Interview: The Jungle Giants

We had the opportunity to chat with singer-songwriter Sam Hales about the band’s latest record and finally returning to the US to tour. You can catch them around the country over the next month playing songs off their latest, Love Signs. More information and tickets, here.

Where am I catching you?

• I’m at the airport just about to fly to USA babyyyyy.

How did the band start?

• I’d been writing songs for a long time, then after I finished school I went and got a job at a convenience store and McDonald’s. I worked like 90 hours a week and saved up 6k to hire a studio and pay a producer and hire instruments. I then quit both jobs and the rest is history. 

How did you meet?

• We all went to school together.

What clicked about making music together?

• We all really share the same love for music. Everyone is just as dedicated and have been since the start. 

What role did music play in your upbringing?

• I was always really obsessed with learning instruments. When I was really young thought I’d be a professional flautist. Then it was a jazz drummer. Now it’s pop star. 

When did you first express an interest in music?

• I think it really clicked on for me when I was around 10 or 11. I loved being in school band and choirs and everything I could do really. I was once a member of an all-male acapella group called “men’s business”. We were not great. 

What inspired Love Sings?

• I made the record almost entirely about my experience of Love and how positive is can be on your wellbeing. When you know someone loves you, you feel like you can do anything. I had also just opened myself up to my partner musically, and was showing her songs at the development stage, and I was really excited to find that her and I could write together. We actually co-wrote the track “Love Signs“. Seemed really fitting to what the whole record was about.

How does it relate to your other records?

• Well it was definitely a big step forward for me, because I wanted to give myself the challenge of writing and producing the whole thing in my little studio. It was a deep dive and I definitely went nuts, but I learned so much about myself and how I want to make music. 

What is the story you want people to know behind the new tracks?

• Well one thing that goes to mind is I was experimenting a lot with how I would record vocals. If you listen closely in the bridge of “Monstertruck” you can hear the vocals go from quiet to loud on a long held note. I wanted to do that naturally without actually increasing the volume in recording, so I just ran around the room towards the mic. Like I said I went a bit nuts.

What are you most looking forward to for your upcoming US tour?

• Well the shows are way overdue, so we are pumped to finally play the new album to our American fans. We are also extreme food lovers, and are planning to eat everything America has to offer. We’ve already slammed more Texas BBQ than is healthy but we are dedicated.

Was it easy or hard to create during the pandemic?

• Both. Melbourne has the world’s longest lockdown as of 2 years into the pandemic, so the first little while I felt really glad to have some time to write, and the next bit I just wanted to get the f*ck out, ya know. Right now I’m feeling great to be free and writing, it’s a whole different ball game. 

What did you miss most about not touring during the pandemic?

• Nothingggggggg. I much prefer being outside.

Do you bring something on the road with you to remind you of home?

• I always bring books. I like big fat fantasy novels that take me ages to read so I generally take them all around with me. This tour I’m looking to find a photo of Guy Fieri that I can put up in my bus bunk, to always remind that I’m close to flavor town.

THE JUNGLE GIANTS LIVE

October 26 /// Star Theater /// Portland, OR

October 28 /// Bimbo’s 365 Club /// San Francisco, CA

October 29 /// El Rey Theatre /// Los Angeles, CA

October 31 /// Urban Lounge /// Salt Lake City, UT

November 1 /// Marquis Theater /// Denver, CO

November 3 /// Slowdown /// Omaha, NE

November 4 /// Turf Club /// St. Paul, MN

November 5 /// Bottom Lounge /// Chicago, IL

November 7 /// Axis Club /// Toronto, ON

November 8 /// Bar Le Ritz /// Montreal, QC

November 9 /// The Sinclair /// Boston, MA

November 10 /// MilkBoy /// Philadelphia, PA

November 12 /// Warsaw /// Brooklyn, NY

November 13 /// Black Cat /// Washington, DC

November 15 /// Aisle 5 /// Atlanta, GA

November 17 /// The Parish /// Austin, TX

November 18 /// Tulips /// Fort Worth, TX