Reflecting On Music And Life With ELLA and JESSE HOOPER From KILLING HEIDI

British hard-rocking outfit Idles are the real deal.Not only do they staunchly oppose those who fall into their crosshairs, but they are also vocal and proud about such beliefs and stances, with scant regard given for how they are perceived by others. Using their music as a weapon, Idles are brutally honest about their stance on social issues such as racism, bigotry, and most importantly, toxic masculinity as well as Governments who abuse their power.The band released their fifth album, TANGK earlier this year, a body of music that was proclaimed as their most ambitious and striking work yet. Where IDLES were once set on taking the world’s piss, squaring off with strong jaws against the perennially entitled, and exercising personal trauma in real-time, they have arrived in this new act to offer the fruits of such perseverance: love, joy, and indeed gratitude for the mere opportunity of existence.After a hugely successful Australian tour in November 2022, Idles return for more sonic action next January for a run of four shows. If you have seen this band before you likely already have tickets, but if not prepare yourself for a frenetic, pulsating journey where music is the only winner.HEAVY sat down with vocalist Joe Talbot to find out more."It's about being present," he mused when asked about expectations. "You've gotta reserve your energy for the stage, and that means making sure you're ready for it. I think getting excited about shows is a weird concept, just because we treat them all the same. Every show's the same. To us, we give everything, I give 100% every day to every show."In the full interview, Joe expressed his feelings of connection and his purpose behind starting a band. He shared his personal struggles with loneliness, fear, addiction, grief, and serious trauma during a time of political disillusionment in his country, emphasizing the importance of empathy and love in forming a community and overcoming these challenges.Joe also discussed Idles' upcoming tour of Australia with US based band, Nation of Language, expressing his admiration for their music and as potential touring partners. We spoke about their live shows and commanding - and giving - respect. We discussed their latest album TANGK and its reception, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Nov 202414min

Californian ska/punk outfit Voodoo Glow Skulls have been an integral part of the ska/punk scene since their inception in 1988.Born into a musical landscape that was only in the early stages of combining the two genres, the band quickly forged their own path based on a relentless touring ethic and uncompromising values that saw them play a large part in shaping what is now a modern-day institution.Later this month, Voodoo Glow Skulls make their long-awaited return to Australia after an absence of more than ten years in which the band underwent personal changes that almost crippled them. But, with the status quo now firmly restored, it's all systems go as Voodoo Glow Skulls join Japanese outfit Hey Smith for a run of shows starting on November 27.HEAVY caught up with original member and guitarist Eddie Casillas to find out more."We had a bunch of band changes and personnel line-ups," Eddie replied when asked what has changed with Voodoo Glow Skulls since their last visit to Australia. "My older brother, the lead singer Frank, quit the band in 2017 - so only a few years after we were there last - and then is back now. Just came back recently again and rejoined at the beginning of October. He's coming back to Australia with us, so he didn't miss any Australia (laughs), He just gets to jump back in as one of the first things he does. We put out another record without my brother that came out in 2021. That's a lot of things happening."We ask how the loss of his brother affected both the band and Eddie personally."It was a big deal," he nodded. "It was one of those things where it feels almost like a test. What are you gonna do, sink or swim? Are you gonna keep on doing what you've always done? Or are you gonna hang it up and retire? Which we were gonna do. We were gonna hang it up and just retire. Make an announcement."In the full interview we spoke more about the tour, including what to expect, with Eddie explaining that the band are focusing on playing classic songs with high-energy performances. He also mentioned the addition of new horn players to the line-up, which he believes will enhance the show. We spoke about the period when his brother Frank left the band and Eddie having to assume lead vocals for their last album, as well as how they got themselves as support for the upcoming tour.We discussed the early days of the band and the musical climate in California in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mentioning bands like Fishbone, Jane's Addiction, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as influential. Eddie noted that the ska-punk scene was relatively rare at the time, with only a few bands like Fishbone and Oingo Boingo doing the rounds. Eddie also observed that the scene has changed significantly since then, with the genre now being more mainstream and popular, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Nov 202421min

