Brutally Frank Newsletter Interview

What is your greatest achievement?

Recording our debut album, the Finer Details and the awesome feedback we’ve received on it so far. We’re releasing it officially with a launch party at Schooner Tavern on the 9th March, so rock into Real Groovy and get your mitts on a copy.

What do you think could be done to make NZ music even better?

I don’t know what we could be doing better as such but one thing that strikes me as being extremely strange is the almost indifference in this country to the alternative rock scene. Tool sell more albums in NZ per head of capita than anywhere else in the world. Everybody I know listens to Faith No More. Queens of the Stone Age are huge here. System of a Down are another one. And yet theres these fantastic alt rock bands playing up and down the country (think Chuganaut, Agent, Slipping Tongue, International Flannel, Ruptus Jack) who are being largely ignored by record companies, radio and other "we support kiwi music" institutions. We’re really good at supporting kiwi pop and more recently hip hop but we’re paying little heed to other genres of music apart from that which is "imported". Its madness because there is just as good music being played at a pub near you! Get out and find it.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

Singing in brutally frank, on our fourth album, wishing I was five years younger.

What is the best thing about making music?

The rush from being on stage when it all comes together. I don’t know where that hour or so goes sometimes ya know? Its like, I got up and did my thing and it was like a blur. Friends will say "I liked it when you did that" and I’ll have no idea! Having people I’ve never met come up to me and express respect or admiration for my band also blows my mind and keeps me doing it.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Don’t put used matches back in the box. Avoid wearing orange. Most of all though, play whatever the hell you want to play, practice your ass off, and be as professional as you possibly can.