29 Aug 2009 // An interview by Shade
Thanks To Iliyas for answering these questions:
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
As The Casino Riot it would have to be a gig we recently did at The Dogs Bollix. It was just one of those unpredictable shows where we were musically, very out of place compared to the other bands and also did not know if there was any crowd. We ended up tearing the place up, having a big crowd and meeting an A&R guy from a major label after. It was just a strange and awesome night plus to top it off, we had to shoot our music video the next morning! We finished around midnight but stuck around and hung with the other bands and people that came to the show. I'm sure there will be more gigs in the future that will top that one but that's one of the "best" gigs so far.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
At the moment, it's the Live Bar on Hobson Street (Auckland). I guess theres a few reasons, but mainly because they are really easy to organise shows with and always make sure the bands are sweet.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I guess more bands that are as diverse as us. Having said that I do like alot of other NZ bands, but the ones I like the most are the bands that don't try to stick within one genre or "tag". Like the way I see it is if your a rock band, you can do whatever you like as long as it satisfies yourself and those listening to it. When we first started I guess, we were always trying to tag what we were. Post hardcore? Hard rock? I just say we are a rock band, although our drummer Edz says we are Awesomecore which is pretty cool as well. Haha
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Um, I don't think I have or could ever have one. We can be clowns alot of the time, so nothing really phases us. Like, try being around us for one whole day and you'll see what I mean. I mean, our drummer hardly wears clothes, I have an alter ego that likes to come really close to you when he talks and we have a CIA agent bass player and a Supermodel lead guitarist. Embaressment is the least of our worries... haha
How did you come up with the band name The Casino Riot?
It was a collective thing, we just wanted something more exciting and fitting with our type of music. We can be edgy and in your face at times and then be really sweet... haha well sorta. I guess we just brainstormed ideas. It was funny because as soon as the name came up, we started making up heaps of stories and scenarios. We have also based our debut album art on the name and have made the artwork into a comic book.
How do you describe your music?
Awesome, diverse, fun, exciting and always improving.
What can we expect to see from The Casino Riot over the next year?
The release of our debut album 'A Lesson Learnt', A music video for our first single 'Aside From Me', and a nationwide tour. We will also be starting on our next album very soon as well and hope to take our music overseas.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Never give up and always stay true to yourselves. Staying true works on so many levels, musically, your image, and your goals as a band. We learnt this when we were known as Sinfura. Thankfully, we had alot of great advice and stuck together and now things are working out great. So keep at it and we'll probably see you guys on the same stage as us!