🟥 This article is translated from French.

Highly Evolved? That's what we immediately think of when you listen to The Vines' debut album, which lacks neither panache nor good ideas. What astonishment, therefore, to discover that Craig Nicholls, leader of this Aussie quartet, evolves in a restricted suburb, between shyness and autism.

1st musical memory?

Probably a track by The Beach Boys, a band you can't escape from when you live by the sea in Australia (laughs). More seriously, I think it was I Get Around or Fun, Fun, Fun. In any case, their harmonies and melodies touched me from the first listen.

1st record you bought?

Faith No more, The Real Thing, the album with the track Epic. The video sparked a lot of controversy at the time, because you could see a fish die at the end.

1st record from the Heavenly label you listened to?

Actually, that's funny, because I had bought some LP's without knowing they were released on this label, like Lost Souls by the Doves. I love the sound of this album, by the way. And, as all the guys working at Heavenly are really cool, we are really honoured to be on this label in the UK.

1st Australian band you loved?

(Without hesitation) Ratcat! I was 14, 15 and they are very much linked to that period of my life. Their edge was to play rather traditional pop songs but with a huge sound. If you pay attention, we have a pretty similar approach, even if we listen to a lot of different genres: country, dance, hard rock... 

1st gig you went to?

Fur, a very rock band from Australia led by a female singer/guitarist. This band has also become a good source of inspiration. Uh... especially the girl (Laughs). By the way, I militate very seriously for the female gender to be more present in bands. 

1st gig you played?

We played as a trio (note: with Patrick Matthews, the bassist, and David Olliffe, the original drummer) at a friend's birthday party, about 7 years ago. I think we were't very good, not to say we were really bad... but nevermind : even if there are pictures on our website, the expiration date is well past and we really had fun.

1st band you adored?

Nirvana. I didn't wear their t-shirt, nor the whole grunge outfit, but I did have all their records. For me, it was the pinnacle of poetic rock, both primary and sophisticated, with a sound from hell! (Laughs) And recently I found the same energy when I discovered Muse. The last record I bought for myself must be their second album, Origin of Symmetry. 

1st video you found outstanding?

I can't remember... But recently, I was struck by the video of Plug In Baby... by Muse! Because it's hi-fi and rock at the same time. I can't help it, sincerely : as you can see, when I love something, I don't do things by halves! (Laughs).

Without music?

Hmmm... I think that I would have focused on painting. I followed an art course. But the music appeal has been stronger than anything, and so, I really concentrated all my energy on this direction. In spite of this, I wish I could find the time to improve myself because visual arts and sculpture are activities I have a passion for.