DREGG // BEHIND THE BAND

Yesterday afternoon I had a very brief chat with the lovechild of Eminem x Serj Tankain, He's also a vocalist for Melbourne based band DREGG. (yeahh now you're interested) This chat made me even more excited for their Unify set in a few weeks as well as a little insight into what goes on, BEHIND THE BAND.

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

I guess the brief history and origins of the band go hand in hand haha. Myself and Jordan are from the Gold Coast and moved to Melbourne a few years ago in pursuit of playing music in the big city.

//How did the band originate?//

We basically just kept recruiting the wackiest musicians and performers we could until we were happy with what we had.

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

I'd say System of a Down were probably my first big heavy influence, I just felt a bond with their music due to my Armenian heritage and their political yet comical lyrics.

//Who inspires you to make music now?//

Eminem, as basic bitch as that is haha. I admire people who never give up and speak their mind, regardless of the outcome.

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

I think one big thing we've learned as a band and as a group of friends is that conversation is the key to everything, talking about topics we don't agree on whether it be socially, politically or ethically, that it's totally okay to disagree.

//How do you view your band now as apposed to when you started?//

I'd say we're pretty much the same, we change how we look all the time based off our we feel but the same band at its core will always be there.

//What's your favourite venue to play?//

Max Watts has definitely been the coolest yet!

//Can you explain the recording process you go through?//

If I'm raw with you, riffs and stoner talk haha.

//Can you explain what goes on during the writing process?//

Our last release was recorded by our guitarist Sam so it was all pretty intimate and personal.

//What does this release mean to you?//

It's a manifestation of our frustrations at the world.

//What does the scene mean to you?//

Everything, I don't have much of a family so to go to a show, even if we're not playing, and see so many friends in one room means the world to me.

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

More bands, like there's already so many and it's saturated but fuck it, you can never have too much music in the world haha.

//What song means the most to you?//

I'd say 'Exploring The Kardashians Through The Universe'. As silly as the title is, it really highlights my frustration at not understanding what being alive is. I see so many people worrying about the weirdest things and focussing on other people when they should just be trying to enjoy this short existence that we're granted.

//What's your favourite song to play live?//

Probably Curriculum Critters just cause I like riffs haha.

//Why do you play music?//

I play music to meet people and learn from them. My favourite thing to do after a set is talk to people about their experience watching us and what dragged them to it. I just like conversations, they beat silence and staring at your

phone.

//Would you encourage people reading this to start bands?//

100%, get your best mates together, start a band and go concur the fucking world! Fuck working at a bank or some shit. Money comes and goes but experiences you enjoy keep your mind buzzing forever.

//What advice do you have for new bands?//

Just play the music you like and don't worry what any cunt says.

//How important is it to network with other bands?//

It's important but not vital. Network with your fans, they appreciate it a lot more. You're playing for their admiration, not your peers.