Step inside the world of Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice. The Melbourne synth-punk band has become a cult favourite in the underground, known for feverish live shows, prolific releases and a world that stretches far beyond the stage. We caught up with drummer Miranda to talk life inside the unusual practice.
For those who don't know you, who are you and what do you do?
I’m Miranda and I play drums in Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice. We make music for people who like a bit of chaos but still like a boogie.
What’s your first shared fragrance memory as a band?
Mostly sweat. We started off playing in a tin shed, summers were not too kind and had us all pretty cooked. We are moving into our smell-good era now though.
What does the creative process look like for you as a band?
Dougal, our lead singer, is always writing and always creating… I genuinely don't know when he sleeps. There’s always something cooking up- lyrics, voice notes, sick riffs or sometimes close to complete songs. We all jump right in and shape it into something special.
Do you think scent and sound can hold memory in the same way?
Absolutely. Sometimes a smell will remind me of something before I can work out why… I think music and sound does the same thing, they're both pretty good at catching you off guard.
What ORB scent would you associate with Dr Sure’s and why?
River- and probably also my personal favourite! I can’t stop wearing it. Everyone seems to pull something different with this on and I really love the dusty rose notes that stay on me. I like that it changes as it wears and doesn't give everything away at once. That feels a bit like Dr Sure’s… there’s a lot going on under the surface and you tend to notice something different each time you come back to it.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would you pick, and why?
I find this question almost impossible, ask me tomorrow and it’ll probably be a different answer! haha. I have a horrible habit of listening to albums to death, until I can not listen to them again. I seem to return to Pixies and Baxter Dury a lot lately though.
Do you have anything exciting in the works?
We do! We have finished recording the next album, we have a couple of singles out already but looking to release this album in a few months and have a bunch of fun shows coming up as well.
If Dr Sures was a fragrance what would it smell like?
A little bit fancy, a little bit sweaty. Something that's had a big night but cleans up alright.
How does scent play a role in writing/creating music?
Maybe not so much in the writing itself, but definitely in the memories around it. Different smells instantly remind me of different rooms or spaces, different venues or even the different people that you meet through music and travel. Its funny what your brain decides to hang on to.
Tell us about your favourite show you’ve ever played?
The best ones are usually the shows you don't expect much from. We like the small packed out rooms or front bar shows with everyone on top of each other. In saying that though, Binic Folk Blues Festival is up there. The French crowds are incredible. They really do commit to having a good time and it was pretty special playing right by the water, the sun starting to set- it felt more like a celebration rather than a show.
Bisous! xx
