In the Chair – He’s a Giant in the Jungle – He’s Andrew Dooris

By Tony Polese · On December 8, 2021

In the Chair is a regular feature on Eventalaide, highlighting artists from across Australia and occasionally overseas. 21 Questions and everyone gets the same questions. It is just meant to be a bit of fun so please treat it as such.

Questions by Geoff Jenke

Andrew Dooris is the bass player for the band The Jungle Giants. The band have come to be known as Australian indie-rock royalty, amassing awards and also more than 350 million streams worldwide. They have been evolving since the gleaming indie-pop of their 2013 debut album, Learn to Exist gave way to the eclectic post-punk of 2015’s Speakerzoid and angular dance-rock on 2017’s Quiet Ferocity.

The Jungle Giants – Love Signs (Official Video)

The Jungle Giants latest album is called Love Signs. Love Signs was released in July and took out the #1 spot on debut on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album has spent eight weeks at the top spot on the ARIA Dance Albums Charts after also claiming the #1 Vinyl and #1 Australian Artists Album position.

Have a listen on Spotify or your favourite streaming service.

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Name: Andrew Dooris

Band: The Jungle Giants

In less than 50 words describe your music, your band (if applicable) and yourself.
I’m Andrew, the bass, and occasionally keys, player in The Jungle Giants. We’re an Indie Pop/Dance band split between Brisbane and Melbourne. We’re a fun-loving bunch, who you should think twice about being on the other side of a margarita from. 

What was the first record you bought with your own money and where from?
Pretty sure it was a Guy Sebastian record, and probably from Kmart or Big W.

80’s or 90’s Music:
I’m definitely finding a taste for 80s music now, but I think I’d still probably prefer 90s.  

What music are currently listening to?  
My Spotify wrapped just came in and it’s been full of calming classical music that I use to put my turbo dog to sleep. Apart from that, I really enjoy discovering new and upcoming local musicians, some favourites are Great Sage, Local the Neighbour, King Stingray and Iti. 

The Best live artist/band you’ve seen:
Probably Neutral Milk Hotel. They are a band I love so much and I never thought I would see them, so that was very special. Also, very high up there has got to be Harvey Sutherland, it was an intimate gig at the Foundry in Brisbane (RIP) and it completely blew my mind. I just remember looking around and all 200 people there were smiling and dancing with their eyes closed – beautiful! 

Your “In the mood for love” song:
Could Heaven Ever Be Like This – Idris Muhammed 

Your favourite Saturday night party record?
Superstylin’ – Groove Armada 

Your favourite Sunday morning chill out record?
We Will Always Love You – The Avalanches or something by the Everly Brothers 

Which song do you wish you had written?
All I Have to Do Is Dream – The Everly Brothers. I think it’s the sweetest little song and it makes me instantly calm. 

Roger Daltry once said “Rock N Roll has no future”. Do you agree with him?
Yeah, I agree. Music has to evolve like everything else, and Rock n Roll is a very specific place and time. It has and will definitely continue to be referenced in movements of music and art to no end.  

Vinyl, CD or Streaming?
Vinyl or Streaming, I think. There’s something nice about a record. 

If you could record or play live with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
I love the band that I’m in and as I get older the more I realise how special that connection is. Just because I’d want to play with my idols for my ego doesn’t mean we’d gel. Anyways, probably Jimi Hendrix, just to see how he approaches his instrument and Noah Lennox to see how he approaches production and songwriting.

What is the most useless talent you have?
Probably being able to do a Rubik’s cube, but it gives me a lot of joy.

Your finest recorded moment?
I just think back to the recording of the first EP, and recording the bass part for Mr Polite. In hindsight I’m really proud of 17-year-old Andrew for putting himself out there. 

If you could open a show for any artist/band, who would it be?
Kanye West. 

Stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take three albums. What would they be?
1 – Since I Left You – The Avalanches
2 – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea – Neutral Milk Hotel
3 – To Pimp A Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

Favourite all time movie:
Shawshank Redemption, but to be honest, I’m probably ready to choose something else. 

Who would you rather be for a day, Mick Jagger or Keith Richard?
Keith Richard for sure, no questions asked.

Best show you have ever played in your career:
Splendor In the Grass, either 2016 or 2018. Both were exceptional, packed tent, great shows and hard not to cry after. 

Ed Sheeran or Robbie Williams?
Robbie Williams for me, but I think Ed Sheeran seems like a legend.

What do you hope the next 12 months holds for you?
A return to touring not only Australia, but Internationally and seeing smiling faces connect to music.

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Check out all the latest information on The Jungle Giants on their web page https://thejunglegiants.com/ Try the Love Sign Quiz for a bit of fun. Apparently, I am the Loyal One.