A Sprinkle Of Magic With ADALITA From MAGIC DIRT

Interview by Kris PetersThrashville has quickly become one of the must attend music festivals on the Australian calendar.Not only is it situated miles away from any form of civilised life - meaning noise restrictions and the like are non-existent - but it is also a damn good festival featuring a splattering of the best in Australian music from major headliners through to up and comers.With this years line-up - set down over September 8 and 9 at Dashville in the Hunter Valley - comprising a host of talent including CIVIC, Shady Nasty, Crocodylus, Bloody Hell, Downgirl, Wildheart, Operation Ibis, Deadshowws and more, it is the reuniting of two of this countries heavyweight acts that is generating most interest.Progressive rock outfit COG and funk/rock/metal masters Mammal headline over both nights, continuing their successful partnership at the top of concert goers wish lists.Since returning from self imposed exile six years ago, Mammal have taken a more steady path to salvation, initially releasing the singles Community and Dead before retreating for a couple of years and emerging with two powerful tracks in Crime Scene and The War. With their follow up album to The Majority nearing completion and Thrashville less than a month away, enigmatic frontman Ezekiel Ox sat down with HEAVY to talk about all things Mammal and hitting the stage once more."I think the line up is sensational," he offered, referring to Thrashville. "We can't wait to get back on the same bill as our old touring buddies COG - of course I narrated their documentary, I performed The River Song with them live, we've toured countless times on their headline tours and seen them on festivals - so how good is it gonna be? Mammal and COG in the same space. It's about time, I would say."We steer the topic of conversation around to the fact Thrashville is an all Australian affair, showcasing the talent on offer in our own backyard."I think it's great," Ox affirmed. "Losing Homebake, I was always super disappointed with that. Mammal was lucky enough to play on the 2008 Homebake with the Divinyls, Parkway Drive, Crowded House - because it was always New Zealand bands as well - but I think that was a huge loss, so to see festivals like Thrashville is a chance for us to flex our muscles and show what we're capable of down here. We've got the best bands in the world. Of course we do. You don't have to spend so much and you don't have to go far from home to see the best in the business."Mammals live reputation is the stuff of legends, but Ox seems genuinely excited at the chance to play in an isolated environment amongst friends, without fear of being shut down or regulated by over zealous pen pushers."It's such a great opportunity. I'm lucky enough to have played Thrashville before with another one of my projects, and it is such a good festival. It's just got the vibe. They've got tattooists there and so much else going on. It's worth getting a tent out. It's worth coming to camp for two days and it's a family operated festival. All of those things you said about it being almost off the grid, I think it's pretty cool. Come and get loose."In the full interview, Zeke talks about what fans can expect from their show, their long running association with COG, keeping politics out of personal life, Mammals steady path to the new album, what it will sound like, some of the topics covered lyrically, how far off it could be, standing up for your beliefs, where his strong views come from, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

4 Aug 202326min

Interview by Kris PetersDepression and mental health are becoming an increasingly prevalent condition, especially in the modern age where sometimes just living can become a struggle.They are real problems with no definitive answer. Problems that could affect any one of us at any time.As much as money always helps in any situation, perhaps more importantly in these cases the vital factor is more awareness.Awareness that it can and does happen. Awareness that it is not your fault or something you should go through alone and awareness of the fact that sometimes it’s okay to not be okay and the most important first step to helping yourself is communication and putting your troubles out there for the world to see, hear and help.One way to do this is by staging events – of any nature – but when music is your life and passion the default mechanism generally switches to live events. And, as we all know, musicians do it better than most.On September 16 the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane will host Rock Beats Depression, featuring an eclectic assortment of local and interstate bands uniting for one common cause. Brisbane metal warriors Dreamkillers head the bill, with Black Whisky, Goatzilla, Gutterfire, Tailor Made Rejects, Krave and more coming together for a common cause.The day will raise not only awareness, but also funding for The Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue and Headspace.Each week HEAVY will be speaking with bands on the line-up about what being a part of Rock Beats Depression means to them. Today we catch up with Luke Karolak, guitarist/vocalist for Sunshine Coast rock trio Ruination."Rock Beats Depression was actually something that we were asked to do last year," he offered. "We were fortunate enough to get a foot in the door, and to be asked back is a big thing. We love what it stands for and Caity is amazing. There's so many awesome bands on it again this year, so it's gonna be great."In the full interview, Luke talks more about the meaning behind Rock Beats Depression, what message he hopes people will take out of it, supporting each other and speaking up about your problems, the cathartic nature of music, Ruination's next EP and what it will sound like and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Aug 202312min

