For many people around the world, you probably know Freddy Crabs more by sight than sound.

The Inner West legend and Sticky Fingers keyboard player is a pretty unmistakable figure. Often seen scantily clad on stage, sporting his trademark mullet-and-mo combo, Crabs radiates good-bloke, good-time energy, which we can confirm is no façade.

About a year ago, we were introduced to a different version of Crabs: singer-songwriter and frontman Crabs. While still equally hairy and fun in all the right places, this edition is emboldened, soulful, and a bit funky – all at the same time. Fast forward a few more singles and we get a deeper taste of Freddy Crabs the solo artist, underscoring someone who’s retained those big-chorus pop sensibilities while also being able to hit you in the feels when he wants to.

Good to Waste, his album dropping today, is an authentic songwriting masterclass from a man with years of hits, shows, and the occasional party under his belt. Dive into it below, along with our interview with Freddy Crabs. Oh, and don’t forget to catch him on tour next month (dates at the bottom of the page – tix here).

You’re known as a longtime ivory tickler and backing vocalist as opposed to a freewheelin’ frontman. How long have you been stewing on these tracks?

I’d say for almost six years now. I wrote the track ‘Good to Waste’ way back in 2019 when the band went on a lil break from touring, which also coincided with when my gf dumped me. I only had shitty lil demos I made, so it took a while to build up the courage to show people my voice and the songs I was producing. It was only until I started hijacking the UE Boom on benders and started blaring the tracks for my closest pals, that I realised within myself that they were actually pretty good.

Since then, I got Izaac Wilson from the Grove Studios involved to produce the EP and the rest was history.

What has been the most freeing part about stepping out into the spotlight? Any things you didn’t expect? Mishaps? Wins?

I think it’s been nice to explore and express a side to you that you didn’t know existed. For so long I’ve gravitated towards groups. Whether it be playing in a cricket team, a footy team or a touring band of bruddaz for sixteen years, I’ve always felt safe when you’re surrounded by people you love. Though, going solo opens up a new level of vulnerability where you can showcase other elements of yourself such as delving into new musical styles or..well.. wearing clothes.

A lot of the music on the EP is very keys centric and at times delves into worlds of post disco and lo fi soul that just wouldn’t always work with Sticky. I think when people listen to this EP they’ll be able to hear something new from Freddy Crabs, but also hear my songwriting influences within Sticky songs. I’m already getting loads of that feedback which is nice to ear!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj8VV9NcfPI

Has it been weird playing without the Stickies?

Yeah it’s a lil strange but not that weird for me cos I’ve stuck my fingers in a few pies now – playing shows here and there for Horrorshow and Dante Knows. Back in the day before I was in Sticky Fingers, bassist Paddy Cornwall named me the keyboard slut because I used to play keys for any band that ever asked me. But since then things have definitely chilled out.

I am excited to jump on the road with a bunch of Sydney Inner West legends: Joe Liddy (The Middle East) on bass, Dylan Clay (Behind You) on drums, Freyja Garbett on keys, Jono Graham (Left) on guitar and my sister Emma Neury on Sax. I dare say it won’t be as reckless as some of the past Sticky shows have gotten but it’s still gonna feel like a real family affair.

Does it feel like starting over after going from stadiums back into smaller venues?

Nah not for me. I’ve achieved everything I could’ve ever imagined with Sticky and more. We’ve played to over 35 000 in an airport hangar in Brazil but then some of my fondest memories are playing to packed out shows at the Annandale hotel. So going back to smaller venues doesn’t bother me in the slightest.

If anything it offers another form of excitement where you can connect with people on a more intimate level. It was real nice chattin to fans after the debut Crabs Trocadero show in Enmore. I’m lookin’ forward to havin’ a yarn with em all once I hit the road in September. Might even throw a coupla tinnies into the crowd too. It’s gonna be a big vibe in there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o4BSnpbEIs

What does the title “Good to Waste” mean to you?

‘Good to Waste’ is a playful yet honest take on the mental health struggles we face particularly by us blokes. When faced with a challenge like a loss of friendship, a break up or even rejection, we too often resort to drugs and alcohol as the solution which leads us down a spiral of depression.

The track ‘Good to Waste’, is about a fella down on his luck after a break up who spends all his money seeking affection from sex workers who can’t offer him the love he desires. He’s unable to confront the shame he feels within and carries on living a life without love and true happiness. While the tragedy of the main character might make many laugh, his predicament is pretty miserable and sad. It’s this juxtaposition of sadness vs playfulness that I wanted to explore throughout the EP.

The record is bouncy and fun, but there’s also a bit of an outsider energy to it and plenty of depth to get caught up in. How would you describe the sound in a few words?

It’s light hearted and frivolous but also candid and sorrowful. As one of my closest pals Jimmy Young from Bootleg Rascal said: “Life can often be a laugh or cry situation.” So I wanted to explore both of those feelings.

The album’s also pretty sexy. How much of that would you put down to your moustache?

Thank you and yes I’d say a good portion of it hey. I’ve had the stash for almost thirteen years now and she’s served me well. It kinda just moulds itself into the perfect shape throughout the day and night while I sleep. Surprisingly, I don’t need to take care of it as much as people may think. It’s like my hair. The secret is: do nothing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjGvc9WHR68

Outside of shows, how are you going to celebrate this baby coming out? Any release day rituals?

Honestly it feels like it’s already out with the amount of times I’ve listened to it now, but I’m excited to get it out to the world. Especially the vinyl. Sometimes music just isn’t suited for vinyl but I can say with full confidence that this EP definitely is.

I reckon to celebrate I might grill a couple trays of ćevapis on the Weber and crack a semi decent bottle of champers. Either way it’ll be a fun night and after a few glasses who knows, I might even call a mate to come swing past.

You’re taking this baby on the road in September. What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen in a foreign country?

Shieeet. I saw a guy get shat on in the red light district in Hamburg. It was one of those: don’t wanna look but can’t look away moments. That was pretty filthy.

If we’re talkin’ wild in the sense of coolest moments tho I’d have to say it was pretty special when we were playing to a huge crowd in Brazil and noticed Cyprus Hill side of stage appreciating the show, then later coming up to us and telling us how much they enjoyed it. That was a big life box ticker and I felt pretty content with retiring after that.