Killing Bear Newsletter Interview

Killing Bear is a band which has been kicking around the Wellington Music scene since 2010 and over the years has had a steady flow of hit songs and historic shows. Those who are connoisseurs of the psychedelic pop rock realm will remember hits of the band such as Love is Like a Skateboard, Wild Robots Roaming Free and Ride the White Rhino. The current incarnation of Killing Bear was formed early in 2017 with longstanding members Liam Hanley (bass) and Cormac Ferris (guitar/vocals) and newcomers Levon Mason (drums) and Lachlan Ferris (keys/vocals). The band also acquired a shipping container which had been converted into a studio, since then the band has been hunkered down recording their new album Mysterium Tremendum due for release on the 18/11/2017.

Cormac answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

How did you become involved in music?

When I was a kid I used to listen to my parents records like The Beatles’ The White Album and Leo Kottke’s My Fathers Face, over and over again, I would obsess over them and try imagine how they were created from a song writing and also a technical recording perspective. I would imagine the conversations they might of had while placing microphones around the studio, I would also take note of where they would place the microphones as I listened to the voices singing through my speakers I would feel like I was there in the room with them.

If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

If we were to open for anyone in the world (live or dead) it would probably have to be Beethoven. If the rules were that we traveled back in time and played to his audience, man that would be something for the text books! 

Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?

Reptilian Overlord, It is our most intense and complicated song.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

Psychedelic pop rock

What can we expect to see from Killing Bear in the next year?

A new album, loads of gigs and a video or two perhaps!

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

Gold Medal Famous, they are everything you want in a band.

What local albums have you been enjoying recently?

Voom – Hello, Are You There?

What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?

The Kings Arms Tavern, the sound is always really good in there.

Have you got any tips for dealing with nerves before a gig?

Be well rehearsed and be ready before you play.

How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc?

I set aside at least half an hour each night to chip away at any task to do with the band weather its mixing songs or organising gigs, slowly but surely and before I know it a year has passed and we now have an album coming out. Whooo!

Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?

Things around me, things that happen to me, things that people say or I realise a new perspective on something that I wasn’t aware of before. So mainly things.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

Good things take time, don’t rush to put your demos out, perfect your songs and make sure that the work you put out is your best.