Obviously the pro-model truck fetish is a sure thing because after announcing Tony Trujillo’s soon to be released pro-model truck, Independent have just signed Eric Koston to the company, with a very special re-design by the skater in question.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t involve an LA Lakers colourway!
A few short months ago, if you’d mentioned the name Wolfmother to most UK music fans, you’d be met with a stare similar to that of someone who has just witnessed a person eating their own head.
However, with a sold-out UK tour firmly underway and the release of their debut album fast approaching, things couldn’t be looking much better for the Aussie three-piece.
Drummer Myles Heskett got caught in the crossfire with Ryan Bird to discuss everything from life in one of rock’s most promising young bands, to the happenings of an artistic lunatic…
Good afternoon sir. How are you today?
I’m good cheers!
How’s the tour going thus far?
It’s going well. We’re enjoying the beautiful countryside and the shows are going really well. The reception has been fantastic so far.
I guess if you’ve been in the States fairly recently then it must be nice to actually see some green scenery rather than skyscrapers!
Haha! Yeah, it’s nice. We’ve been to LA, New York, Chicago and places like that in America and it was pretty cool to see new places I guess.
All of the shows so far seem to have sold extremely well, and is most cases totally sold out. Not bad for three lads from down under!
It’s awesome! We tend to try not to have any expectations about certain shows or tours really. That way when you get there and people turn up it’s almost like a bit of a treat!
You’ve more or less appeared from nowhere in recent months, and now you’re headlining a sell out tour of the UK. Why do you think you’ve succeeded where many bands would falter?
I couldn’t really say. We just try to make the best music and put on the best shows we possibly can for people to enjoy. I’m not sure why it’s worked out so well for us in particular but it’s definitely cool that it has.
You seem to have a unique sound, which is refreshing in a world where we’re pumped full of the same old shit on a daily basis. What’s your opinion on the current music scene?
I’m not really that immersed in the current rock scene. I don’t really follow a lot of NME bands as you might say. We’ve kind of come from outside of everything so I don’t always pay attention to what’s going on musically. Certainly back home in Sydney we locked ourselves away in a room and wrote music we wanted to hear without caring about other bands or music. We’re pretty selfish like that.
Do you think hailing from a country like Australia perhaps helps breed individuality?
I don’t think so. I don’t consider our sound to have any sort of home-grown elements or influences. We listen to music from all over the world and take inspiration from that more than anything Australian really. We’re not the most patriotic people in the world!
What’s the music scene like in Australia? How does it differ from overseas?
I guess it’s not really that different from here in the UK overall. We listen to a lot of the same stuff that you guys do and the same sort of music is big over there. We all know about the Arctic Monkeys for instance. It just takes a little longer for things to sink through to us.
Kind of like us and the latest episodes of Neighbours!
Right! Haha!
The thing about Australia is that it’s so far away and very few people actually know anything about it. What sort of things did you use to entertain yourself with as a youngster?
The thing about Australia is that it’s such a huge country but not a lot of people live there. You can get really nice big houses with lots of land and stuff like that. You’re really never far away from nature. I’d go Hiking and Camping and stuff like that. I’m a bit of a nerd so I was into that type of thing!
So you were never much of a skater then? I’ve heard it has a very healthy scene…
Well Chris is a big skater and snowboarder I know that, and there’s definitely a real beach culture since most major towns and cities are all near or on the coastline, but I don’t really know too much about it. I’m a bit of a nerd as I said!
Ok, let’s get back to music for a bit. Your debut album is set to hit shelves in the UK next month – almost half a year after its original release. It must feel like giving birth somewhat!
It’s exciting! We put the album out in Australia pretty much as soon as it was mixed. We didn’t have any type of hype or whatever – we just put it out there. It’ll be interesting to see how people in the UK and the States take to it.
Is it frustrating to be beginning a touring cycle in the UK of a record you’ve already be plugging elsewhere for so long, or does the fact that it’s pastures new bring new life to the experience?
It’s definitely a very exciting thing above all else. We’ve been around in Australia for a couple of years now and we’ve found our feet with touring and stuff like that there, so to take it onto a world stage almost makes it feel like a new experience.
Have you already begun throwing ideas together for your next release?
Not really. We’ve been so swamped for these past few months and put so much into this current record that we haven’t had the time or energy to think about new material yet!
I’d say it’s not likely to slow down any time soon either!
Definitely! We’re finishing off this tour and then hitting the States again for some more shows, but I think we’re coming back in April for a show in London maybe.
Yeah, at the Koko right?
Yeah I think that’s it!
And then of course you’re off to Coachella in California…
Yeah, that should be a great time. There’s a lot of cool bands playing that one.
Tool are headlining. What more do you need?
Exactly! I hope we get to stick around for them. I’ve seen them a couple of times before and they’re a great band. I think I heard that Maynard doesn’t like to be seen onstage anymore though?
Yeah, last time I saw him play with A Perfect Circle he had these weird screens so that all you could see was his sillouhette. You know what’s he’s like though. Artistic maniac.
Yeah, totally!
So with all this coming up, would you agree that 2006 perhaps signals the REAL beginning for Wolfmother?