Well known Brisbane musician Jordan 'Chalky' Hill is best known for his electrifying and dominant role behind the drum kit, but of late he has been expanding his skillset into pretty much every other facet of music.His most recent solo project, Nuclearsaurus Rex, has seen Chalky explore a more crossover thrash style, immersing himself in everything from writing and recording to playing every instrument on recordings.After hinting at something special with his 2021 debut EP Pegasus Ezekial, Chalky is set to deliver the follow-up Operation Party Destroy on November 15, harnessing a lifetime of experience and influences into a four-track body of work with the focus as much on fun as it is the music.Chalky spared some time for HEAVY recently to run us through Operation Party Destroy and other happenings."It's got a bit of crossover," he mused when asked to describe the sound of the EP. "A little bit of punk, a little bit of thrash… probably more thrash on this one. Especially since the last song is seven minutes long. Most crossover songs are one, two, three minutes long, but the average length being four minutes on this one is probably pushing it for crossover (laughs). It's funny that there's a seven-minute song on there, but I cut it up into four sections, so it's still like four different songs merged together into one. There's a tiny bit of death metal throughout as well, with a few blast beats in there, but it's all in standard, so it's not heavy, heavy, but it's heavy in terms of standard tuning. It's a little bit of everything, but at the end of the day if I had to narrow it down, it would be crossover thrash."In the full interview, we discussed Nuclearsaurus Rex and Operation Party Destroy in greater detail. Chalky explained that the project started as a fun outlet in 2021 and has since evolved into a concept EP with a storyline centred around a dinosaur partying in the mid-1980s. Chalky also mentioned that he has been playing guitar and bass for the project, in addition to drums and vocals, and plans to bring the project to the stage as a proper band in the future.We delved into the conceptual elements behind Operation Party Destroy with Chalky explaining the story is about a nuclear dinosaur named Nuclearsaurus Rex who invites his friends to a party, which turns into chaos when a villain, Velociradioactive crashes the party. Each song on the EP represents a different dinosaur with unique powers, and the story unfolds as the songs progress.Talk turned to possible future live shows and the line-up, plus heaps more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Nov 202420min

Interview by Angela CroudaceJaret Reddick, the charismatic frontman of Bowling for Soup, shared his excitement about returning to Australia after 15 years, the band's upcoming 30th anniversary, and his passion for mental health advocacy. As Bowling for Soup prepares to take the stage at the Good Things Festival, Jaret reflected on the band's journey and the importance of addressing mental health issues in the music industry.Over three decades in the music scene, Jaret's journey has been anything but ordinary. Beyond his work with the band, he has ventured into voice acting, songwriting, and a country music side project. "Music is what I do, and it's what I love," he shared, emphasising his dedication to creativity. Jaret's commitment to staying busy is driven by a desire to keep creating: "Making things is my favourite thing to do in the world."Jaret is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the music industry. "I really was unaware of how vast the struggle was," he admitted, reflecting on his late-in-life battle with depression and anxiety. "Once I became educated myself, I was just like, 'Gosh, I've had this so wrong."His candidness about mental health challenges aims to destigmatise the conversation, as he recalls, "I was embarrassed to talk about it…but it's normal."He noted a significant shift in how mental health is tackled within the industry. "I've seen that stigma start to go away quite a bit," he observed. Jaret's mission is to encourage others to seek help, stating, "If this could happen to me, it could happen to anybody."Reflecting on Bowling for Soup's iconic hits like 1985, Jaret shared that their success has been a gradual journey. "Nothing for Bowling for Soup has ever just exploded," he said. "Everything's been really gradual." This slow burn has fostered a deep appreciation for their loyal fan base. As Jaret noted, "The fact that people still appreciate those songs…is just a testament to what we created."Jaret let HEAVY in on an exclusive secret: the band is preparing to debut new music. Jaret hinted at an album title inspired by a casual conversation: "Party if We Have To." He explained, "It's an ongoing thing where something will just happen, and I'll go, 'That's a good name for an album."When asked what he hopes audiences take away from their shows, Jaret responded sincerely: "A smile on their face." He loves seeing fans sing along and connect with the music. "If you're here and this is the first time you smile in a week, you feel like you're alone—you're not."As he prepares to hit the stage in Australia, Jaret shared his excitement about returning here for the first time in over a decade. "We can't wait to see you guys. It's been way too long." he expressed,"We've had a few plans to come back that didn't work out, whether it was the pandemic or whatever, but I'm glad it's finally happening." For fans eagerly anticipating their return, Jaret promises an unforgettable experience. "Honestly, we just can't wait."Jaret's commitment to putting on uplifting shows and raising mental health awareness continues to resonate, as evidenced by the demand for their touring and the crowds Bowling for Soup still draws all these years after their peak of fame. The popularity of their tours and the crowds attest to the band's dedication to performing feel-good shows and promoting mental health awareness. Even now, years after their heyday, Bowling for Soup continues to attract audiences worldwide.A perfect addition to the Good Things Festival line-up, you can guarantee their show will put a smile on your face and fill you with that sweet 2000s nostalgia.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Nov 202411min

