ by Sigue Sigue Sputnik on repeat whilst I jived around the coffee table.
A song that defines the teenage you?
I remember when I first delved into some artists local to Victoria, I stumbled across The Frowning Clouds LP ‘Whereabouts’. The third track ‘Into The Ground’ served as a hazy soundtrack for my 15-year-old self.
One record you would keep forever?
'Trout Mask Replica' by Captain Beefheart, purely due to its repeatability factor and mind-numbingly dense and complex composition. I may go insane and chant “fast a bulbous” sporadically for the rest of my life, but it’s the price you pay for a masterpiece the calibre of 'Trout Mask Replica'...
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“Show me your thumb if you’re really dumb!”
From ‘Wind Up Workin' In A Gas Station’ by Frank Zappa. I just really like this line from Zappa’s 1976 ‘Zoot Allures’ LP. Perfectly encapsulates Zappa’s unapologetic witticism and the sheepish mentality the education system indoctrinates us to abide by. Simple, yet inspired lyricism.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
‘I Feel Love’ by Donna Summer will forever be the ultimate dance track.
A song you wished you had written?
'Under The Light' by R. Stevie Moore. Not the most refined of recordings but I’ve always just adored how much of a beautiful track it is melodically, really great guitar work - paired with Moore’s signature brand of compositional structure makes for a continuously refreshing and nostalgic listen.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Vienna' by Ultravox springs to mind. Nothing in pop music has surpassed the timelessness brilliance of 'Vienna' since in my opinion. That hook is everything and more...
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I’m not too certain, it’s hard to say because I’m fairly open about what I like and dislike, as we all are collectively. I feel like some friends of mine have been taken back by the fact that I personally don’t take much inspiration from any ‘Punk’ artists really, but rather find a lot more admiration for funk and soul movements. The pocketed bass lines of legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson have set the precedent for many basslines we have written. 'Bernadette' by The Four Tops.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
Something soothing and somewhat haunting would be ideal I think, ‘I’d Like To Walk Around In Your Mind’ by Vashti Bunyan sounds nice, very reflective and isolated sounding.”
Any new music you are listening to right now?
Our good friends Parsnip released their debut LP a month or so ago and it’s a MUST listen for anyone who adores incredibly well-crafted '60s inspired pop, so we’d love to give them a massive shout out! Also been really getting into the side project of White Fence’s Dylan Hadley called Kamikaze Palm Tree... Their track ‘Tucan’s Nose’ bares heavy resemblance aesthetically to Hadley’s peers in the likes of Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley.
'Taking Me For A Ride' by Parsnip.
'Tucan’s Nose' by Kamikaze Palm Tree.
'Magic Of Meghan' by Dry Cleaning.
'Parsec' by Vodovo.