The Galvatrons had crowds instantly captivated by their boyish charms and futuristic electro-synth rock beats from the first time they performed live on stage in Melbourne last year.

The Galvatrons are Johnny (lead vocals, guitar), Manny (drums), Condor (bass) and Gamma (keys), and their anthemic debut EP When We Were Kids was the most added track on Australian radio for the week 19 – 26 April 2008.

This Australian four-piece named after a Transformer in the 1986 classic animation, is set to light up Canberra stages later this year at the AIS arena and as a headlining act for Foreshore 2008.

We caught up with giggling Canberra boy Peter Lubulwa aka ‘Gamma’ to get the run down on what has been a “bizarrely busy” and “hugely fun” year for The Galvatrons.

The Galvatrons are touring with Def Leppard and Cheap Trick later this year, what should audiences expect from this huge show?

Def Leppard certainly know how to rock out. Although they are a bit older, they’ve definitely still got it. We’re looking forward to starting the show with some high-energy electro-synth-pop.

You’ve played Big Day Out in Melbourne, Splendor in the Grass in Byron, toured with Shihad, and had rave reviews from your showcases in London, how has 2008 been for The Galvatrons?

So bizarrely busy, and hugely fun. It’s been one thing after another and we’ve been lucky to experience some amazing things this year. A definite highlight would have to be Splendor, there was just an awesome atmosphere. Byron is so cool because it’s far away and everyone is so chilled. The music was fantastic.

Is music something that you’ve always wanted to pursue?

I’ve been playing piano since I was three; I’ve always enjoyed studying music (in high school in Canberra, and later at uni in Melbourne). I can’t help but love it.

How did you come to be The Galvatrons’ keyboard star?

It was just a case of right place, right time. Johnny was struggling to find a keyboard player, I was between bands. A friend of a friend suggested that I listen to some of Johnny’s stuff, and I loved it. I showed up on Johnny’s doorstep out of the blue.

You’re a born-and-bred Canberra local; did you enjoy growing up in the Nation’s Capital?

I did, actually. Canberra can be lots of fun. I really enjoyed my high school years, and try to get back as often as I can to see the folks.

What is your favourite thing about Canberra?

I like Canberra’s nightlife! Canberra has heaps of good pubs (you just have to know where to go). I like going for quiet drinks with friends in Kingston, and I’m a big fan of Transit Bar in the city.

The Galvatrons are playing Foreshore in Canberra later this year, are you looking forward to it?

Absolutely! We’re excited. I heard that it rained like crazy last year so hopefully we’ll get some kinder weather. It should be an awesome gig, we can’t wait.

What’s next for The Galvatrons?

Our next single, Cassandra, will be out in a few weeks. Make sure you check it out!