Interview by Kris Peters Depression and mental health are becoming an increasingly prevalent condition, especially in the modern age where sometimes just living can become a struggle. They are real problems with no definitive answer. Problems that could affect any one of us at any time.As much as money always helps in any situation, perhaps more importantly in these cases the vital factor is more awareness. Awareness that it can and does happen. Awareness that it is not your fault or something you should go through alone and awareness of the fact that sometimes it’s okay to not be okay and the most important first step to helping yourself is communication and putting your troubles out there for the world to see, hear and help. One way to do this is by staging events – of any nature – but when music is your life and passion the default mechanism generally switches to live events. And, as we all know, musicians do it better than most. On September 16 the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane will host Rock Beats Depression, featuring an eclectic assortment of local and interstate bands uniting for one common cause. Brisbane metal warriors Dreamkillers head the bill, with Black Whisky, Goatzilla, Gutterfire, Tailor Made Rejects, Krave and more coming together for a common cause. The day will raise not only awareness, but also funding for The Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue and Headspace.Each week HEAVY will be speaking with bands on the lineup about what being a part of Rock Beats Depression means to them. Today we catch up with Ezra from Brisbane stoner rock outfit The Wretched Creatures.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Aug 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersMusic is in the blood. I don't care what you say.Sure, it can be taught, but if you come from a musical pedigree chances are that passion and talent courses through your veins and more needs to be harnessed than taught.There is perhaps no better example of this than Wolfgang Van Halen, whose path in life was pretty much pre-mapped for him when he was born to a great man by the name of Eddie Van Halen.Living under the shadow of greatness can be too large a cross to bear for most people, but not Wolfgang who embraced his birthright, first mastering the drums before moving onto guitar and bass.Having joined Van Halen as bass player in 2006, Wolfgang spread his talents by also playing with Tremonti from 2012 to 2016 before focussing on his solo project Mammoth WVH following his Father's passing.He released his debut, self titled album in 2021, playing all of the instruments and assuming vocal duties.Not only did this album showcase Wolfgang's immense playing talent, it also revealed a songwriting narrative that swept the global music scene and left fans salivating over the thought of a follow up, which arrives on August 4 under the title Mammoth II.Once more taking on all vocal and instrumental duties, Wolfgang set himself a personal task of peeling back even more layers of his musical psyche, challenging himself in a variety of situations and removing himself from the comfort zones that had previously carried him to success.HEAVY was honoured with a request to speak with Wolfgang in person to find out more about the new album and what he was trying to achieve."I'm very excited about it," he smiled. "I think it's the sequel to our first album, but everything turned to 11. It's a really aggressive, but musically and melodically dense album and I'm just really excited for people to hear it.""I'm feeling really good," he continued. "We just announced our first headlining tour in the States at the end of the year and we've been to Europe a couple of times. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to finally get out to Australia at some point maybe next year."We ask Wolfgang to go into greater depth on the musical side of Mammoth II."I came into the whole recording process with a bit more confidence compared to the first one," he measured, "because I was trying to figure out what the project was. But with this it had already been established and I've been touring for the last couple of years I think I was more certain on what it was and had more of a fun time trying to figure out how I could test it and evolve it and grow it, and I think you can really hear that on the album."In the full interview, Wolfgang talks about the singles released and how they reflect the rest of the album, how he challenged himself on the album, bringing in heavier influences, the pros and cons of doing everything yourself, how this album differs musically to his debut, settling in to the role of lead singer, his live shows and what to expect, who he takes with him as a live band, lessons learnt from playing with Van Halen that he took to his solo career, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Aug 202316min

