Blueline Medic have to be one of the most underrated and hard working bands in Australia right now. After putting out one of the best releases of 2000 and playing too many live shows to count, you'd think they'd have a few record labels scrambling for them. You'd also think that Donnie would have enough money to buy some thicker gauged guitar strings.

Note: Blueline Medic officially signed to Fueled By Ramen just after this interview was done.

So why the break up of Caustic Soda?

I don't think I realised it at the time, but I think I wanted to be in band a that had a more singular direction. From the very beginning, Caustic had two song writing personalities, which at the time, didn't really bother me. But as time wore on, I eventually became restless and less enthusiastic. So for me, I think Caustic had to break up if I wanted to keep my passion for playing.

What do you see as the main difference personally between the two bands?

Obviously the personalities of band members has an effect on the song writing process and the way the band performs live. But musically, Blueline Medic tries not to have any limitations, whereas Caustic had to work within a certain space. I think that Caustic was probably a little bit more melancholy too.

You guys seem to have a pretty swish website. Do you think the Internet has helped get the word out about your band at all? And if so, has this reflected in the people that go to your shows?

The internet has definitely been a help 'getting the word out', and it's helped put the band in touch more with its audience. We have people emailing us, coming to the shows and then introducing themselves. It's cool.

You have MP3s on your website. As an artist, what are your thoughts on Napster?

Mixed. I don't really know a lot about Napster. But as a young band working hard to get your music heard, I would be (and am at the moment) supportive of letting a few songs go out via the internet free of charge. But at the same time, bands who have put in the hard yards should be eventually shown support by their fans financially to allow them to continue what they do.

There is another issue which was pointed out to me by a mixer not long ago. And that is the inferior quality of Mp3. Engineers and producers also invest their lives into their vocations so that we can have beautiful recordings. But many of them might feel their work compromised because of the nature of data compression that the Mp3 format uses. That is, at least, if I understood my friend correctly.

I guess I really haven't got a concrete view about what should or shouldn't be with regard to Mp3. I guess with Blueline Medic, we'll take each issue as it comes.

Especially with the breadth of bands that all members have been (David [bass] - The Bradshaw Figure, Adrian [guitar] - One Inch Punch/Mid Youth Crisis, Chirpy [drums] - Pollyanna) how does the Blueline Medic go about writing a song? Do you write all of the lyrics?

Yes, I write all the lyrics, but the song writing process varies. Sometimes I'll write an entire song, music and words both. Then I'll take that to the rest of the band and they'll help arrange it, fix up any loose ends and, of course, add their own parts. Sometimes Adrian and Dave will come up with the music, and we'll all jam it out together. Then I'll add the words later and we'll take into the rehearsal room so that Shaun can work his magic.

What poets (if any) have influenced your writing?

It's difficult to say what poets have influenced me, as I don't read that much poetry. I read novels mostly. But Charles Bukowski is good for sheer honesty. And Raymond Carver has an excellent story telling style. Song writers that have definitely influenced me are Blake Shwarzenbach, Neil Finn, Bill Janowitz,, Morrissey and Billy Bragg.

Your lyrics don't seem political. Is there a political side to the band?

There's not much that's political with regard to the songs. Most of the songs are like narratives, so there's not much room in there for politics. But there is a political and ethical side to the personalities that make up the band.

Again on your lyrics. From going to shows and reading your cover sleeves your lyrics seem very personal. Do these reflect your own life or somebody else's?

If you're referring to the Caustic lyrics then yeah, all of them are from a personal perspective. But in BLM, the lyrical viewpoints are varied. Even though some of the songs have been written in first person, they could be about other people. There are still personal songs too though.

I've noticed that people usually don't dance at your shows whilst you guys are up there getting into it. Would you like it if people started busting out the moves?

I'd love it if people started dancing, but I don't mind what people do as long as they're enjoying themselves.

How did you hook up with Chirpy?

He and our lawyer, Chris, have known each other for a while. When we were sorting out the Murmer thing, Chris suggested that we get in touch with Shaun as Pollyanna were just about to have a big break.

What happened with the whole Sony debacle? Your EP was released by them but I hear you guys are no longer attached? Any prospective deals on the horizon?

Initially, it was a done deal. The record had been pressed, they'd spent money on a video, organised promotion and all of that. But when it came down to the wire, the head honchos pulled the plug because the company had had a poor financial year. All new deals were frozen. So we ended up just doing a pressing and distribution deal with them for the Ep.

At the moment we're working very closely with Fueled by Ramen in the states. We'll probably end up doing a couple of records with them.

Why would you decide to sign to an overseas label?

We haven't signed with them yet. But if we do, it will be because they have a genuine and sincere interest in the band and there would be good working relationship.

When is the new album coming out?

The new album should be released within the first half of next year [2001]. I don't have a clue about the exact date.

You seem to break a lot of strings playing live. What's the deal?

I think the bridge on my guitar is a little sharp at the A-string. I want to start using thicker gauged strings, but my money is preventing from getting a guitar service. It's way overdue.

What do you think of the music coming out of Melbourne now?

I'm dumbfounded. I can't believe the calibre of some of the bands that are playing at the moment. My favourite bands in Melbourne are The Nation Blue, Something for Kate, Identity Theft, and Heartfelt Self.

Last of all, I know you're a big Blake Schwarzenbach fan. What do you think of the new Jets To Brazil album???

It's excellent. Although, it's not as engaging as Orange Rhyming Dictionary. The writing seems less dense, and the music more relaxed. The songs have this traditional pop flavour as well - sort of like The Beatles. It feels like it would be an excellent album to take with you while travelling overseas.