From Crisis To Collapse // BEHIND THE BAND

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

The band first germinated around November 2015. Marko and Gus had been hanging together for a while looking to start a band when they found an advertisement Ian had put up somewhere. Things took shape throughout 2016 line up wise and band started playing live in 2017. Compositions were originally written by Ian and were hammered into shape during relentless rehearsals and discussion. Everyone added their flavour to the songs and Angus completed them with lyrics which really cemented the vibe we were trying to attain conceptually. We had a bit of a false start with a recording project early 2017 due to problems with drum tracks (bleed in mics which compromised mix) but they were still a good indication of our intentions. We then hit up Chris at Pulpitation Studios and hammered out 2 more tracks which really took our vision to the next stage. We are about to go in and smash out a 3 or 4 more tracks late January.

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

We all have different answers to this but notably for Ian it was Metallica and specifically the song 'One'. He saw the filmclip by chance one day and it totally changed his view on everything/ made him realise what he wanted to do, and for Chad it was Suicidal Tendencies. Their music resonated with him and the film clips to songs like 'Possessed To Skate' and 'You Cant Bring Me Down' blew his mind and made him picture himself playing guitar in those clips.

Who inspires you to make music now?

Again there is a range of artists but right now its bands like Revocation, Heathen Beast, Havok, Mosquito, Lamb Of God, Jonas Hellborg and Parkway Drive

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

This is the most issue free band we have all ever been in. We are really like a family I think because 4/5 of us are from different places from around the globe we have a real appreciation for our bond and vision. One for all and all to hell.

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

Its becoming like a well oiled machine. Sure we all have those nights where personal performance might be a little shaky or whatever, but that happens for loads of reasons. But the song writing and the coming together of material is happening so much faster now. Even with the more technical songs which makes us crap ourselves in demo form, once we get into the jam room we seem to hammer them out way quicker now.

What's your favourite venue to play?

Dude we play anywhere. Big venues like Crowbar and The Backroom in Brisbane, backyard parties, makeshift stages in industrial sheds, and we're pumped about supporting In Hearts Wake at The Great Northern in Byron Bay in March because that venue is off the hook! But we definitely dig playing small venues like record stores etc.. We're all about the small tight places, in more ways than one (winks). Tickets

Can you explain what goes on during the writing process?

A lot of manic behaviour, obsession, neglection of other responsibility. Once the foundations of the composition is complete we get in the room and everyone puts their own stamp personality and style wise.

Can you explain the recording process you go through?

Basically there is a hell of a lot of pre-production which goes down. This involves the writing and placement of sections, jamming them for cohesiveness, passing around the demos so that lyrics can be written. Then its about getting those demos to the engineer with guitar scratch tracks pre-recorded and with correct tempos and other reference material. Then Marco does his thing at the studio and get all of the drum tracking done so that everyone else can layer their instruments over the top in the usual order of bass, rhythm guitars, leads guitars, main vocals and vocal over lays. This is where the tedious part happens, mainly for Chris Ross the engineer who mixes all of the tracks, get everything tight, edits bits and pieces, adds effects and then gives us versions of the songs which we then provide the specific feedback on all.. and we mean ALL sections/parts of the songs. He then applies those changes and send them back to us for more feedback until everyone is happy. Chris also masters as he goes so there are no major changes to the mix when it gets mastered finally. This really helps a lot and you don't get any nasty surprises when you receives your masters like "where the hell did the kick drum go?".

What does this release mean to you?

It means a lot dude. The record means that the band has gone to the next level, these tracks mean that our art has been recorded and that we can now listen back and hear our lives at that point of time in history. It means that our music, in which we are all the biggest fans of, can now be enjoyed by others. And the release of these songs has facilitated some incredible achievements like all of us and some mates hanging around a table drinking beers and rumbo's after a mid week gig while listening to our single premiere on Triple J. Those sorts of memories are priceless.

What does the scene mean to you?

The scene is important because as a community we can accomplish much more than is possible on our own. We have a great group of creatives around us who contribute greatly.

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

A more professional approach by promoters rather than just using social media. Also with everyone being paid, bands, photographers, artists etc. Not in it for money but It will lift the game of the whole scene in my opinion.

What song means the most to you?

'Crystals Are Us' and a new one called 'Slow Burn'. We feel these songs represent our “sound” best and are our strongest areas of composition, really they're just personal favourites to a few of us. Then there are also songs like 'Lift The Veil' and 'Crisis' which have significant lyrical sentiments that resonate with all and represent what the bands stands for.

What's your favourite song to play live?

Oh man, everyone has split opinions on this but the top 3 would be 'Crisis', 'Dimitri' and 'Crystals are us'. These are the ones that we all go nuts on in various sections.

Why do you play music?

The performing, the expelling and drawing back energy, and the way of delivering messages through music! There is a transformative and empowering quality we can attain through music that nothing else does for us.

Would you encourage people reading this to start bands?

Definitely, if you want to be in a band them get some homies together and do it. But make it enjoyable! Don't be arrogant, don't be hard to work with, be helpful and remain appreciative. We don't want to sound like your parents, but we've all been doing this for a long time and lessons have been learned.. sometimes the hard way!

What advice do you have for new bands?

In the words of Charles Bukowski. “Find what you love and let it kill you”. Or like Tom Waits says (paraphrasing), find what you are good at and exaggerate it. Both sayings culminate in the same endgame. Do what you do best, don't compromise your vision unless the compromise is on your terms.

How important is it to network with other bands?

Networking is extremely important. With bands, with managers, with promoters, venue bookers.. all them! Its the scene and its the community, and they become your reach.