Doomed Confessionary: Lawrie Cuthbert (Rainbow Skull Party)
Rainbow Skull Party is an alternative/grunge/punk trio hailing from Brisbane and Ipswich, Australia.
Comprised of the irrepressible Cuthbert brothers, Lawrie and Paul, and their partner in crime David James, Rainbow Skull Party has made a name for themselves by blending the raw energy of punk rock with the kaleidoscopic swirls of psychedelic soundscapes.
As they prepare for the release of their debut EP in late 2024 and a double album in 2025, Rainbow Skull Party stands poised to explode out of the underground and onto a much larger stage. With their new single »ClownFace«, they’ve thrown down the gauntlet – a challenge to all who dare to follow in their wake. This is a band that thrives on the edge of mayhem, where the only rule is that there are no rules, and the only certainty is that the party’s just getting started.
Rainbow Skull Party are Lawrie Cuthbert on guitar, Paul Cuthbert on bass and vocals, and David James on drums.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a three-piece psychedelic grunge band from down under. Our debut single »Keep It Going, Going, Going, Go!« was released in 2023. We aim to combine punk-rock energy with a psychedelic sensibility. Our sophomore release »Masquerade« was released in February 2024 and our follow up single »ClownFace« was released on Friday the 13th of September.
Our band is comprised of brothers Lawrie and Paul Cuthbert and our best mate David James. We’ve spent the passed 12 months writing, recording, and touring, with a double album set to be released in 2025.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Probably finding affordable parking that is close to gig venues…just kidding. I think the hardest part of any band is to find the right people. Paul and I (Lawrie) are brothers, so we always have great chemistry. We’ve played together since we were teenages, and we’re almost always on the same page. We were really lucky to find Dave (our drummer) because not only is he a powerful, dynamic drummer, but we have great chemistry with him also. The three of us have a strong work ethic and we all share similar influences. And most importantly, we’re great friends, from there the music flows naturally.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think the latest single »ClownFace«, because it’s a great representation of what we do live. Paul (our singer and bass player) also recorded, mixed and mastered the single. So we’re especially proud to showcase his talents as a producer also.
What was your biggest regret?
We tend to just think of mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. I think it’s important to look at the big picture and to not be too hard on ourselves. I heard a quote that said “Life can be a cruel teacher, as it gives you the lesson while your taking the test”. Mistakes are inevitable, especially while performing, the main thing is to not get to down about it, you just have to keep going and fall back into rhythym together. We just try to support eachother in the process, and it builds our confidence to know we have eachother’s back.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
This year we played the Snow Week Festival at a venue called “Greaser” here in Brisbane. There were nine bands, playing on two different stages and we had a blast. I think we played to more people than ever before. It was an important turning point for us as we hadn’t played a show on that scale before. We used some footage from it for the »ClownFace« music video!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I think it’s easy to feel intimidated about performing, but it was a pleasant surprise to find how supportive all the bands are of one another in Queensland. We’ve made so many great friends by just meeting and playing shows with other bands on the scene.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Slipknot, Goodbye Spacebear, The Rogues Gallery, Subservia, Cosmica, Nightshade and the Fates, Flamboyant Nightshade, Bonsai Bay, The Wretched Creatures, Radiohead, Nirvana and Soundgarden.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Jim Morrison was once asked if he had any advice for bands that are starting out. He said the main thing is “to just stick around”. Eventually you will find your audience, or they’ll find you. But so many band fold before the end of the first year or two. If you just stick around, and keep playing shows, you’ll develop your own unique sound and you will build greater chemistry and artistry through playing together over a long period of time. It’s can be a long process, but it is rewarding.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Tasty Treats!
Can you say something more about current music scene in Brisbane / Queensland?
The music scene in Brisbane is really vibrant, lots of rock, metal, psychedelic, indie, shoe gaze, folk! There’s a bit of everything here down under, and there’s a definite sense of excitement and passion for original music and performance. The live music scene is growning, and there’s a real sense of community.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ve just finished up a run of shows here in Queensland. We have a big show on Friday the 20th of at a venue called The Sound Garden. It’s actually a double set for us, which is exciting. And we’ll also be playing with our good mates Goodbye Spacebear. Over the past couple of years, we’ve played with Goodbye Spacebear nine times (this will be the tenth!) It’s always and honour to play with those guys.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re finishing up an EP which will be released in November and we’ll be promoting with a tour in Australia. Then next year we’ll begin recording a double album.
How can people best support your band?
Come see us live. We love recording and releasing music, but playing live has an extra level of adrenaline and fun for us. It’s why we do what we do. We love to perform, but more importantly, we love to play together.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
If you love music, why not find an instrument to learn or play, and start a band! It’s fun, rewarding and great for your social life!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well