Internationally yeah, definitely. All the major labels in the UK and the States are really eager for us to get over and play some shows. I don’t think we’re going to be at home at all this year! We have a couple of weeks off in June I think, but other than that I’d say we’re pretty swamped. We’ll just keep on playing as best we can and see what it brings.
Wolfmother’s self-titled debut is released on April 24th through Modular/Island Records.
Take your grubby paws over to www.wolfmother.com for more details and if you would like to read a Crossfire live review of a show in Oxford Zodiac, click here.
MJ is a man of mystery. In these fast times where media sources can chew up and spit out a skater and their career, it comes as no surprise when someone of Marc’s stature take cautionary steps if approached for an interview. That said, Marc was up for a grilling after winning our Trick of the Year comp by public vote, and luckily he complied with our requests.
Uninterested with the rumour mills and haters that put pressure on his undeniable skills, Marc stays sharp and sarcastic in these testing times. We really tried to push him for details on the epic Lakai video, but the cat caught his tongue… But, who cares? It was Marc’s flawless skating that pushed him into the limelight, and as he proves time and time again: Actions speak louder than words and words are delivered by Ralph Lloyd Davis and various forum hoppers..
You’ve been in the game for a while. The first piece I ever saw on you was an autobiographical piece that appeared in TWS in 1995 (?). You seemed pretty burnt over your situation as an amateur that chased their dream and landed on the west coast. Has your attitude changed since then?
My idea of the world was very small TEN YEARS ago. Yes, you could say my attitude has changed. I’ve seen some bright days and some really dark nights. Figuratively speaking. I’m looking forward to the future. The past is past.
What was skateboarding like before moving out West? You mentioned in your 411VM profile that you were on the run from someone- Care to elaborate..?
Boring. No.
Who did you look up to as a kid? Who do you look up to nowadays?
Let that heavenly filter shine.
When did your career start to take shape i.e. you could accept the fact that you skated as a profession?
Bills and photo shoots. Mortgage payments.
You moved to San Jose, then moved away for work, then back again. What’s San Jose got that elsewhere hasn’t? What’s the scene like today?
Hookers that don’t charge if they’re drunk. Shit talkers. Cops that are convicted for murder. God bless the party. It’s still in 5th gear. 40 year-old men renting a room in a skate house. I haven’t been there in a long time.
Who is your favourite character you play from the tilt mode skits? Is Chauncey Peppertooth the real Marc Johnson?
No one knows who the real Marc Johnson is. I’m just energy slowed down to a low vibrational wavelength known as solid matter. We just had a really, really, good time making those videos. Memoirs Of A Moron.
Are you still close with everyone despite leaving Enjoi? Can we expect a cameo in the new video?
A clip or two. That’s drama.
Are you as excited about the new Lakai video as the kids are?
Excited? Try ‘relieved’.
Whose part (if you have seen any yet) is gonna blow the snow?
I’ve been served a gag order about the video. Can’t talk.
Did video kill the skate-star?
Most likely. It’s looking that way. When you’re 15 years old and thinking about ‘quitting’, you can point the finger at someone holding a camera. It stands up in court.
You are a technical innovator that adapts to virtually every terrain. When are we going to see you on Vert?
Like I said, I can’t talk about it.
Your name is always under every “what’s your favourite section” poll, but unlike the others, many people can’t decide what part stands out most. Which video section of yours are you most proud of and happy with and why?
I’m just glad you like them. That’s good enough for me.
What’s life like off board? I know you read a lot- what are you reading at the moment, and what would you suggest kids read?
Read ‘The RA Material’ by Don Elkins. Just read it.
How has having a kid changed your life?
It taught me to care about someone more than I care about myself. I do lots of things I don’t want to do because I know it will make his life better. And it’s hilarious.
Music and skateboarding go together like red wine and cheese. What would you enjoy in your slippers as background music, red wine and cheese and what would get you hyped to go skate? Expand on the musical influences over your years of life…
Van Morrison. Everything else is just a waste of your time.
Last live show?
Chemical Brothers. Australia 2005.
Has all the travelling you’ve done through skateboarding helped you understand global diversity, or foreigner’s perception of Americans and their culture?
America is a modern-day version of the fall of the Roman Empire. Sometimes it hurts just to look around. You can’t even smoke in public here anymore. Civil revenue generators. It’s falling apart over here, boys.
If America imploded, where would you go live? Would that be based on skateability, or pure culture and lifestyle?
America is imploding. I’m just here for the ride.
What’s right with skateboarding in 2006?
Handrails and ‘Big Fours’, supposedly.
What’s right with the World in 2006?
The collapse of linear time.
If it’s sunny tomorrow, what will you do?
Shovel snow.
And if it rains?
Shovel water.
Shout outs/plugs/links etc?
Magazines in the loo.
QUIKFIRES
Blondes or brunettes?
When there’s a bag over her head, it doesn’t matter.
Video Days or Questionable?
They both pretty much explain my life.
Switch or regular?
It’s all the same.
Boneless or curb grind?
Curb.
Poostache or a cheese mullet?
Invest in gold and silver. Paper money is worthless.
Gonz or Howard?
