Confidence Man aren't just one of Australia's most exciting bands, but also one of the most hard-working. Ahead of their Zoo Twilights show at Melbourne Zoo, we spoke to the band about touring life, how to stay in shape, and what hanging out with U2 and Noel Gallagher was like.

You’ve been touring quite extensively over the last couple of years, and have a few big Australian shows coming up, do you feel you’re always improving as a touring act?

We're constantly trying to develop the live show while we tour - new schemes, gags, stunts, gimmicks, tricks, moods and whatever else we can cook up. One of the benefits of playing so much is that the show tends to evolve naturally, it's like a distillation that occurs over time and we're constantly chasing the pure essence of Confidence Man. 

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The end of 2019 saw you release Does It Make You Feel Good?, how indicative is the sound of that single when it comes to what your next release will sound like?

All I can say is expect the unexpected. 

 
You’re definitely an act that brings fun to the live stage - do you think Australia needs more ‘fun’ bands?

I feel like Aussie bands tend to have a pretty good innate sense of fun, that humour is hardwired into our culture. When we first played in the U.S. Trump had recently been elected and everyone kept saying, "You guys are what we NEEEEED right now!". Our bizarre antics seemed to shake off the gloom for a little while so maybe they're in greater need right now. 

 
How do you all stay in shape in between gigs?

Janet slams the Pilates and carrot juice. Clarence was once pegged as the next Ian Thorpe so he hits the pool. Reggie has an exercise bike next to his bed that he pretty much lives on, and I like to start every day with a solid fifty star jumps. 

 
What inspired you guys to have stage personas and also hide your faces?

The personas just kind of naturally emerged, it's fun stepping into them on stage you just have to be careful they don't start invading your everyday personas. As for the veils, we just wanted to let the real beauty in the band shine through. 

 
You’ve recently been spending time with U2 and Noel Gallagher, can we expect you to feature on either of their albums in the future?

I'm keen to do a stripped back country album with Noel, just a couple of banjos and a stomp box, but the finer details are still being ironed out. We sent The Edge a few of our unreleased tracks and he keeps sending them back with guitar solos all over them. We've told him time and time again if he's gonna feature it'll be on tambourine but he just won't get the message! Such a sweetheart though.  

 
What does the rest of 2020 have in store for Confidence Man?

We'll have new music, new outfits, new shonky dance moves and a lot of international touring. Our first overseas trip is to Japan which will be our first time and we can't wait! 

Finally, what’s the one dance move that everyone should know?

Has to be the Macarena. 

Confidence Man will perform at Melbourne Zoo Twilights Friday 24 January. You can buy tickets at zootwilights.org.au