Space Man Rodeo is the new mini-album from Sydney’s Green Buzzard, a fuzz-drunk melange of warbly guitars and 90s guitar-pop melodies. The mastermind behind the music, Paddy Harrowsmith, is a man of relative simplicity, with an approach to music that embraces an “if it sounds good, don’t fuck with it” mentality. And we can get into that.

We’ve been thoroughly digging Space Man Rodeo as of late so we thought we’d reach out to Paddy to ask a few questions about the gear he uses and his approach to guitar on the record.

Chatting to Paddy Harrowsmith of Green Buzzard about his warbly, fuzz-drunk guitar sounds and how you should never sell your pedals.

Can you run us through what’s on your board at the moment?

My pedal board is mostly made up of a mixture of a couple fuzz pedals and chorus with a little bit of delay and wah thrown in for good measure.

I’m super into all the warbly, lo-fi tones you’re pulling on Space Man Rodeo. What are we hearing on Do You Ever Glow?

I guess that’s just always been the sound I’ve had. I’ve been playing that way forever, so to me it doesn’t really sound ‘lo fi’. I guess I use a hell of a lot of chorus, I double up using an Analog Man Chorus and the chorus on my 1978 Roland JC-120. So that definitely gives it some sea-legs.

What was the first pedal you bought?

Ibanez Ts-9 Tube Screamer

What’s your favourite pedal under 100 bucks and why?

MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Line Driver. It’s my favourite and most under-rated pedal I own.

What do you have on your board at the moment that really shapes your sound?

Fulltone Ultimate Octave fuzz, I’ve had it for years. I basically use it for everything. I found out Josh Homme used one, so I bought it and never looked back.

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How do you approach your signal chain/routing?

I don’t really care too much about that shit, if it sounds good, it sounds good. If its loud, hissy and buzzy, then its loud, hissy and buzzy.

Do you switch pedals in and out often?

I tend to change things round every 6 months or so. However, I’ve definitely got my staples that I would never leave home without.

Is there anything you’re really hanging out to buy at the moment?

A car would be nice.

Who are some of your favourite pedal builders?

Ryusuke Effects in Brisbane makes very cool little pedals. Sean, who makes everything, made me a couple of fuzz pedals last year and they are fucking great. Real Strokes-y vibes.

Do you have any particular ethos when it comes to using guitar pedals?

Anything more than 4 knobs on it and I’m over it. The simpler the better. Also, never sell anything, I never have.

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If you had to cull your board down to two pedals, what would they be and why?

Fulltone Ultimate Octave fuzz and Analog Man Chorus. Because that’s what I started with, and goddamn it that’s what I’ll finish with.

Do your pedals influence what amp or guitars you use, or vice versa?

I’ve always used a Roland Jc-120. It’s a clean slate to start with. Perfect for adding new pedals to the sound. I’m addicted to buying guitars, I’ve got too many. I’m more interested in guitars than pedals to be honest. My 1970’s Airline Big Horn is my favourite guitar. I’ve mostly moved on to solid state guitars now, but I still have a special place in my heart for my Rickenbacker, even if I don’t use it as much as I should nowadays.

Do you have any pedal heroes or other artist who you feel really nail a sound through their rig?

J Mascis has always been a hero as far as guitar sound. I’ve always tried to emulate his sound in one way or another. Josh Homme too. I’ve geeked out trying to find out what’s pedals he uses more than I’m prepared to divulge.

Space Man Rodeo is out now through I OH YOU. Check it out here.

Green Buzzard are heading on tour this June, check them out at these dates:

Thu 15 Jun Black Bear, Brisbane 

Fri 16 Jun, The Curtin, Melbourne

Sat 17 Jun, Hudson Ballroom, Sydney