After spending their first couple of years refining their sound and learning their craft better, Gold Coast rock outfit Chavez Cartel are finally starting to bear the fruits of that labour, having also managed to conquer the UK and USA in recent years.With a classic rock sound embedded with elements of grunge, Chavez Cartel found pieces falling into place earlier this year with an appearance at Big Sound 24 introducing the band to a wider range of possibilities and contacts than ever before.Harnessing this renewed vigour, the band headed for the studio to begin the next phase of their musical journey, with the result being new single All I Know, which showcases the evolving sonic world in which Chavez Cartel find themselves gravitating toward.HEAVY caught up with frontman Ben Simpson to get more details."It's a little bit 90s sounding - like a lot of our stuff is, I think," he explained of All I Know. "It's got some 90s elements in there. It sounds like a dirty Oasis track to me, if I strip it back. A punky, dirtier Brit-Pop song. The song itself is about grinding, day-to-day life. Stuck in traffic. Back and forth from work, feeling like you're wasting away. It's a bit of a miserable approach to working class life, but it's got a bit of life in it, so it's not a miserable song. It just touches on the misery of some days."In the full interview, we discussed All I Know in greater detail and its potential inclusion in their upcoming album. Ben described the song as a bit of a miserable approach to working-class life, but with a bit of life in it. We also discussed the concept of the film clip that reflects this theme.We spoke about the band's transition from releasing smaller EPs to an album. Ben expressed his dissatisfaction with EPs, stating that they are not as valued as albums. He mentioned that the band is now ready to release a full album, having accumulated a body of work. Ben also shared that they have learned more about production, including vocal layering and counter melodies, which will be incorporated into their new album. The conversation also touched on the changing attention spans of people due to social media and the internet, with Ben expressing his preference for longer, more immersive music experiences.Ben touched on the band's continued musical growth and clarified that the changes were natural and not a deliberate strategy to veer off into different genres. He explained that the band started as purely grunge, but over time, they added elements from punk and Britpop, while maintaining their grungy sound. Ben confirmed that the singles they released were a good representation of their current and future sound.We also spoke about upcoming shows and plenty more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Nov 202413min

ALARUM have nothing to prove in sheer technical prowess on their instruments, or superlative proficiency in progressive metal songwriting. They've demonstrated for over 25 years that they are masters in complex time signatures, virtuoso guitar and bass chops, and layered sonic landscapes. Their music can be deliciously delicate and lovely, cheeky jazz fusion fun, or brutal death metal heavy.Their new album Recontinue gives you all of those elements that you know and love about ALARUM, with the addition of the weight of an anvil. It is a brutally uncompromising album, with enough in the way of finesse to appeal to metal lovers of all tastes.HEAVY caught up with Mark Palfreyman to find out more.We discussed the band's new album, with Mark explaining it is a continuation of their previous work, with a focus on heavier and cleaner parts, as well as incorporating new ideas and influences. He also mentioned that the album was influenced by the band's experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.HEAVY praised the album's eclectic mix of styles, from progressive metal to jazz fusion, and asked about the creative process. Mark explained that they write different styles of music simultaneously, blending them together to create a cohesive album. He also noted that the band's approach has evolved over time, from simply writing songs to having a more planned and focused approach to their music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