Honz AND Goward.
A large Gin or a smoothie?
Smoothie. Gin tastes strange.
Cali or Barca?
Americans ruined both.
Autographs or Hide in the van?
Don’t even show up.
Trick of the Year 2005 on Crossfire or a night out with a piss soaked tramp smelling of wet fish …
Trick of the year. I hate seafood.
Beers are on us…you better turn up dude!
As long as I don’t have to either hide in a van or sign autographs, I’ll be there. Cheers!
Related links:
Has America finally realised Europe is worth its weight in gold? Well, Matix Clothing seems to think so because they have just established a UK Team.
The lucky buggers that will be dressed to impress are Joey Pressey, Daniel “Snowy” Kinloch, Chewy Cannon, Jody Smith, Danny Brady, Josh Perret, Jak Pietryga and Joe Lynsky.
For more info about these Euro musings go to: www.matixclothing.com/europe.
Check back to Crossfire in the future for a Chewy interview….
British Black Metal overlords Akercocke are to play an exclusive one-off show at Bournemouth Opera House on 06/06/06 if British music sources are to be believed.
No official information is available at this time, but it is harshly speculated that support will come courtesy of Norwegian behemoths Dimmu Borgir. Crossfire will bring you more on this with regards to ticket availability and line-up as soon as possible.
Akercocke are currently taking a break from touring after spending the back end of 2005 on the road to support most recent Earache release ‘Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone’. The bands’ own David Gray and Matt Wilcock will be performing with Australian grindcore outfit The Berzerker for a full UK tour starting later this month. Full dates can be found at www.theberzerker.com
Jazz Café
26/02/2006
As a four piece in their heyday, the Pharcyde produced some of the most chilled and happy hip hop around, and despite losing two members, the reproduction of that music in 2006 still sounds as fresh and as fun as it ever has.
Flanked by a keyboard player, a drummer called Big Sexy and a happy-go-lucky DJ, Booty Brown and Imani Wilcox took to the stage and kicked off immediately with the dancing and smiling that wouldn’t end until every last fan had left the venue smiling and dancing themselves. Even without Tre and Fatlip, their classic tracks brought people ramming closer, dancing and chanting along as Imani showed brilliant stage presence.
Booty Brown’s nasal delivery, most recently heard on the last Gorillaz single, swept through the classic tracks that every person in the crowd sang along to, like the brilliant Ya Mama and the laid back Running Away, vibing alongside the scratching of the DJ and the percussive accompaniment of the ever delighted Big Sexy. A new track was knocked out and this had everyone swaying along, enjoying the new notes of the group.
The show didn’t even lose its impetus during the commemoration of the recently passed J Dilla, who, Imani explained, made the music that helped shape the Pharcyde’s way of thinking. But instead of a minute’s silence for the great producer, a medley of his work was played and Imani, trying hard not to be tearful, danced as if his life depended on it, whilst Booty chilled in the corner, raising his hand up at the changing of each track.
The crowd interaction was on point all the way through the show, not least in the final track before the encore, Passing Me By, which was screamed back at full force by the sell out crowd, and the track that followed their return, Oh Shit. The vocals grew louder and louder, especially after Booty said that he’d told the Icelandic crowd how hyped London was and he didn’t want us to make him look stupid.
As they left the stage, amidst one of the loudest and prolonged applauses I’ve ever heard, it was clear that everyone in the audience was thinking exactly that. Oh Shit! They’d just witnessed a legacy that was still evolving and showing no signs of letting up.
For those of you itching for a taster of Archie Bronson Outfit’s next album, the wait is over!
Hear the songs from “Derdang Derdang” and see their self made new video by clicking on the link below..
http://www.dominorecordco.com/site/minisites/derdang/
For even more amazing Archie Bronson Outfit stuff, hop on over to these wonderful places:
http://www.archiebronsonoutfit.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/archiebronsonoutfit
http://www.dominorecordco.com
Loughborough four piece The Voom Blooms‘ are currently plotting the seduction of NME Club tour goers with their killer live sets. Their debut single ‘ Politics and Cigarettes’ and B Side ‘ Thoughts of Rena’ are both stand alone pieces that form the perfect introduction to this exciting new talent.
Politics and Cigarettes kicks off with a shuddering beat and a quiet confidence that belies the fact these guys! haven’t even been together a year. There’s an Interpol/Bloc Party vibe, vocals are clear cut and unhurried with emotion driven guitars kicking off with swagger. The Voom Blooms stake their very valid claim on the british indie scene with this single – roll on the album.
Dee Massey
Hailing from NY City Diamond Nights have a sound more akin to Phil Lynotts Dublin than they do to East Coast America. The Girl’s Attractive is the second single taken from their critically well received debut Popsicle, sounding part Thin Lizzy, part Space Hog, remember them, thought not, Black Sabbath and even early Japan especially on tracks like Drip Drip.
But don’t be put off by its friendly pop/disco tunefulness, owing as much to keyboard as it does guitar, it sits perfectly in an album that at times rocks hard and at others times offers up songs like The Girls Attractive which is just plain smooooth!
Can’t wait for the remix.
Nelson Bibb