Episode 54: Chris Penney – Private Function

Private Function. Credit: Chris Roese

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When it comes to explaining Private Function in just a few short paragraphs, there's a lot of difficulty at play. 

After all, they're a Melbourne punk outfit who have been around for close to a decade now, pumping out blistering tunes while employing a visceral sense of humour as they use their platform to succeed in the rock world while simultaneously turning the genre back on itself and laughing at it.

Over the years, they've released albums like their Metallica-referencing debut St. Anger and 370HSSV 0773H, which was banned in South Australia due to its scratch-off competition cover. 

Alongside that, they've released myriad vinyl variants and even issued records filled with bags of speed and members' own urine. Needless to say, they don't do things by halves.

This month, they release their fourth album, which is titled ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. In an effort to make life difficult for folks like me, that's the shrug emoji and it's pretty much unpronounceable. However, it does come with an official title, but that title is included within the thousands of individual album covers included on the album artwork.

I've interviewed Private Function numerous times over the years, but to get to the bottom of this new record, I decided to call up vocalist Chris Penney and catch up with him to record an episode of the podcast. As always, it's a little bit intriguing, a little bit weird, and a little bit on-brand for fans of Private Function.

Anyway, I strongly urge you to check out Private Function's new album ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, and once you’re done giving that a spin, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping. 

Oh and of course, Private Function, still on top.

Chris Penney’s Trusty Chords

Chris’ One Influential Artist

1. David Bowie

Chris’ Three Impactful Albums (And One Honourable Mention!)

1. AC/DC – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

2. MC5 – Kick Out The Jams (1969)

3. Air – Moon Safari (1998)
   

4. Tom Petty – Full Moon Fever (1989)

Chris’ Five Trusty Songs

1. Tom Petty – 'I Won't Back Down' (1989)

2. Ramones – 'I Don't Want To Grow Up' (1995)

3. The B-52's – 'Give Me Back My Man' (1980)

4. Juice Newton – 'Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me' (1982)

5. Ozzy Osbourne – 'Hellraiser' (1991)