Swamp Thing - Swamp Thing Newsletter Interview
They're the two left in the juke joint when the hurricane's about to make landfall, when the revelers have gone home, sweat-soaked and exhausted. The bulbs are blown out, the floor's full of glass, but two men are honor bound to keep playing, pouring their sweat into the parched earth like libation. In the best traditions of two man blues and roots, Swamp Thing is a duo that you know are playing to stay alive. Grant answered the following questions for 
muzic.net.nz:
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
The most embarrassing gig for me was about two years ago when Swamp Thing were opening for Tim Finn on his last Aussie Tour, I was staying at my sister's flat and I accidently grabbed her jeans instead of mine out of the washing before the gig, it wasn’t until backstage that I realised my mistake (my heart just sunk) and I had to go on in these ridiculously tight jeans, I got hell from Tim’s Band before we even hit the stage, it wasn’t cool... and it was packed.
What has been your most memorable show to date?
The most memorable gig for me so far was recently at Womadelaide 2013, despite hard conditions on and off the stage Mike and I played really well, one issue was the heat... man it was so hot! I’ve played at few barbeques in my time but that was the first time I’ve ever played ON a bbq!
How would you describe Swamp Thing’s music in one sentence?
High energy soul infused percussive rock with blues tinged funk overtones
What can you never leave home without?
I have to have plenty to read, so much downtime on tour it’s how I keep myself entertained, until recently, being old-school I’d take a few paperbacks with me, but I now download e-books to my phone, it’s like having a whole library in your pocket... sweet.
What inspired you to start Swamp Thing?
Speaking for myself I was just excited to have a chance to play with Mike... and 2 years on, I’m still excited, the dude is a serious musician and brings it every time.
What sets you apart from other bands?
While there are quite a few duos out there, our use of instruments and tunings make us a little different - Mike plays keyboards, key bass, marimbas, and drums, and sings- often simultaneously! I use a weird D tuning that Mike showed me which is quite trippy- I like to think it gives our songs a “Swampy” vibe.
What is your favourite place to relax?
Home dude- my kids are 5th generation on the land so it really is home, love watching my kids play doing the same stuff my brother and I used to do, I like cooking on my bbq which I built myself, having a couple of beers in the bar which my wife and I built, and chilling in the house I built, aint nothing better for me in the whole world than that.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
I write from a personal perspective so all my songs are based loosely on life experiences, so you could say the inspiration is a need to share some of my life’s anecdotes through song.
What can we expect to see from Swamp Thing over the next year?
Touring and more touring, the last 2 years we’ve been to Aussie working those festivals, it’s been cool, and now we are shifting more focus back to Aotearoa, just trying to reach the masses is the agenda, and putting on good shows at good venues.
About Swamp Thing
A former member of The John Butler Trio, Michael Barker (drums/ percussion/ KeyBass/Vocals) formed the two man blues/roots duo Swamp Thing with Grant Haua vocals/guitar in 2010.
These two unique musicians share a wealth of experience to craft blues- flavoured music with a deep groove and soulful spook. Their first studio album Balladeer was recorded at Roundhead studios in may 2011 and their second album Primordium recorded at Barker's studio Twisty Pole in 2012 was released in January 2013.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Swamp Thing
Releases
Other Interviews By Shade
MNZ Interview: Muzic Speak S01 / E01 - Powder Chutes
06 Nov 2024 // by Shade
Brought to you by Muzic.NZ's Lisa Jones, Muzic Speak is a fresh new interview series which pays homage some of the best up and coming acts this country has on offer.
Read More...
Interview with Angus Woodhams, lead of Weka
16 Sep 2024 // by Shade
Weka is a three-piece electronica band combining unique timbres with pulsing bass and punching drums. Formed of Angus Woodhams on keys and controllers, Mitch Harty on guitar, and Cathal Lennon on drums, Weka’s instrumental electronic sound is diverse, beautiful, and thought provoking, urging audiences to dance uninhibitedly.
Read More...
Pull Down The Sun Newsletter Interview
01 Dec 2022 // by Shade
Boasting an international standard of modern metal, New Zealand's Pull Down The Sun have set many an audience alight with their glorious imagery that holds true to sheer riff obedience, making motions from heavy and erratic to dark and moody, through to light and uplifting with minimal effort. We spoke to frontman Koert, and he had this to say:How did you become involved in music?
Read More...
Coridian Newsletter Interview
27 Nov 2022 // by Shade
Coridian are one of New Zealand's leading rock acts, and they have an exciting 2023 in the works. In recent months the release of singles Rakshasa (with Michael Murphy from Written by Wolves) and State of Mind have further cemented their status in NZ music.
Read More...
1 Drop Nation Newsletter Interview
19 Nov 2022 // by Shade
Otautahi six-piece 1 Drop Nation will be dropping their exciting self-titled debut album on 1 December, and it’s guaranteed to set Aotearoa music fans up for a great summer! They answered the following questions for Muzic.
Read More...
Interview: 2Fly Ty
17 Oct 2022 // by Shade
Despite currently residing in Brisbane, 2Fly Ty still identifies as a Kiwi at heart, as he looks to make a name for himself in the music scene of his homeland, Aotearoa. He answered the following questions for Muzic.
Read More...
Dead Beat Boys Newsletter Interview
29 Sep 2022 // by Shade
Auckland Rockers Dead Beat Boys fuse punk intensity with classic-rock riffs, all strung together in a show uncontainable by the stage. On the 1st of October they released their first and last album, be sure to check it out here.
Read More...
Frau Knotz Newsletter Interview
28 Sep 2022 // by Shade
The original songs of singer, pianist, producer and composer Lauren Nottingham have touched down on Earth under the moniker Frau Knotz. With avant-pop tracks which simulate echoes of an extra-terrestrial yet power-packed video game soundtrack, Frau Knotz toggles between whimsical fantasies and dark truths, switches propulsive rhythms and expansive balladry and tunes glamor with gameplay to concoct elixirs of dance.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
