Firstly, it’s very exciting news to hear you will be releasing an album in April! What should we expect from Dust and Dirt?

Yes it is! You can expect some new sounds from us - we had our own studio for this album and got to experiment and take our time with the recording process, which is luxury for musicians. It's an album that represents us really well as a band.

Where does the title come from?

The title comes from the lyrics from a song that we wrote very quickly in the studio. It was one of those magical things that came together really fast, and Dan wrote and sang the lyrics sitting on the couch.

How has your sound progressed since Into the Dojo?

We've allowed influences to shine through that haven't featured strongly before - psychedelic sounds and garage rock things that have been kicking around in the collective subconcious. Our writing and recording process has been much more relaxed and inclusive, so that has allowed us to develop a sound that really represents everybody.

What was a band highlight for 2011?

Definitely having our own dedicated rehearsal and recording space - in a condemned building none the less!

Your global tour looks jam-packed for 2012, describe an average day on tour.

Wake up to alarm or room call - groan. Rise, shower, pack things, idiot check, get in the van. Wait for Nigel. Then depart for the next city via van or plane. What inevitably follows is basically waiting in some form or other for the better part of the day (bring a book, or small library), sound check, dinner, short sleep if lucky, gig, optional indulgence, sleep : repeat.

What are your thoughts on the NZ music scene at the moment?

I don't feel qualified to answer that question, really. It looks healthy from where I'm standing! But I've really no idea what anybody else is up too besides the musicians I associate with personally. I did sit next to David Dallas on the plane the other day though, is he famous?

What’s the best part of being a musician?

For me, writing songs and recording them.

We are looking forward to catching you down at WOMAD in March, what do you know about this event?

All I know is that I have NEVER BEEN, as a result of being on tour elsewhere. This has been really frustrating, as most of the music I listen to could be described as 'world' music. From what I hear, there are always some surprising, stand out performances from acts you have never heard of. And they may also perform twice, and possibly give a cooking demonstration. I'm sold!

Fans love rumours, have there been any shockers lately?

Yes. We had all been battling heroin addictions and having affairs with secretaries - but we had hidden our problems from each other. When we started making the album, the confessions flowed thick and fast. And it turned out we had been having an affair with THE SAME SECRETARY!!! Then our sound guy had twins. How none of this ended up in Womans Day, I'll never know.

Lastly, if the Black Seeds was an animal.. what would it be?

Honey Badger.

By Olivia Young

Check out http://theblackseeds.com/ for more info about their new album 'Dust and Dirt'.