Interview by Kris PetersNirvana fans are a fickle bunch.Especially when it comes to frontman Kurt Cobain. The man is revered as a God in the eyes of some, his music elevated to the same majestic heights as a regal force of nature and God help anyone that has an opposing opinion.So when Nirvana fans universally embrace a tribute band recreating previously sacred tunes then you know that there is more than a casual air of acceptance in the air.Coming to you fresh from the UK, Niravana Tribute are the only internationally touring and thus sustainable band of their ilk doing the rounds. They have been praised the world over and have such an affiliation with Australian audiences that in just over one week they start their third tour of this country - and second in two years.Whereas the band has previously covered the entire span of Nirvana's musical accomplishments in greater detail, this time the band will be focussing on Nirvana's third and final studio album, In Utero, which this year celebrates 30 years of existence.Of course, Nirvana Tribute will also be playing all of the hits from Nirvana's other albums, but by dedicating a larger portion of the set to the one album they also get the chance to showcase some of the bands lesser known material.With the tour kicking off in Adelaide on May 10, HEAVY sat down with frontman Jon O'Conner to find out what else Nirvana Tribute have up their sleeve."We're gonna mix things up a little bit," he promised, "and keep everybody guessing. So we're not gonna do it (In Utero) in track order, because that would get boring pretty quickly when you know what's coming next and you've always got that 'I don't really like that song' so you're gonna skip away to the bar and do whatever you're gonna do. But you won't have the opportunity to do that with us, because we're gonna keep you guessing."We ask Jon how difficult it was learning every song from In Utero, given that when the album was made the likelihood of the original band planning to play every track would have been slim."Some of the songs are a little harder to play live," he nodded. "Milk It is a bit strange because the timing is a little bit funny and that song can fall apart pretty quickly. I've been playing that album since I was a kid. It's one of their greatest albums, it's an absolute classic."In the full interview, Jon talks more about what to expect, his memories of In Utero when it first came out, what made him decide to form a Nirvana tribute band, his first memories of listening to and playing Nirvana songs, the two new members since the band's last Australian tour, deciding on what versions of Nirvana's back catalogue to play and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Aug 202312min

