A QUICK DOZEN with Sean Miljoen – SHE’S THE DRIVER

Shane | 24 July 2017 | Reply

A QUICK DOZEN with Sean Miljoen – SHE’S THE DRIVER

By Shane Pinnegar

Melbourne guitarist/vocalist Sean Miljoen formed She’s The Driver with fellow Violetine bandmate, drummer Steve Leicester in the late 2000’s, and have recently released their fifth album, The Gone Club. A two-piece for the first few years, they’ve had bassist Joe Golotta – formerly of the Jailbird Jokers – on board for two albums now. Miljoen joins 100% ROCK to answer a Quick Dozen.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material that only diehard fans might pick up on?

Our latest album, ’The Gone Club’ is a mix of ambiguous lyrics & melodies, driven by off kilter guitars and the passing of one of my best friends and musical mentors, Cal Orr. [That] made this album a little more meaningful, directional and easy to write than others we have done in the past. It was also recorded quite quickly and the ‘hidden nugget’ may be that it’s more coherent than past releases.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realised you wanted to be a musician?

My aunty was a guitar teacher and gave me my first guitar when I was 5 (which I played left handed, until I was told to turn it around the other way!) and from then on I couldn’t put it down, it was an escape from all the crap going on at home (clichéd, but true) and I’ve never wanted to do anything else but make sense of all the music that goes around in my head.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

My main 5 would be: Adam Franklin (Swervedriver), The Jesus & Mary Chain, Pete Hayes (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), Cal Orr (Dollop) & Jimi Hendrix.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

If we come across some mind-blowing DNA technology soon, then Jimi Hendrix would be the guy to get together with, otherwise I’d settle for Pete Hayes (BRMC).

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

I’d describe it as a strange tasting bottle of red wine, that needs to be tried a few times before it is fully appreciated.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Having an embryo of an idea that grows beyond your vision of it, and ultimately gives you a real sense of satisfaction. (That is, until your work is released and you become a paranoid, negative over-sensitive tool!)

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

There’s not much cooking with She’s The Driver! I’m always the one to get the drinks in, (Joe has no licence and Steve rides a motorbike), so we usually sit around devouring what I’ve purchased, before one of the others picks up a guitar.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Perhaps on the ASP pro surf tour (but I’d really have to address my fitness levels and aim for a clear drug test first)

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep, or you would like to be able to “do over”?

I signed a large recording contract with Sony Records in the early 2000’s which was one of… no THE – greatest regret of my life. I would definitely do that one over again and also listen to all the advice that I chose to ignore at the time.

10. If you were made ruler of the world, what would your first orders be?

I would make everyone blind for the first 12 months of my rule. I would then ask them before returning their sight, whether they could tell the colour of another persons skin, or are we all one race? (that could also be a good chance to get some of my music out there around this time!)

11. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

The ‘Electric Ladyland’ album sessions would be incredible – to watch one of the most gifted humans of all time [Jimi Hendrix] at the top of his game and not even know it.

12. What, for you, is the meaning of life??

Leaving a legacy, having no enemies and being an inspiration to my children.

https://shesthedriver.bandcamp.com/album/the-gone-club

https://www.facebook.com/ShestheDriver/

https://www.lanewaymusic.com.au/she-s-the-driver

https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/shes-driver