Lemme tell you about Joe Gideon & The Shark… They are a London-based brother/sister duo, both former members of Bikini Atoll, who like to make noise and tell wicked tales.

Joe (real name Gideon Joel Seifert) plays guitar and paints mind pictures with his words. His corkboard is chock-a-block with faded photos of Nick Cave and Jeffrey Lee Pierce, and reams of classic modern literature.

Sister Viva, aka The Shark, is multi-talented. She hits drums, plonks a piano, fiddles with various effects and chimes in on backing vocals. She’s also a former Olympic gymnast.

Joe Gideon & The Shark’s debut album, Harum Scarum, was recently released locally by Sydney-based label Longtime Listener in anticipation of the band’s first Australian tour later this month (see dates below).

UB.com’s Danger Coolidge exchanged pleasantries with Joe…

First Australian tour coming up… What are you expecting to get out this first trip – new fans, cuddle a Koala, decent suntan, etc.?
We’re going to go down to Bondi Beach and remark often to ourselves about how we’re not going to reveal our winter bodies to any poor, unsuspecting summer locals. Then we’ll just gawp at the blue sky in wonderment.

Harum Scarum was an Elvis flick and also a fine Melbourne rock band from the eighties. Which was the greater influence on your debut album?
I’m appalled to say I was unaware of the band until now. If I’d known of them before I know they would’ve been an influence. As it is, we’re under the shadow of the Elvis flick’s mighty wingspan.

What bands/writers influence your lyrics?
I love Bill Callahan, Hank Williams, Nick Cave, Tom Waits. They’re the gold standard to me for lyrics. As for authors, I just steal great chunks out of their books, so best not to say their names out loud.

What is the greatest lyric ever penned?
“Two walls, closing in, They’re all trapped in the middle. The walls separate, There I am, on a pedalo, Made from their bones.”

What’s your relationship with the Archie Bronson Outfit?
The Shark is married to their drummer, Arp.

Viva Cleveland is such a cool name! Ever won a trophy or been given an award for excellence?
The Shark received a bronze medal for both Hoop and Ribbon in modern rhythmic gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games.

What is the UK equivalent of Texas, or at least the closest there is? From experience we’d guess at Glasgow.
If Texas is the Wild West, then you should try Nottingham town centre on a Saturday night.

Do you read much? Can you recommend anything for the bookworms among us?
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins is a good place to start. Another good place could be Siddhartha by Herman Hesse or Vernon ‘god’ Little by DBC Pierre.

Who’s your favourite cartoon character?
Bugs Bunny. Seriously underrated. They should bring him back. Along with the Tasmanian Devil.

Final thoughts?
You should keep an open mind, but not so open your brain falls out.

---

DATES:
Thursday February 18th – The Sando, Sydney
Friday February 19th – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
Saturday February 20th – Ric’s, Brisbane

Harum Scarum is out now through Longtime Listener/Fuse

Joe Gideon & The Shark MySpace: www.myspace.com/joegideonandtheshark