Wicked Figures // BEHIND THE BAND

Byron Hall
Oct 12, 2017
4 min read

Wicked Figures are a pretty underground metalcore band from Melbourne, I got to have a chat with Justin, Matt and Merry a few weeks ago! We talk about finance, really bad covers and the origin of Wicked Figures

Can you give us a brief history of the band and releases?

Merry- Wicked Figures started in early 2017, I left the group because of my previous stylistic differences. Once the band found Vasilios, they started gigging and recording the songs that became the first 2 releases. Just before the release of ‘Spineless’, Vasilios left the band to pursue other musical ventures. After hearing from Papi (Matt), I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to re-join the band

Matt- Band started late 2016. When the dudes (Molly, Justin and Lucas) contacted me over Facebook wanting me to do vocals for them. This was after they saw me do a cover of Shadow Moses by BMTH on YouTube. (which was fu*king awful I might add!!)

Justin-The beginnings of Wicked Figures formed in early 2017

- Deafening Silence was released June 2017

- Spineless was released August 2017

How did the band originate?

Merry- Molly, Justin, and Lucas were in a band called Neverend during high school, they decided to go heavier and started looking for a metal core vocalist. Pretty sure Justin asked Matt to join after casually stalking his YouTube videos.

Justin- Molly, Lucas and myself had just left our previous band and had found Matts cover of ‘Shadow Moses’ on Youtube and we asked him if he was interested, once he joined, Wicked Figures began.

What's the first band who made you love music?

Merry- Nirvana was definitely the first band that made me wanna pick up the guitar but I’ve loved music ever since I can remember

Who inspires you to make music now?

Merry- I take inspiration from a lot of different places, if I had to name a person it would have to be Jordan Dreyer (La Dispute). Or Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills)

What are some of the most important things you have learn while being together?

Merry- One of the most important things about being in a band is having a connection with each other, with and without the music

Justin- Having something that everyone in the band agrees on is crucial for letting it all flow and run smoothly.

What's your favourite venue to play?

Matt- Hmmmmm, I’d have to say Wrangler. It’s a small venue that a lot of cool bands have played at. It’s an amazing little place and the staff there are absolutely amazing. I mean come on, any venue that has a cute dog has to be 10/10 right?

Justin- - Seamus O’toole Irish Pub

Can you explain what goes on during the writing process?

Merry- Justin will lay down some sexy riffage, Matt will recite some aural elegance, and the rest of us will add the musical seasoning

Justin- An idea for a song may start from any member of the band, or an entire instrumental could be done, but we all come together and write parts that are unfinished or change things so we are all happy.The songs are the product of ‘Wicked Figures’ not a single person.- An idea for a song may start from any member of the band, or an entire instrumental could be done, but we all come together and write parts that are unfinished or change things so we are all happy.The songs are the product of ‘Wicked Figures’ not a single person.

Can you explain the recording process you go through?

Merry- I’m not on any singles to date ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Justin- An idea for a song may start from any member of the band, or an entire instrumental could be done, but we all come together and write parts that are unfinished or change things so we are all happy. The songs are the product of ‘Wicked Figures’ not a single person.

What does this release mean to you?

Merry- I’ve always loved the song ‘Spineless’, and it was one of the first WF’s was working on. To see it finally blossom into the finished work was pretty sick. Vas did a great job on the vocals!

What does the scene mean to you?

Merry- The hardcore scene here is pretty diverse, I just think it’s sweet how all the different genres come together to keep the scene alive

Justin- The scene is like a family to me, they are a group of people that have the same passion for music as I do.

Matt- What does the scene mean to me? Its absolutely crucial. The scene gives all of us bands a purpose. It gives all of us bands connections! Its what gives live music in the local area its life essence!We need to build a scene to push the local music further man. Its our only hope.

If you could change one thing about the scene, what would it be?

Merry- Very limited for the youngins, maybe some more AA venues wouldn’t hurt

Matt- We need more all ages shows man! We need more local shows that the kids can come down too. On a Saturday afternoon. Kids are the ones who will have the time to come down to the shows. Kids are the ones who will show their mates anything they like! Kids are the ones who share your social media. They’re the essence of this scene man! That is definitely the change I’d make.

What song means the most to you?

Justin- Spineless

Would you encourage people reading this to start bands?

Merry- Definitely, unless they wanna do finance or something. You do you?

Justin- Yes, just because its more difficult nowadays than it has ever been, doesn’t make it impossible. If you have the passion for music, or just want to have some fun, being in a band is great.

What advice do you have for new bands?

Merry- Never stop practicing

Matt- For the connection to the music. I grew up shaping who I was going to be, by the music I listened too. And I want to aid other kids in doing the same thing. I know it’s strange, but music helped me so much as a kid. I want to return that favour.

How important is it to network with other bands?

Merry- It’s important if you wanna book shows and keep the scene alive!