How Long has Needless Cane been together?
The band began 5 years ago, rising from the ashes of a former project. The line-up has gone through several changes since then. Our current line-up has been together for a year.
How did Needless Cane begin?
The band had first begun under a different name in 2004, as we also had played at the 2004 RockQuest down in Timaru, Ruby James had joined the band at that point and time, but then had moved to Melbourne in 2007, it was not until this year that she had returned to her role as the bass player. The Grem was a part of the group in 2006 and continued to stay with us and moved up to Wellington, along with Morgandrogyny who moved up from Christchurch, he had joined the band in 2010 and got to feature in our first music video “Devourer Der Kinder”. It was not until 2011 when “Needless Cane” was coming into full circle as a group.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
We all have our own personal influences which all vary from one another but it mixes well and we come up with some pretty unusual sounds during writing our process. We are influenced by blues, Rock n Roll, Goth Rock, Industrial and Black Metal, Bands such as Bauhaus, Tom Waits, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Doors and Marilyn Manson.
How would you define your sound?
The best thing I can think of is, we are an aesthetic mix of surrealism and sadism.
Who is your favourite NZ band?
At the moment, Wellington Hellcore metal act Sekht.
What are we going to see from Needless Cane in 2013?
We plan to release our EP “The Sun Will Not Shine” which will feature our song and also brand new music video “Hemlock Lemonade”. As for live shows we will not be doing any until mid to late spring, but our goal is to work on merchandise, collaborate and write brand new songs and eventually work on an album.
Whats the funniest thing that has ever happened at a gig/tour?
During the filming for the video “Devourer Der Kinder” The Grem had fornicated with one of the props for the shoot, a skeleton with no head, it was hogtied on a mattress... Needless to say that very same mattress was a mattress that had a rather obese naked lady on it, earlier that day for an art class. (There is video proof of this on the band page, let me know if you ever want to see it)
What kind of equipment do you use?
Morgandrogyny: This is a tough one as the equipment we use isn't so much what we want to use and more what we can afford to use. I will however endorse Dean Markeley (.56-.13) strings and Jim Dunlop ‘Max Grip’ guitar picks.
If you could play any venue in the world, where would you play?
NC: There are too many good ones to choose from.
Morgadrogyny: anywhere with Beer and women.
If you could start a rumour about the band what would it be?
That we’re caring, respectful and we will definitely call you in the morning!
Born of the ashes of former project Omega, frontman Needless and bassist Ruby went on to create the band Needless Cane.
Surviving countless line-up changes with only N.Cane remaining as the constant member (Ruby was not to re-unite with the band until mid-2012)
The band quickly became the torch bearer for alternative music in its hometown of Timaru.