What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Former drummer for one of Australia’s most critically acclaimed band The Drones, Mike Noga has fronted numerous outfits of his own and has released two much lauded solo albums, including The Balladeer Hunter, which critics declared “an instant classic”. His new solo album which he has been premiering in New Zealand, is based on Georg Buchner’s famous 1830’s play Woyzeck. The project grew out of a commission by London immersive theatre company Punchdrunk to pen music for their production The Drowned Man, which itself was loosely based on Woyzeck.

What are you plugging right now?

My new album. It’s a rock’n’roll concept album, loosely based on German playwright Georg Buchner’s 1830’s masterpiece, Woyzeck. A tale of one man’s descent into madness, jealousy and ultimately bloodshed. My version of events take place in small town 1950s Australia where we hear the tale of Jack and Mary, a couple struggling to keep things together. Actor Noah Taylor (Game of Thrones) provides ‘‘narration’’ throughout the album and it was produced by Something For Kate’s Paul Dempsey. I’m really proud of this work and the fantastic reviews it’s been receiving so far! A decent night’s sleep. Pasta. Music. Wine. Performing on stage. Animals. Friends and family. Melbourne. Tasmania. Travelling. All these things make me happy. There’s been a few brain freeze moments on stage over the years. Playing drums for Paul Dempsey in front of a very large audience in Fremantle one night, mid-song, I suddenly looked at the drum kit in front of me and it was as though I’d never seen one before. Guitarists and singers can normally get away with the odd mistake. Drummers, not so much.

Ever stolen anything?

Only the odd car/heart. I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. Still do. But I think if people come along to my shows here in your beautiful country, they’ll see that (hopefully) I chose the right profession. – Mike Alexander