THE VOLCANICS - INTERVIEW MONSTRE : "I’m gonna guess and say Volcanics = rock"

At Les Monstres Sacrés, we love Australian bands. It just so happens that The Volcanics are one of them. Bobbie B. answers our questions.

Taste question: Which artists have influenced you the most, and can you tell us examples about this influence? Who is the artist you dislike and why will he/she never influence you?

90’s grunge and alternative bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, PJ Harvey and The Vines got me into music as a teenager but all the classics like Sabbath, Bowie, the Stones inspired me to start playing guitar and start a band. Great rock and blues guitarists like Hound Dog Taylor and Rory Gallagher inspired me to take my playing and singing to a more rocking level.

I like most styles of music however I’m not into Kpop or boy bands or any of that sort of fabricated Top 40 rubbish, I will never be influenced by any music that’s really commercial and conservative or basic in the lyrics.

Intellectual question: Which non-musical artist (filmmaker, writer, painter...) played an important role in the way the band evolved...

I can’t speak for the whole band but on a personal level lately I have been inspired by the late Robert Duvall’s approach towards acting within one's temperament. The idea is to push the intensity of your performance to the limits but not going past one’s natural temperament which would make a performance seem forced and contrived and therefore lost on the audience.

History question: Can you sum up the life of your group?

I only joined the band a few years ago so not too thoroughly but I do know The Volcanics have been around for over twenty years. There have been six albums and a few lineup changes. Tommy, Johnny and Alex have been around since the early days. Levi joined about seven or eight years ago. We’ve all known each other from around the Perth rock scene and get along well enough to hang out occasionally outside of the band. Our new album which comes out later this year will be the seventh album.

Champollion question: What is the meaning of the band's name?

I don’t know what it means but I’m gonna guess and say Volcanics = rock

Buddy question: Who has helped you most in your band's adventure and without whom you wouldn't have had the same evolution?

Again I can’t speak for the whole history of The Volcanics but it might be Duane from The Chevelles, another Perth band who are good friends.

Spinal Tap question: What's the most stupid thing that's ever happened to you?

My very first review in the local music paper called X-Press way back in 2007 when I was playing in a band called the Scotch Of Saint James they complimented my guitar playing but misspelled my name as Booby Burgess (some friends still call me Booby).

Question Happy Few: What's the biggest benefit you've derived from your band, and can you tell us about it?

The ability to make awesome music and play it live with people I love and respect, it’s the best!

Art question: What book, film, record and current band do you really like?

Book: The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

Film: Have Fun Good Luck Don’t Die

Band: Viagra Boys

Funny question. What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?

One time I had to get through an entire gig with gastro, enough said...

Camembert question: What's France to you, apart from the land of wine and cheese?

Rebellious culture and impeccable fashion.

Sponsorship question: Who can you sponsor for Les Monstres Sacrés, and how can you convince us to talk about them?

The Shakeys, my partner Claire’s garage punk band from Perth, they’re awesome and they are kind of pioneers of the genre as they were one of the first all girl garage-punk bands in Western Australia.

Patriotic question: Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made par artists of our country.

1. Gojira - Magma

2. The No Talents - 100percent No Talent

3. Trust - Repression

4. The Dogs - Walking Shadows

5. Phoenix - United

Patriotic question 2 : Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made by artists of your country.

1. ACDC - Powerage

2. Powder Monkeys - Smashed On A Knee

3. Hoodoo Gurus - Stoneage Romeos

4. Rose Tattoo - Rose Tattoo

5. The Shakeys - Mob Mentality

6. X - X-Aspirations​

Thank you the Volcanics

https://thevolcanics.bandcamp.com/