Doing a roaring trade

Jeff Crawford

05May08

ONE thing Rogue Traders won't trade on is lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte's television fame.

When the Neighbours star first joined the band, keyboardist James Ash kept her identity a secret for a while, and during her stint as host of So You Think You Can Dance, the band steered clear of the show.

'`I think it's something very separate from what we do,'' Ash says.

``Nat never mentions the band and we've never performed on the show. People who know music would know that she's in the Rogue Traders, but it's not something we've ever exploited or would feel comfortable exploiting.

``It might seem like a wasted opportunity but it's not something we're keen on doing. It would be strange for Nat to introduce her own band on the show.''

The band launch its third album, Better in the Dark, late last year and has just embarked on its most extensive national tour to date.

The keyboardist/producer is thrilled that the Traders have managed to follow-up their four-times platinum breakthrough album Here Comes the Drums with another platinum seller.

``It debuted in the top five and it's gone platinum and with two top 10 hits off it so far, you can't really ask for more than that.

``We feel extremely privileged. I really encourage anyone, if they like music they should buy it, because every week I get the charts through and you'd be amazed at how low record sales really are.

``So it certainly makes a difference if people vote with their wallets.''

While this tour is definitely not a farewell for the Traders, Ash emphasises that this is the last chance to see the band for at least 18 months.

``Nat's going to do her solo record. We've spent the last three years dovetailing from making records into touring into making records into touring, so we definitely need to have a bit of a holiday, that's for sure.''

But never mind hits and sell-out concerts, the keyboardist has already received the coolest accolade possible - a mention in sci-fi series Doctor Who.

``The Master, Dr Who's nemesis, shouts out `Here come the drums!' and the alien invasion begins and Voodoo Child starts playing. It's the soundtrack for the end of the world! Brilliant, couldn't be happier about it. It's a compliment I'll enjoy for the rest of my life.''

Rogue Traders - Thebarton Theatre, Sunday (May 11). Bookings: Venuetix.