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STRING ‘EM UP: SKINDRED

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2007:

"Hmm.. are these Skintight Jaguar lyrics on here?"

SKINDRED

Skindred are back but are they making a move into the porn industry?!

They’ve certainly had their ups and downs in the music industry, but it seems nothing can discourage Skindred, especially with a fresh record deal and their long awaited second album finally hitting the shelves. When TG greet the resident axe meisters at Warner Bros’ plush Kensington offices not only is it smiles for miles, but there’s also a small dog called Scamps running around the office trying to get down with the ragga tip on offer. A perfectly ridiculous state of affairs in which to bombard Mikey and Dan with as many of your throwaway questions as possible! It’s not a typical scenario, but then Skindred aren’t a typical metal band – as we find out…

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INTRODUCING: AS I LAY DYING

The important thing you need to know about this interview with As I Lay Dying, is that I managed to get a quote from Dean Learner of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace into it, and also used the euphemism ‘Balls-To-The-Face”. A nice touch I thought.

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2007:

Guitarist: Nick Hipa (far right)

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK: AS I LAY DYING

Sent from above and preaching the word of pounding metal.
GUITARIST: Nick Hipa

Who are they and what do they sound like?
Where have you been?! Since 2001 this furious quintet have been setting arena’s ablaze touring with the heavy hitters of metal including Slipknot, Deftones and Gallows. Coming on like a whirling dervish of balls-to-the-face rampant metal, and the Gothernburg sound all over them like knockers in a wind tunnel, AILD are definitely worthy of their MTV2 ‘Metal Gods’ status.

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INTERVIEW: AIRBOURNE

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2009:

"Excuse me sire, would you like to step outside?"

AIRBOURNE

REAL MEN PLAY AT 10 – The Rules Of Hot Rock N Roll Guitar With The New Kings

Known for their high octane guitar playing and onstage presence, these ruffians have shot from the dive bars of Australia, to playing shows with the likes of Motorhead and Motley Crue. Coming from a time where playing in a band meant all amps were strictly turned to 11, alcohol was consumed for breakfast, and local girlfriends were locked up in fear they may be stolen – they are the embodiment of all that rock n roll was, and all rock n roll should be. This is Airbourne and they know all about playing hard and fast! Guitarists Joel O’Keeffe and David Roads are here to teach their ways…

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INTERVIEW: SATYRICON

This feature on Satyr would be the last interview I did before moving from the UK soil to Norway. How very apt that I would be interviewing a Norwegian. Useful too – since we ended up chatting for quite a while about the current Oslo rock scene, where he lived in Oslo, where I should go in Oslo, and whether he knew my girlfriend. Yes, Oslo is that small.

The one thing I distinctly recall from this interview was first asking Satyr what he thought defined the death metal technique? to which he replied “I wouldn’t know, I don’t play death metal.”
SHIT.
Aside from all his demonic make-up, and forays into the black arts, Satyr is actually a very down to earth chap. If not for the fact he had to go onstage, we could’ve chatted til the sun came up and he turned to dust.

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2009:

Norway's anti-tan pills in full effect

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INTRODUCING: ATTACK! ATTACK!

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2009:

"We're not from America, sucka foo's!" Guitarist: Ryan Day (far right)

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK: ATTACK! ATTACK!

Destroy! Destroy! The unstoppable pop punk explosion that’s conquering Earth
GUITARIST: Ryan Day

Who are they and what do they sound like?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this Fall Out Boy-esque quartet hail from the sun-kissed hills of California. In fact these prophets of harmonious pop rock rise from a more localised West  – yes indeed, the Welsh have done it again and Attack! Attack! prove once more there’s definitely something in the water of Cardiff. They’ve flogged their wares all over the UK supporting Funeral For A Friend, and with members of Lostprophets appearing in their latest video, these upbeat heroes have some particularly top notch backing. So is this the freshest tasting music to escape the confines yet? “Definitely! It’s Melodic energetic rock, with powerful moments, soft moments and err… more melodic moments!” laughs guitarist Ryan Day.

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BULLETS & OCTANE: The Ultimate Punk Rock gig

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2008:

Top notch design: John Blackshaw

BULLETS & OCTANE

HOW TO PUT ON THE ULTIMATE PUNK ROCK GIG

TG ploughs head first into the mosh pit to get the inside scoop from the Missouri punk rock rioters on everything from onstage boozin’ and audience participation to what really goes on backstage…

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INTERVIEW: MADINA LAKE

One of the first major interviews I conducted, this was an insight into the lives of a rising rock n roll band living the life of stardom. Madina Lake were holed up in the K West Hotel in Kensington, London – which as far as I’m concerned is upmarket. I think the concierge even offered my a white wine in the morning while I waited for the band to appear. Although this memory could actually be a fabrication…

Either way, the whole band greeted me in the lobby but appeared a little let down when I only interviewed Mateo. I think they respected my haircut, and possibly thought I was in the support band.

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2007:

Mateo Camargo on the far left.

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STRING ‘EM UP: FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND

Once again The Wolf ventured into the bowels of London’s Astoria [before it was demolished] to string up some unsuspecting band with ridiculous and perhaps impertinent questions. Also be sure to read within to witness fellow scribe and Devolution magazine freelancer extraordinaire Greg Porter’s often asked Def Leppard question.

Let’s get involved with Welsh rockers Funeral For A Friend.

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2008:

Lurking in alleyways. In Soho. Nice work.

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ON MY IPOD: DUNCAN LLOYD of MAXIMO PARK

This interview took place on a sunny day in the surrounds of South London’s Brixton Academy – and sunny days in Brixton are rare as far as I’m concerned. Maximo Park were playing a sell out show later that night I recall, and Lloyd was a particularly amiable chap. I think we might have discussed Def Leppard at some point, and he gave us free tickets to the show.

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2008:

"Hello?"

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STRING ‘EM UP: ATREYU

This interview features Atreyu getting strung up by reader’s questions with a few of The Wolf’s very own. It has to be said that the chaps in Atreyu were first class gents, and after watching them play the Astoria, myself and Total Guitar’s art editor John Blackshaw joined the band at London’s ‘classiest’ rock n roll joint – the Crobar – for some late night plowing. Dive in for insights surrounding the release of their top notch album Lead Sails Paper Anchor.

Previously published in TOTAL GUITAR magazine in 2007:

Posing like it was '85 in London's Astoria venue.

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