My name is Von Toxic, I play guitar and sing in New Zealands only theatrical Horror concept punk band, for which I am also the main songwriter.
Myself and our drummer Craig Psycho run and independant label called Demon Nation, which has its 10th year anniversary next year.
I have been playing gigs, writing songs and recording since the age of 13. I'm now 32 and have been part of a lot of great underground bands - recorded and released a ton of material in that time, and will continue to do so with Horror Story and our side projects Dead City Rockers, Evil Dead Crew, and Nekrotika.
All of which have albums being released over the next 12 months as well as a Horror Story DVD and new album. We are currently pursuing an international liscensing deal and recently we played with The Misfits.
We will continue giging and spreading the horror Punk plague in NZ and eventually the world. We have NO plans for commercial success, preferring to stay underground with a world-wide cult following of Horror Punks.
For more information, check out http://www.nprocknroll.muzic.net.nz/
Who are your favourite NZ bands and artists?
Flesh D-Vice, Toy Love, Toxic Avengers, Flame Job, Black Chrome
What is your favourite NZ venue?
Indigo, Wellington.
What is the best live gig you have ever been to?
Thats a hard one, Danzig or Misfits. yeah Misfits, coz we got to play.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
Still doing the band and our label, Demon Nation, A licensing deal with an international label + World Tours.
How do you keep in contact with your fans?
Thru Shows, the net is the main place, right down to letters and phone calls, but our myspace site mainly.
What rumour would you like to start about yourselves?
Horror Story are the undead spirit of Punk Rock.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Make sure you're in it for the right reasons and for the long haul, and be ready to work hard and for things to take time. Maximum Effort, Maximum Commitment.
For more information on Horror Story, check them out on muzic.net.nz.
Yee hah there's plenty of stuff going on around the country at the moment. Check out our gig guide for full details!
The producers of the National Radio Music 101 show put on a rather cool event at Bar Bodega in Wellington on Saturday, and in case you weren't there to enjoy the pleasures of bands like Minuit, Recloose and Hot Swiss Mistress live, you can check out their performances online at:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/nr/programmes/music101/the_transmission
Just read through the information and then click on "Go to the streams" on the right hand side of the page. Wicked!
OFFICIAL NZ MUSIC MONTH TEE'S
You've probably seen loads of people wearing these! They're available in guys and gals fitting at your local Hallensteins store for $29.95. Go on - it's for a good cause!
Buy your NZ Music Tee (or Hoodie!) from any Hallensteins outlet from May 1st, and 10% of all sales goes to the NZ Music Industry Commission.