The band started in 2004. It was a fairly different line-up to what is there now and we only play one of the songs we wrote from that time. We replaced one guitarist almost straight away and recorded the "Into Battle" EP as soon as we had 6 songs finished. as far as the name, we wanted it to be simple. At one stage (maybe a week), the name Wolf Corps was bandied around, but that became The Corps pretty quick. We wanted something without any connotations.

* I have heard many different pronunciations, so to clear it up is it pronounced The Corps or The Cor or The Cors?

Yes this is a source of much contention. I thought that "corps" was a French word that ends up being pronounced the same as the English word "core". That's how we say it anyway. Some people pronounce it as though the name were "The Corpse" ( i.e. a dead body), but that could just be because they are less cultured individuals. "The Cors" is definitely wrong, although there is some mandolin on the album version of Into Battle.

* The new album 'Nail it Shut' has just been released through Rebellion Records, how did all that come about?
Rebellion found us through myspace. We were originally going to do the album through Scot Mac's (Toe To Toe) label, Sold Our Souls, then we decided on Rebellion because the offer worked out far better for us. Most P&D deals going around these days, even from larger labels, end up being pretty crap for the bands. All they do is front some money and maybe promote the release a little, but in the end, all the bigger costs, like pressing and mastering are passed back to the bands who end up with a debt to their label. Rebellion are nothing like that. The contract was great with no hidden tricks.

* Have you had much feedback yet on the new album?
We have had a bit. All positive. I've read reviews saying we're doing a good version of what The Bruisers were trying to do on their later albums. We take it as a compliment, but none of us listen to the Bruisers. I haven't seen anything negative yet, but it's only been out a little while.

* For those who haven't got the new one yet, what can they expect?
If you've ever heard our older stuff, it's more in the vein of the "Itchin' For Evil" EP. More rock'n'roll and better production. There's 5 tracks from older releases that we re-recorded and they're all improved upon somewhat. If you haven't heard our stuff, then I would describe it as a streetrock sound with a bit of Aussie pub rock mixed in. A bit less metal sounding than a lot of the Euro streetrock.

* As the previous Ep's are sold out, Scampkid will be re releasing both EP's in one. When is this due out? (give s a bit of info on it)
Scampkid was run by a guy in Hungary. When he and his family moved to Ireland, they decided to get their label back up and running and wanted to do a release. We had been looking for a label to re-release our EPs through for Europe, and they put their hand up. I'm not sure when the release date will be. We're trying to get some live tracks mixed for it. It's all progressing, but slowly. Will be out before the end of the year though. The release will be better than before. It will have both EPs on the one disc, plus a new studio track, and 3 live tracks.

* You've played a few shows about Australia, do you notice much difference between the crowds in different cities/towns?

Yes. There is definitely a difference in Aus crowds between cities. However this could be because this is how we're marketed/perceived. If people think we're a "skinhead" band then most people turning up will be skinheads. You don't have as much control over how you're perceived in towns outside your own. Sydney seems to be more cross-genre. Most shows have people from all crowds. I think rockabillies are the only ones who snob other genres off, but we still get a few along to our punk and rock'n'roll type shows. Melb seems a little more Oi!/punk oriented. Canberra is always small and everyone is into hardcore. This is ok, but you always have to play "Get A Job". Brisbane seems to be into that whole Rancid/ska-punk thing. Very American style punk scene. Some good bands, but too many bright colours. The rest of Australia is as yet uncharted for us.

* What's one of your most memorable shows you've played?
The best we played were The Birmy in Melb (1st time we came down), and just last Fri night at the Sando in Sydney. Both were small rooms, packed to the hilt with people who got right into it. We expected less and got heaps of people who knew the words and got right into the action. I reckon those are the best shows.

* Do you think the 'scene' in Australia is getting better or getting worse, what impact do you think the internet has had on it?
I think the 'scene' is getting better in Australia. There are some more good bands coming through, and slowly, more harder, grittier bands are getting some (a little) recognition. People are doing more for themselves and venues, promoters, and labels are taking note. The internet has helped a lot too. Bands are finding labels who can do more for them on the other side of the world than labels in Aus and eventually it will make the labels here raise their game. The internet has helped as this is one of the tools people are using for themselves. Music doesn't have to get promoted through the usual channels and people are actually looking for things themselves so you don't have to push something like an advertiser.

* What are the future plans for the band, or will you just take it as it comes?

Basically, we want to keep up the recording regime. I think having a steady enough stream of material that people can take home helps our band. I don't mean just pump out any old crap to get the song numbers up. But instead of indulging our egos by trying to write full-length albums, we're content to put out EPs. I think people are happy enough with that. We curently have some homeless studio tracks which we ideally want to get on a 7", but that can wait. Thinking further ahead, we want to get to Europe. From what I can tell, it seems we have a pretty good following there and it would be awesome to get over there and play.

* What shows/album launches do you have coming up?

In the next few months, we'll be playing some launch shows in Sydney (Sat 29 Sep), Wollongong (Sun 30 Sep) and Melbourne (Fri12/Sat 13 Oct), plus the Syd Exploited, Beerzone, and Anti-Nowhere League supports. Also, I try to organise a big mixed bill show in Dec every year. That's the shows. We're aiming at recording another full-length in January. If we don't have enough material it will probably be an EP.

Local Aussie Band: Rogue Traders

Cheers for the interview.

Discography

Into Battle EP

Itchin for Evil EP

Nail It Shut (Rebellion Records 2007)
Buy It: www.rebellionrecords.nl (In Europe)
www.deadsetmusic.net (In Australia)
Read the review here

www.myspace.com/thecorps