Ethanol 58 Newsletter Interview

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

We are starting to have a number of memorable gigs but our most recent stand out would have to be our EP release at the Kings Arms. To see all our fans turn out to support us was a huge honour, and to hear and see them singing our songs over the roar of the PA is truely humbling!

What is your favourite NZ venue?

There are a lot of great venues in NZ we are yet to play! But can’t go past the old favourites in Auckland, The Dogs Bollix and the Kings Arms. Great sound gear and helpful technicians sure make our night a lot easier, and when those places are full, the atmosphere is awesome!

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

We are playing with so many good bands right now it would be wrong to try and mention them all, but you know who you are! Really enjoying Luger Boa at the moment, and of course the mighty Shihad.

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

Early on we had some trouble with gear and it was always embarrassing having to try and borrow what we didn’t have, or what wasn’t working, but we thank everyone who helped us out there and thankfully have it under control. One of the boys also has an embarrassing John Campbell fetish and this can be found on an early Alt TV interview in all its glory. We also have the classic "five boys in a wagon, one with stinky feet" story, going over the Rimutakas at 1am.

How did you come up with the band name Ethanol 58?

The name, Ethanol 58 was derived from an alcohol poisoning experience by someone close to us. His ethanol reading was 58. At 60 you are supposed to be not with us any more, so he’s a lucky guy.

How do you describe your music?

We are using the term "Melodic Hard Rock". We take elements from all our vast backgrounds and influences and fuse together the Ethanol sound, metallic riffs, classic rock solos, trained vocals, driving bass, pop drumming and programming, and back this up with captivating live performances.

What can we expect to see from Ethanol 58 during 2010?

2010 is set to be an exciting year for us. We are in the planning stages of a nationwide tour to follow up the release of our debut, self titled EP. Also looking around at studios and producers to give either another EP a crack or even a full album, finances permitting. Which also means right now we are in pre production mode, writing more tracks and stream lining others that we like. So it’s onwards and upwards for us boys.

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

Don’t give up, it’s hard work, but everyone has to put in the hard yards.
Play the empty gigs, who knows who is watching? And it’s better for your playing than rehearsing over and over. Get out there, go to gigs and network. The sad reality is in our industry sometimes it can be who you know. Most of all, keep doing what you love!