Interview with Martin Kennedy of All India Radio

Where did the name "All India Radio" come from?
We 'borrowed' our name from India's national radio network which used to be known as "All India Radio" in its heyday in the 1960's and 70's.

What is the story behind the song "Persist"?
'Persist' began as a very personal story relating what it's like to experience feelings for someone who doesn't feel the same way. Your head is filled with thoughts of that person and you just want to be with them but they're not there for you in return. You're left thinking "What the hell am I doing?" but you persist and keep trying. Lucy Dyson the video director has taken elements of this theme and has cleverly overlayed it with the story of Topsy, the elephant who bravely refused to die.

Where/how did you come up with the idea for the video?
We felt the strong emotional impact and cinematic feel of the song would be perfect for a music video. I love music videos featuring animals and Australian animator Lucy Dyson had caught my eye with another animal video she had directed and I asked if she would be interested in working with us. The idea of using Topsy the elephant as the subject was entirely Lucy's who had wanted to use the story for awhile and was just waiting for the right project to come along.

What has the response to the video been?
It's been fantastic. It was shown on Australia's popular national music TV show 'Rage' and was an official entrant in the Melbourne International Film Festival. People are initially shocked at the subject matter and it has a very sad ending (quite unusual for a music video), but I think this has helped it to be a more memorable experience and will hopefully make people stop and think twice about circuses and cruelty to animals in general.

How do you feel about elephants being used in the circus?
It's appalling. I remember (with some retrospective guilt) going to circuses as a child and loving it, but it was only later in life that I began to realise not only how cruel it was, but also how strange it is we feel the need to make animals jump through hoops or walk on two legs or be dressed up in silly clothes just for our entertainment.

All INDIA RADIO — Minty Fresh Records

Do you ever tour in the U.S.?
Yes we toured for the first time last year taking in Chicago, NYC, Seattle, San Francisco, LA, Phoenix, Las Vegas in the space of 10 days. It was exhausting but fun! We hope to tour again early 2009.

What's your favorite thing about being in a band?
Being able to create music that hopefully people will enjoy listening to!

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
That's a difficult question. There are so many great places in the world. But I think the best place would be the lounge room at my house - that way the audience comes to me and I don't have to worry about packing and carting gear for miles and I can drink without worrying about driving home!

Do you have animals?
Yes my partner and I have two cats - a young kitten and an elderly lady who is not overly impressed with the young upstart. The war ends at dinnertime though.

What's your favorite animal?
Probably cats, as they are true individuals and I admire their cheeky personalities. If the world had no humans, I think the cat family would rule.

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