When you first joined The Vines, did you feel like you had big shoes to fill or were you worried how fans would react? Do you feel any different now that the album has been released?

I definitely felt like I had huge shoes to fill, I was a big Vines fan before I joined and Hamish is one hell of a drummer to live up to. I’ve always been critical of when other bands swap members so I knew that absolutely everybody wouldn’t be happy about it, but generally it’s been a really welcoming response from all of the fans, and they’re pretty crazy fans. I guess our reception has been better since the record has been out, people like the songs and the three of us made them I guess.

Has it helped in the  “settling in”/recording process that you both have known each other and played music together?

Tim and I haven’t been able to get away from each other for about 8 years now. We’ve been playing in bands since we met and I really think it’s helped our “settling in” process that we know how to work together. We both have the same sense of humor, which luckily Craig shares too, a very similar musical taste and a high tolerance for each other’s bullshit.

When you joined the band, did Craig already have a direction in mind for the album?

When Craig writes a song he already knows what track number it will be on the album and usually has a pretty clear vision of what it needs to sound like. The direction for the album as a whole was more of an approach than a direction. He stated from the start that we were going to record live, all in one room together, to tape and with minimal overdubs. We weren’t going to spend time worrying about getting the perfect snare drum sound, or even slightly out of tune guitars, he wanted it to be raw and live, and I really believe you can hear it on the record.

How much influence did you have on the sound of the album?

Being new members, we we’re given a surprising amount of freedom with writing parts and arrangements in the studio. Craig’s songs will always sound like The Vines, I don’t think we could change what the band sounds like even if we wanted to, but I’d like to think there’s some of our flavor in there too.

What musical influences do you share with Craig and with each other, and where do you differ? Do you think this came through on the album?

All of us grew up with The Kinks, The Clash and The Beatles, and love Blur, Beck, The Killers, and Gorillaz just to name a few. We only differ on a few acts, I know Craig loves The Music, Tim listens to R.E.M and I’ve got a soft spot for Cameo, I think we may all be alone with those not-so-guilty pleasures.

Craig is known for shying away from modern technology and society in general – themes addressed on the album. How does this impact on you guys when it comes to communicating with him?

Craig doesn’t have a phone or computer or anything, it can make it a little hard to get a hold of him sometimes but to be honest it doesn’t really affect us too much. We’re not going to talk about Twitter or Instagram with him because he doesn’t understand it at all, but that’s only a very small part of our lives so it’s a good reminder that we don’t really need any of that stuff if anything.

What are the band’s plans for touring? What can Australian, as well as international, fans expect?

There are some Australian dates for the very near future as well as some overseas shows before the end of the year but nothing I can discuss YET.

When you tour, what will the new song/old song ratio be like? Are you anxious about playing the older songs, or about touring in general?

We’re looking at a set list at the moment, trying to get a good balance of new/old songs in there. It’s hard to choose the songs with a band that has released 6 albums now. I’m really pumped to play the new songs, but also equally keen to sink my teeth into the older ones because I think they’re great songs that go down a treat live. I’ve watched a few Vines concerts as a fan so hopefully I know what fans want to hear.

In general, what do you think can punters expect from a new-era Vines gig?

I guess fans can expect a raw, live, three-piece rock show to keep it simple. We’re not going to try out The Vines Jazz Odyssey yet.

Wicked Nature is a solid, confident, introspective album. Is this reflective of The Vines’ new lineup, in terms of stability and how you see yourselves as a creative unit?

I see us as a solid, introspective creative unit. The confidence may come after a few shows, at least for me maybe.

You’ve both said you’ve been fans of The Vines since you were teenagers ­ what are your favourite old Vines songs?

As a fan, my favourite songs would have to be Homesick and Country Yard. They’re two songs that feel like I shouldn’t be friends with the person who wrote them, like they were written 30 years after they should have been.

Did you ever speak with Hamish, Ryan or Brad? Is there any tension there or is there peace between you guys?

I haven’t spoken to any ex-members since joining the Vines although I’d love to. I’m assuming it’s peaceful as there’s been no tension I’m aware of. I’d only met Hamish before; he hosted music trivia a couple of times at my old local. He probably wouldn’t remember me though; I was just the dude who knew all the Something For Kate questions.

Thank you so much for your time (and a brilliant record!). I look forward to seeing you on the road!