That's one of the intangible rewards for what we do - people are so delighted that we'd do such a seemingly crazy thing, in this modern world where everything has to be accounted for by Little Johnny Howard's accountants and everything has to be financially above board, that we'd lose money for the joy of playing seems to create a bit of mystery and joy in itself. We did some similar stuff in the Northern Territory last month, going way out to remote communities like Gunbalunya and Ali Currung to play to Aboriginal people. We get to play alongside some unique Aboriginal bands who we'd never normally meet."

The Re-mains is in its 'Mark III' stage. There has been a few comings and goings of members, but now they are settled into a fine line-up of musicians who are well known in their own right. Leigh 'Swoop Owly Owl' Ivan, who formed the band with Daley, is a simply unforgettable guitarist. It was his increasing passion for lap steel that convinced both him and Daley that turning slightly left of their rock and roll roots, to country rock 'n' roll, was worth a shot. Since that time, he has managed to secure sponsorship from Maton Guitars, an Australian company, who have worked alongside Ivan in creating his own custom lap steel. Sam 'Uncle Burnin' Luv' Butcher used to play grunge guitar, but now he plays "the only grunge banjoist in the world", the band professes. New additions to the band are Michael 'Wardstock' Ward, who is as well known for his drumming as his collection of cowboy boots, and the baby of the band, Sam 'Junior' Martin, who plays the bass in between bouts on a mandolin.

The Re-mains mark III is a deeper band, unafraid to travel down the dark paths of Country Rock 'n' Roll, before jolting you back to your foot stamping senses. Their new Album bears the hallmarks of this, honouring the memory of Johnny Cash, before romping in with something John Spencer Blues explosion would give their right arm for. Each individual in the band has such diverse musical experience that it is futile to try to pin one or two influences on them. They are acutely aware of where they are going and how they are going to get there too. They are done with the days of thinking inner city pubs are the only way to be professional, working musicians, or that touring blindly overseas will get them the recognition they so rightly deserve. "We're not 18-year-olds," says Daley, and we don't wanna go over [to Europe or the Sates] and do it on the cheap, hoping wildly for some recognition. We'll go when we have distribution, promotion and touring avenues set up so our efforts aren't wasted." Daley also manages the band, but views a partnership with an overseas manager as a viable option for the future, and has already signed with German label Glitterhouse.

For now, it's another wide, open road for The Re-mains, and no doubt another raucous audience in tow. As Daley puts it,"We learn a lot about the country we live in - stuff that's oozing out of our songs all the time. The coalface is a living breathing entity and we're a part of it."

If you'd like more information on the Re-Mains, check out:

http://www.re-mains.com/

or listen to The Re-mains live at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, recorded by ABC Radio at:

http://www.abc.net.au/dig/stories/s1190041.htm