Pressing Questions With Amy Taylor
Amy Taylor has all the trappings to be one of punk rock’s greats. The Amyl and the Sniffers’ frontwoman has got the artistic calibre, the braggadocio and the mullet to boot. I personally never expected to readily watch anyone dance around a graveyard for four minutes straight, but when Amy starts her snarls and twists in the music video for “Security” – all wild-eyed and pissed off – I was captivated.
Amyl and The Sniffers new album, Comfort To Me, is an electric eruption of pure frustration – “energy is my currency” – born from lockdown after lockdown in Melbourne, now the world’s most locked down city. It explores the band’s collective anger in deeper ways than their debut release ever did. Songs challenge sexism, authority, gender norms and our society’s many infuriating and meaningless contradictions. And then there’s the irritations of the fucking security guard who reckons you’re too drunk to let you into the pub.
This dizzying assault of an album is born for the mosh pit; for people who are justifiably mad; and for people who wanna let loose. Given it drops this week, I had to pull Amy for our Pressing Questions series and find out just what goes on in the mind of one of punk’s greatest arrivals, who went from working at an IGA to “famous c*nt” in a few years.
What is the meaning of life?
Life is meaningless.
Something COVID taught you?
Reading is fun, staying home is boring, and washing hands is good.
Last movie you watched
Just watched The Guilty last night and it was the worst movie I have ever seen.
Best advice you’ve received?
Stay hydrated. Lean into the darkness!
Someone you really admire
Jason Williams, Sleaford Mods.
How do you feel about your hair?
It’s short at the moment, which is practical, but wish I could do flicks in the fringe – that’s fun.
What happens when you die?
Omg terrible horrible things.
Describe yourself in three words
Bird like bitch.
One person or thing you think is underrated
Wendy O. Williams.
You can time travel to the past or the future. Where do you go and why?
The future because it’s exciting. I’m excited by the idea of the future, it could look like anything.
Nature or nurture?
Nature.
What do you doubt most?
Other people.
Daily ritual you couldn't live without
Coffee. I love coffee.
How are you at 8am (are you a morning person?)
I'm slower and quieter but I still like the mornings.
Something you're passionate about
I'm passionate about control.
Amyl and The Sniffers album, Comfort To Me, is out now. Catch Amy dancing in a graveyard just below.
Words by Alice Griffin, writer and editor of MTV.com.au. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @_alicegriffin.
