Some of the grungiest blues you'll ever hear; The Blue Grizzly Band goes from stage to stage blowing ear drums with a whirlwind of heavy blues rock, sexy slow-jams and modern blues funk. Thanks to Grizzly Smith for answering the following questions:
Who are your role models in the NZ music industry?
Every single person that helps out in some way, the people that get off their arse and get out there and, of course, the fans for their support. Without these people the industry would not exist.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Your Fantasy is my personal favourite, but I'm most proud of M.I.L.F because of the amount of drunk girls that I have seen strip to that song, what more can you ask for really?
Do you have any plans for future collaborations with other musicians? Who would they be?
I'm always on the lookout for other artists to work with, whether it's featuring on another artists track, co-writing, collaborations etc. I have nothing set at this point but I like working with other artists and seeing how each individual style can morph and mutate something until it is nothing like it began, and has instead turned into something unique and beautiful to share with others, to me that is the essence of music at it's core.
Where is your favourite place to relax in NZ?
Being on stage is my happy place. All external worries disappear, I can just zone out and be "that guy" and get absorbed into the music. There's nothing else quite like it, and if anybody tells you different tell em they're doin it wrong!
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
The Heavy Metal Ninjas, Osmium, Truly Made, The Thomas Oliver Band, Gift Of Ruin, Pariah, Amachine, Tomorrow People, The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties, Heathen Eyes, Static Era, The Rising Tide, Strangely Arousing... So many to list... so many amazingly talented and hard working people in the industry at the moment, I could fill this entire interview with kick ass NZ bands.
What sets you apart from other bands?
We have better beards.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Beards, whisky, distortion.
And bacon. Lots and lots of bacon.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Think about the worst possible job you could ever have right now. Now compare that to playing your most hated genre of music and ask yourself which one is worse?
Got it? Cool, now go get off your arse and go do whatever it takes to ensure you are seen and heard and people know your name and every time you start to doubt yourself or get disheartened I want you to think about that job as your only other option, JUST KEEP GOING!
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
For me personally? Going on stage in nothing but my boxers only to realise AFTER the show that when I was putting my leg up on the foldback I had been flashing everyone in the crowd. The Blue Grizzly Band accepts no responsibility for my behaviour that night as it was another band having to put up with my drunken antics. That was a good night haha
What rumour would you like to start about The Blue Grizzly Band?
Grizz once dated both Mila Kunis AND Rhianna at the same time, until Miley Cyrus flew into a jealous rage and began licking hammers. Big Poppa is still dating Katy Perry, and OT and Mr. Jay are usually too busy chillun with Snoop to care what anyone else is doing. Sometimes the power of a beard can be a dangerous thing.
Some of the grungiest blues you'll ever hear; The Blue Grizzly Band goes from stage to stage blowing ear drums with a whirlwind of heavy blues rock, sexy slow-jams and modern blues funk. The band consists of a bunch of UCOL music graduates who came together to form a band and show off the skills they earned while on the on the course. For anyone who likes blues, lots of guitar solos or just having fun in general, this is the band for you. Check 'em out at an event near you and get down with the Grizzly!