26 Jun 2005 // An interview by Shade
The following interview carried out by muzic.net.nz was published in the muzic.net.nz Newsletter on 26 June 2005.
Which NZ artist/band do you think will be a huge international success one day? It's hard to say. There's been heaps of NZ bands working hard to obtain international recognition, and I think, like any band, anywhere in the world, it's all about being in the right place at the right time, and perhaps increasing your chances by creating opportunities for yourselves. Take Shihad, for example. How long have they been working their a..es off making all this happen for themselves? Touring overseas, LIVING overseas? And by all accounts, they have gained and earned international success. But HUGE international success? Could be anyone... take your pick.
Who would you most like to tour with? Anyone who can provide us with free beer/drugs and equipment? What? NO! Anyone who we get along or could get along with? Anyone. Touring's touring. It's all about getting as many people exposed to your live show/music as possible, and I dunno. We'd tour with anyone. For bands/artists, non genre specific tours can have just as many, if not more advantages than the genre specific.
What is your most embarrassing concert moment? 2002. Or maybe 2003. I forget. I figure it's not something any of us would like to remember too much. Anyway. Brewers Bar in Tauranga. We show up at around 5pm with nowhere else to go, so as any touring band would do... you do the math. So it gets to about 11pm and we get on stage and it's just f..ked from the start. I managed to smash the headstock of my guitar against the ceiling right before the count in for the first song, throwing it waaaaay out of tune. Bows, our drummer had passed out about 30 mins before the show and so thanks to Mark's 'bag of tricks' he could keep his eyes open long enough to HIT the drums... Mark, was having the BEST time, and Sam... I think Sam did ok. Sorry Sam! Oh and Mel, thanks for the Ronrico!
What are you planning on doing during 2005? We have a 7-track EP off for manufacture as of now, appearing courtesy of Deadboy records, due for release before June. So We'll be off doing some release shows around the North Island and hopefully, if we can scam our way onto a tour, the South Island too as we haven't played there yet! We're writing and demo-ing new material already and are excited about incorporating it into our live shows and We'll definitely be looking at having another release out by the end of the year if not early 2006. Big Ups to Angelo for all the help and support with our upcoming release.
How did you come up with the name Losing Face? Ahhhhhh. Pass? I think it came about from a friend of ours, Tony, who suggested for something else the name 'saving face'. But like Tony, that just sounds stupid. I think it was Sam that intervened and changed it. Plus, what better motive to be subtly obnoxious for a band in the ever judgemental (as f..ked as it sounds) Auckland punk scene.
What is in your CD collection at home? F..k. Ahhhh heaps? Combined, as a band, just about everything ranging from Converge to Herbie Hancock. Ken Booth to LTJ Bukem.
What advice would you give other budding musicians/bands? Just keep on doing what makes you happy and what turns you on, so to speak. If you're feeling it, just keep going and don't let anyone tell you anything different. Essentially, creating music is for you and you only, be it solo, or as a collective, and for those people who hear, enjoy and understand your music as much as you do, it's just a bonus. Music is such a powerful way to express yourself and I wish musicians and bands the same exciting feelings and experiences Arlin, Mark, Sam and myself have had.
Thanks to Todd from Losing Face for getting these answers to us!