One of Australia’s sauciness pair, Peking Duk, has been making their way across the United States this summer with sets at Hard Summer to Life is Beautiful and each time leaving with a growing ride and die fan base. Comprised by two Canberra natives, Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles had their big break in 2012 with a Passion Pit bootleg remix. Initially known for their trashy house party sets, they have since expanded their sound and recently dropping a catchy pop-rock track.
Photography by Mike Greene
Interview by Mel Truong
First off, who’s your favorite Orange Is the New Black character? Thoughts on this past season?
Reuben: Def Crazy Eyes or Lorna (Yael Stone’s character)…. They are both so good in so many ways. When you realize Lorna is bananas it makes so much sense and her character shines in such a brilliantly dark way! Also our homie Jake from the Aussie band Bluejuice is Yael Stone’s brother so it’s pretty fun watching the show knowing that! Secondly massive shout outs to Big Boo for teaching the grand saying of “2 in the pink, 1 in the stink”. Delightfully graphic imagery from such few words. Lastly Bennet, the absolute man, could not imagine the show without him. Now, it’s shameful to admit but haven’t seen seasons 3 or 4, it’s hard when we are so damn busy but I know a marathon is in order asap! Especially coz the legendary homegirl Ruby Rose is in it!!!
How did you guys link up with Matt McGorry, aka Bennett, from OITNB?
Reuben: We were going through ideas for movies and the casting was hands down our biggest obstacle when running through ideas. Luckily when Chirco (the director) sent us back his treatment he had a few actors in mind. Matt McGorry turned out to be the luckiest pick of all time! He said he had been keen to let loose a little with his acting and dancing an I’m sure you can tell, with his make up and costume on for Say My Name he was completely at home in the role!!
The “Say My Name” music video is great, really vibrant and it’s sassy as hell. Did you guys come up with the concept or was it pitched? The unibrow was a powerful sight.
Reuben: We came up with the concept at Coachella.. Based on a Johnny Drama / Jackie Chan type character that is gloriously confident yet a goof at the same time. As mentioned the casting was a toughie… Sorry I kinda answered this is the last question, should’ve read ahead!
Hearing as you both were involved in prior music projects before Peking Duk, has the idea of adding live instruments, similar to Glitch Mob or Odesza, been a thought?
Reuben: It absolutely has been a thought and for some shows such as Coachella and Splendour In The Grass, we have brought out singers, string quartets, played bass and guitar and even brought along rappers. The show to us is about throwing a party and at the moment that is exactly what it is. However as the future moves I have no doubts we will turn the DJ-esque party set into a completely live set with a drummer.
Where do you both get your inspiration from when creating new music? Do your surroundings influence you at all?
Adam: Anything and everything inspires us… Good people, good nights, good days, good food and good music are the main contributors. Sometimes i’ll wake up in a certain vibe that makes me want to write a million songs right away so i’ll just go for it and write as much as I can while i’m still in that mindset… that’s usually when my best ideas come out.
If you were to re-brand as a boy band, adding a third member, who would you add and which group would you be most similar to?
Adam: Julian Casablancas from the strokes Or Prince – we would be like the new backstreet boys only a million times better.
Last question, what’s next for the australian duo?
Adam: We’re currently working on our debut album so it’s very exciting times…. We can’t wait to show people what we’ve been working on so stay tuned!
