Based on Gadigal Land, the fiery four-piece femme-punk band Downgirl have just released their latest track ‘2006’ and a farcical accompanying music video. Downgirl is made up of Skarlett Saramore (drums), Lou Harbidge (bass), Kristen Adams (guitar) and Alexandra Neville (vocals). The band cite their influences as being the Runaways, IDLES and L7. Buoyed on by their wild shows Downgirl’s previous releases have been spun on countless radio stations including Triple J, Double J, Triple M, 2RRR, 5ALX, 4ZZZ, PBS and many more in Australia and overseas.
‘2006’ is the the third track that Downgirl have released and is a follow up to ‘Manic’ which came out late last year. The new song is a powerful punk anthem that combines the band’s trademark, propulsive guitar and drum onslaught with a blistering political message.
“’Where the bloody hell are you?’ was a Tourism Australia slogan used in 2006. We are exploiting the use of this slogan to reinforce the importance of recognising what land we still stand on. ‘2006’ takes aim at the politicians and people benefiting off the colonisation of Australia, including the injustices committed by the system that continues to negatively affect the lives of our Indigenous and First Nations people.”
Skarlett Saramore
The accompanying video is a hilarious caper that features the band impersonating some well-known politicians. No prizes for guessing who the pollies are as onions are eaten and kids are crash tackled as the band causes mayhem on the streets of Sydney’s inner west.
Downgirl’s live shows are gloriously outrageous affairs, see below for details of upcoming gigs.
Downgirl Upcoming Shows
May 5 – The Duke of Enmore, Sydney (NSW) | Free Entry
May 12 – Marrickville Bowlo, Sydney(NSW) w/ Mac the Knife | Tickets
May 27 – The Station, Katoomba (NSW) | Free Entry
July 1 – Crowbar, Sydney (NSW) w/ The Hard Ons | Tickets TBA
July 7 – The Zoo – The Big Weekend, Brisbane (QLD) | Tickets
July 8 – Solbar – The Big Weekend, Maroochydore (QLD) | Tickets
July 9 – Howl And Moan Records, Byron Bay (NSW) | Free Entry
July 29 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (NSW) w/ Painters & Dockers | Tickets