10 Nov 202418min

The only thing better as a band than hitting the road after releasing an album is hitting the road with your mates, so it was a no-brainer really when Melodic Death metal powerhouse ORPHEUS OMEGA (VIC) and Symphonic Gothic Metal masters CARMERIA (NSW) announced they would be touring together to promote recent albums.Dubbed the Embers Of Tragedy Australian Tour, the run of shows celebrates Orpheus Omega's Emberglow album and Carmeria's Tragedie D'amour, with both releases considered as pivotal in the blossoming futures of both bands. Emberglow sonically marrie sOrpheus Omega's classic melodic death metal roots while taking their largest leaps yet into uncharted territory including moments of progressive metal, metalcore, doom metal and more. It is a brave and typically bold step forward for the band, who over five albums and three EP's have continually pushed themselves and their boundaries, despite gathering a loyal fanbase that would be satisfied with their music changing only minimally.HEAVY sat down with the whole band recently to discuss the tour and whatever else seemed appropriate at the time.We discussed the Emberglow in greater detail and how ambitious the band actually considers their sonic shift. The band mentioned that the album has a strong personal element, with each band member contributing their own unique influences. They emphasized the importance of the pre-production process in shaping the album's cohesive sound and talked about the balance between different genres in the album and how difficult it was to get right.They also discussed their upcoming tour and the effort they put into creating a memorable live show experience, just what to expect and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Nov 202421min

Interview by Angela CroudaceThe music world is often dominated by Western narratives, but Botswana’s Skinflint is challenging those narratives by carving out a unique space for African metal. Founded in late 2006, the band emerged with a vision to blend heavy metal with the richness of African culture and mythology. HEAVY spoke to the band’s core members - Giuseppe Sbrana (guitar, vocals), Kebonye (bass), and Cosmos (drums) - to discuss their musical journey, influences, and the themes behind their latest album, Baloi.“Skinflint started with a simple idea: to tell the stories of Botswana and Africa, particularly the darker sides of our mythology that aren’t often covered by Western media,” Giuseppe explained. “Africa is rich in history and tales, and we wanted to bring those narratives to life through metal.”The band’s name, while catchy, lacks deep meaning. “It just sounded good,” Kebonye said with a chuckle. However, their mission is far from superficial. With a growing fan base across the globe, they have become a significant voice in the underground metal scene, sharing stories steeped in African folklore.Despite their passion, Skinflint has faced significant challenges in promoting their music in Africa. “In the beginning, many people didn’t understand what we were trying to do,” Giuseppe admitted. “The metal scene here is small, and venues that support our music are rare. We’ve had to create our own opportunities.”They emphasize the necessity of collaboration among bands in Botswana, sharing resources to build their own stages and sound systems. “It’s a DIY punk attitude,” Giuseppe noted, reflecting on the resilience of local artists. “But the hard work is worth it when we get on stage and share our stories.”Their latest album, Baloi, which translates to "witches" in Setswana, delves deep into Botswana’s rich mythology. The title track addresses themes of love and betrayal, inspired by the legend of Lenswala Baratani - a tale of two lovers shunned by their tribe. “These stories are part of who we are,” Giuseppe stated. “We want to share them, even if they can be dark and unsettling.”Another standout track, Sangoma, explores the concept of blood magic and witchcraft. Kebonye explained, “We want to showcase our culture, the good and the bad. People fear what they don’t understand, but we believe in the importance of telling these stories.”As Skinflint continues to gain traction internationally, they are often dubbed "Africa's heavy metal Gods." However, the band is quick to redirect the spotlight. “While we appreciate the recognition, there are so many great bands in Africa,” Giuseppe urged. “It’s important for people to explore the diversity of African metal and the stories it has to offer.”Their dedication has resulted in a loyal following not just in Africa but worldwide. When I asked about future tours, the excitement was palpable. “We’d love to play in Australia,” Guiseppe exclaimed. “Just connect us with a promoter, and we’ll be on the next plane!”At the heart of Skinflint's ethos is collaboration. Each member contributes to the songwriting process, with Giuseppe penning the lyrics while drawing on ideas from the band. “It’s a family atmosphere,” he described. “We want to push each other to new heights, incorporating each member’s strengths into our music.”As our conversation drew to a close, it was clear that Skinflint is more than just a band. They are storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and innovators in the heavy metal genre, determined to break boundaries and share the untold stories of Africa with the world. Their journey continues, one heavy riff at a time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Nov 202424min