Following the success of their 2021 sophomore EP, 'Party Friends', WA's surf-rock trio, Pretty Uglys has delivered a new single, 'Situation City' to kick off 2022 with a bang.

Isolated Nation caught up with lead singer/guitarist Jax to discuss their recent success, their ethos on regional touring and plans for 2022.

IN: I'm going to jump straight into it and ask you about your new song, "Situation City". It’s more slower-paced than your most recent releases but it still has that rocky edge that fans have come to expect from the Pretty Uglys. What was the influence behind the sound and the more melancholic lyrics on this track?

Jax: The biggest thing was just wanting to do something different. We didn’t want to put out the same thing again and I think it’s a leading track into wants to come. We wanted to expand to different places and slow things down. It wasn’t something we planned it was just something that happened naturally. We like to mix it up, so that was the biggest thing for us.

IN: I believe that, “Situation City” is your first track that has been officially released through Another Rat Records. Another Rat is a fairly DIY music label based in North Freo which is co-owned by your band's bassist and drummer. Was it a different experience compared to self-releasing music as a band?

Jax: It was much the same, it’s just what the boys (referring to his bandmates who co-run the record label) are doing and working together. We were excited to collaborate.

IN: Despite all the restrictions placed on live music and travel over the two years, your band has made a good effort of playing lots of shows and touring.

Jax: We’ve just been real fortunate in WA and that’s just been the main reason (referring to the band’s frequent shows and touring). We still had heaps of restrictions and gig cancellations but we didn’t get hit anywhere near how the rest of the country was. We’re grateful that we got to play the shows we did and kept the ball rolling.

I think it's awesome that you've taken the opportunity to tour within your state during this period, particularly when there is a demand for live music in areas outside the major cities.

What it like your opinion on the importance of regional touring?

Jax: The number one thing would just be playing to a crowd you wouldn’t normally play to. Going to people who wouldn’t necessarily come to Perth or a city for a gig. It’s just the perfect way to expand your audience.

Assuming we are allowed to do so are you looking forward to potentially touring over east this year?

Jax: 100%. Obviously, COVID dependent but that is the plan and the goal. Obviously, it's a bit unstable at the moment but planning will start very soon. It's a bit hard (with the current situation).

IN: I know your band was originally based in Busselton, was the decision to move to Perth based on further persuing the band?

Jax: It was definitely for the band at the start but we realised after coming up that it was best for everything we were feeling at the time. It worked out well but initially, it was totally for the band.

IN: I became a fan of your band after listening to your, “Party Friends” EP. Two things I like about that release was how you manage to carry your story through that whole album and in terms of the quality of the production it feels like there was a real effort put into the recording process. So, along with being a great live act, how do you think your approach to the recording process makes you stand out as a studio band?

Jax: For us, it's having a good relationship with who you record with. We’re with Tristin at Sumo Studios and if you're are comfortable in that environment then you can make the magic happen. For us, that was just collaborating on ideas and working on the songs together and trying things and that was the result of it. He’s (Tristin) is the same person we’ve recorded the latest track with.

IN: Following on from the last question, what do you think is the biggest change in influences from when you started recording/playing as a band compared to now?

Jax: It’s hard to pinpoint because all our influences are different for each person and they’re always changing. I think right now, our influences are not so pinpointed it's more so just us wanting to do something that’s more ourselves. Something a little fresh for us and striving straight for a fast punky track or a really happy summer track, we just like get in the jam room and bounce ideas off each other.

IN: The, "Party Friends" EP and your previous single, “Your Shade” also received support from the likes of MTV, Rage and Triple J. How does it feel to have national recognition from these iconic media outlets despite not being able to realistically leave the state over the past two years?

Jax: Even just to see people on Spotify listening from other states and stuff is cool. It just makes us eager to branch out as far as touring shows go. It keeps things exciting, if people are digging it that’s awesome.

IN: The music community in Perth is strong, and I've noticed your band has been supportive of your peers within the local scene. Who are some bands in the local scene that you believe will have a big year in 2022?

Jax: Yeah for sure; Late 90’s, Star Arcana, another mates band Fat Face, Ra Ra Viper. They’re all Perth bands and all good mates of ours, the list goes on.

IN: What are your hopes, goals and dreams for 2022

Jax: Definitely to release a whole bunch of new music. If all goes to plan we’ll go to the east coast for some shows and number one, just be stoked on what we’re creating.

You can catch the Pretty Uglys on the WA tour throughout February, with dates in; Fremantle, Bunbury, Margret River, Leederville and Perth. Full tour dates and details are on the band’s Facebook Page, here.

Their latest single, "Situation City" is out now and available through all your favourite streaming services.