Interview by Kris PetersSince forming in High School in Scranton back in 2005, Pennsylvania rock outfit Tigers Jaw have ridden a steady trajectory through the ranks, culminating in the success of their most recent album, 2021s I Won't Care How You Remember Me.Brought up and fed on a diet of local DIY punk outfits, Tigers Jaw have gone through a number of line-up changes, with Ben Walsh being the only surviving original member, having played every instrument from drums to bass to guitar to singing with the band.Now, with a settled line-up and growing reputation, Tigers Jaw are set to land in Australia in the coming weeks for a supporting slot to Sly Withers on his upcoming Australian tour.Walsh sat down with HEAVY to discuss the details."There's lots to do to get ready for an international tour," he began. "I feel like mentally I'm almost there, and I'm just figuring out what to bring, because here right now it's very hot. We get there in Winter for this tour so I have to figure out what to pack (laughs)."Touring and playing is one thing, but a trip so far away from home is also a mentally draining commitment, so we press Walsh on how he prepares for that side of things."Early on in touring we were 18,19,20 years old and it was a lot easier to just pick up and leave and not really worry about it too much," he smiled. "As we get into our 30s there's more stability at home and it's a little bit tougher to make sure everything's in order. The mental preparation is a little more intense as we get older. There's just as much excitement, but there's just more responsibilities to get in order before we take off."In the full interview, Ben tells us what to expect from Tigers Jaw's shows, the two acoustic performances and how they will approach them, the history of Tigers Jaw and what the early days were like, when the band decided to get serious, how the DIY punk scene helped shape their future, how his vision for Tiger's Jaw has changed over the years, new material and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Aug 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersIt's that time of year again ladies and metalheads, where the beer is plentiful and the music is bountiful, which can only mean one thing.Brewfest is here!Brewfest is fast becoming a landmark date on the Brisbane music scene as Brewhouse Productions cast off the shackles every August and stage for our listening pleasure an annual soiree of the highest calibre.Moving to a new venue each year, Brewfest this year settles on the Soapbox Brewery in Brisbane thisSaturday, August 5 for an afternoon/night of festivities that screams decadence from all angles.With an all-star lineup including Tetrament, Dirty Brew, We The Hollow, Ancient Remains, Slaves Of Dissonance and more, Brewfest 2023 promises to offer more bang for your musical buck than ever before.Organiser and guitarist from Dirty Brew, Mick Brew, joined HEAVY to tell us more."It's been a bit of an effort, that's for sure," he smiled, "pulling what's left of my hair out (laughs). I've done bigger festivals and they've come together a lot easier. This one's definitely been a lot of work, but I'm hoping it will pay off. There's a fair number of tickets sold so I'm really looking forward to the day. The brewery has actually done a special beverage for the day as well. We're doing a Rattlesnake Snakebite on tap."When it comes to putting together a lineup for a festival of this nature you can't begrudge the booker from playing favouritism in some instances."I put the bill together, so I hand pick bands that I like," Mick laughed. "I'm looking forward to seeing Tetrament. It's their first gig back with their new drummer so that should be good. We The Hollow are kicking goals at the moment, and they're always a good show. And the guys In Effigy from Bundaberg are a sight to behold. I'm looking forward to it all."In the full interview, Mick tells us more about what to expect on the day, runs us through the difficulties in playing and organising a festival, the yearly growth of Brewfest, expanding it even more next year, his New Years Bash at the Back Room, the upcoming Metal Festival in Gladstone and what it means to be part of it, Dirty Brew's live show and what to expect, Rattlesnake Snakebite and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Aug 20239min

Interview by Kris PetersForming a new band after having previously been a part of an international success story is never an easy task. But when you take two former members of popular bands and place them together to start a new project then the chances of beginning with a completely clean slate are slim to non-existent.So it was when vocalist Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE) and guitarist Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES), joined forces some seven years ago to create a separate musical entity in the form of Cyhra. After putting out two critically acclaimed albums - Letters To Myself and No Halos In Hell - Cyhra steadily became accepted as a band in their own right, helped by the melodic metal approach that distanced the members even further from their past. With their third album The Vertigo Trigger - already being touted as the band's darkest and most ambitious album to date - to be released on August 18, Cyhra finally look set to claim their full musical identity without the ever prominent shadow cast by days gone by. Jake sat down with HEAVY recently to discuss The Vertigo Trigger and the long path to supremacy. "We are ready to release our brand new album," he enthused, "and I can't wait to get it out there because it's been cooking for a year." "There's absolutely no anxiety lingering on," he continued when asked how nerve-wracking this period just before the album comes out can get. "We don't want it to completely flop (laughs). The problem nowadays is you cannot say that an album is flopping in a sense because you can release a fantastic album, but the problem is people just don't get it. They don't know that it has been released. They can't find it because it's a fucken jungle with releases these days. There's so many bands releasing at the same time and people are listening on platforms, and it's really hard for people to understand how well an album has progressed because you have Spotify and Deezer and blah blah blah, so there's all these different platforms all over the world. A band like Cyhra, we are pretty big in Japan for example, but the Japanese people don't even use Spotify, so when we go in and check how many people are listening to us in Japan, and it's only 48 and then the record label comes back two or three months later and says you pulled 10,000 for that album it's like… they are not listening to Spotify then (laughs). You are a little bit anxious about the reception from your fans, especially now where it's gone three or four years since we released the last album." In the full interview, Jake talks about the writing and recording process on The Vertigo Trigger, why it is their darkest and most ambitious album, self-producing the record and pros and cons of that, playing the whole album live in Japan before it has even been released, new guitarist Marcus Sunnesson and what he brings to the band, finding your own musical identity and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Juli 202317min