Overcoming All Obstacles With MATT KANE From MERTAS

Interview by Ali Williams
If organising an interstate show for your band meant first having to consult an aviation specialist, gather a road-condition report and possibly notify the Department of Defence, most would assume that you're either stuck in a fever dream and or that definitely be some A grade ganga you've gotten your grubby little mittens on. However this is standard band life for Northern Territory's MERTAS. Based in remote northeast Arnhem Land, the punk outfit must contend with return flights approaching $2K per person or a twelve-hour drive to Darwin, much of it along dirt roads. There are no traffic lights in their community, no Kmart and no Macca’s.
Consequently, the band’s first performances outside the Northern Territory are not just another booking on the calendar. Their arrival at BIGSOUND is a considerable achievement and one they are properly thrilled about. Speaking with HEAVY, MERTA’S Matt Kane explained that their band began with the dependable combination of skateboarding, mates and discovering music that immediately demanded further investigation. He grew up listening to hip-hop before a friend at the skate park introduced him to punk, Tool and other heavier acts. A stint providing vocals in a Rage Against The Machine-influenced project followed, before Matt learned guitar, contacted a few friends and suggested they have a jam.
That was essentially the master plan. They found music they loved, picked up instruments and started making their own. The band developed gradually, playing throughout Arnhem Land and building a strong connection with Darwin’s expanding punk and heavy music community. Their hometown location may complicate touring, but it has also encouraged MERTAS to become impressively self-reliant. Matt works professionally in photography and videography, allowing much of the band’s recording, filming and promotional work to be created from his bedroom.
Full write up and interview heavymag.com.au

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