Three piece rockers, Cheshire Grimm, continue to build a reputation throughout NZ and Australia as a precise live show with funky rhythms that get audiences involved and dancing. They answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:
How did you become involved in music?
Kat: I did modern jazz dancing for 10 years as a kid, and played piano for a bit as a child and always loved to sing. Self taught bass when I bought an acoustic bass guitar six years ago.
If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Kat/Lora: Hmmm that's a toughy, as we have so many influences. No Doubt (from the 90's)? A Perfect Circle, Santigold – Or perhaps Kora, Left or Right, or Nirvana.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Kat: Jimmy is one of my favourites - it's all about communicating with the Universe and keeping your eyes on the sky.
Lora: I'm really proud of our new track Slave to the Grind – I don't write as many full songs for the band as Kat does, but this one I wrote about the frustration of day to day working life.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
Kat: All of our songs are different, but I would call it a mash up of grunge/pop/dub/rock.
What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
Kat/Lora: We are currently working towards our LP, planning another Aussie Tour , and at the moment we are looking forward to playing the International Tattoo Expo next weekend sharing the stage with Tali, Nathan Haines and Ladi6 on the Sunday.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Kat/Lora: I would love to see more female artists hit the stage in general. It's slowly but surely becoming more common in NZ.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
Kat: I'm loving Doprah - Wasting (Christchurch), they're on a whole 'nother level. Skinny Hobos (Auckland) also rock my boat, and the Dimestore Skanks - Best Revenge (Wellington).
Lora: I'm also loving Skinny Hobos, Decades (Christchurch) and as always, Left or Right (Dunedin) and Ladi6.
What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?
Kat: Lucha Lounge (Auckland) is small but awesome. And King Street Live (Masterton) was great. A shame to hear both are closing down this year.
Lora: We haven't been lucky enough to play the Powerstation, but I'm really looking forward to playing there at some point. If I could do a gig anywhere it would probably be Civic Theatre in Auckland, though they don't really have bands there – I just love the age and character of the venue.
Have you got any tips for dealing with nerves before a gig?
Kat/Lora: A little whiskey, a little sprint (to get rid of the pounding heart), and always warm up the vocal chords!
How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc.?
Kat: I work a 9 - 5 job. Luckily my partner is also a musician, so he's an awesome support with our two boys (4 and 2 years). And my parents are very supportive with babysitting. It's a tough balance - but it's worth it if you love what you do!
Lora: I balance my time between Playing music, working in events and waiting tables. I'm the type of person who has difficulty sitting still, so when I'm not busy with that or my music I'm usually doing some kind of fitness, taking photos or out looking for adventures. Luckily I have an amazing partner who understands all of this and is also musically minded.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Kat: There's too many bands to name that have inspired me. I love to write poetry, but mostly if you find a good tune or beat in your head, you gotta record it so you can use it for something later.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Kat: Life's too short to fuck around. Just do it - and enjoy it while you can!!
Lora: 1) Be Humble. Just straight up don't be a dick. But don't be so humble that you exert a vibe that you don't believe in yourself, because no-one wants to invest in someone who sells themselves short, and way too many NZ bands do that. 2) Don't give up. For every time you hear a 'yes' you will hear a thousand 'no's'. Often you are doing all the groundwork all on your own, before your friends, family and eventually others will support you – and that's okay.
Genre: Melancholic Wonder / Prog-Alt-Pop-Glitter
What do you see when you think of Cheshire Grimm?
The brainchild of Kat Waswo (vocals/bass) and Lora Thompson (guitar/vocals) has created a dark creature, twisting through the motions of light and dark, threading their bright colours into a warm blanket of melancholy.