Local dirty funk band Radiator are a bit of a pedigree in H-Town, with the three Trenwith Brothers (Sam, Tim and Mikey) having been exposed to the sounds of their parents’ band, The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, for as long as they can remember. Mixed in with a fair dollop of jazz and some R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the Grandaddy of Funk, James Brown, the brothers have developed a solid sound over the past decade.

The band play September 5th at Flow bar with acoustic Singer/Songwriters Stu Strawbridge and Matt Bodman. Mammoth caught up with vocalist/guitarist Sam Trenwith to get the low down on sibling rivalry.

Radiator seems to have been around since forever. Most bands that have lasted that long tend to hightail it out of town or terminated in a rowdy bar fight. What’s keeping you together and in Hamilton?
When you’re born and raised in Ham-east it’s hard to leave. I mean, there’s a river, some cafes, Wellington St beach… what more do you need?! We’ve all played music abroad and ended up back at home, but there’s still time to travel. My parents’ band just toured the U.S and they’re in their 60’s!

Tell us about your recent travels to Uganda… did you pick up some tribal rhythms on your journey?
I learnt a lot about reggae ’cause it’s all they played, and they called me ‘white rasta’ wherever I went! We volunteered for 6 months with an Orphan Care program in a war-torn part of Uganda. So many sad stories involving kids, but it was the most rewarding experience of my life. We’ll definitely go back!

Which of the three brothers are your parents most proud of?
What a question! This could end in a rowdy bar fight! Definitely ME! My afro’s the biggest. Although my 2nd bro is the handsomest, but my youngest bro has the best job. I think we’re about even.
If Radiator were a sports team, what Olympic event would you be competing in?
We’d kick arse at ‘Sunday afternoon social soccer’! Is that an event?

Who would be your pick to win the Band Experiments?
Probably us… ?!