Monday, June 8, 2015

Swamp Gully Howlers @ Wallapalooza

If you missed Wallapalooza's Dungeon show in Brisbane last night, then you have a second chance to make the Gold Coast leg of the tour at The Wallaby Hotel Mudgeba today from 12pm.

Swamp Gully Howlers smashed out their set to a enthusiastic crowd, the dance floor was full and we were treated to some pretty entertaining dance moves from some the bands dedicated fans.  No surprise the crowd was a frenzy after the performance the guys brought to the night, and I think the band's Facebook bio says it all...

"Swamp Gully Howlers (Previously known as Bare White Knuckles) are lead with punchy female vocals, rockin' beats, big bass lines, Smooth harmonica and sex magic guitar. Music that gets toes tapping, heads nodding and bringing out the best/worst in all the local booze hounds. Smashing out dirty, groovy, sludgy blues ranging from the nostalgic and melancholic right through to fast punk like blues rock coated with a little bit of hillbilly twang."      
Thank you Swamp Gully Howlers, we can't wait to see you again today, and cheers for taking the time to answer a few questions for us!

Tell us about how the band formed, where you’re from and how long have you been together? Are you all original members?
The band formed back in 2012. We are all mostly from Bris (Trevs from the GC). We've been together since 2012. We still have 3 original members in the band Calvin, Caitlin and Trev. We recently changed our name from 'Bare White Knuckles'.


How would you describe the band’s style and who are your influences?
We like to describe ourselves as blues/rock with a bit of a hillbilly twist. Our influences range from Muddy Waters to Britney Spears…. Ha. But love bands like Brothers Grim & The Blue Murders, Th' Legendary Shack Shakers, Dropkick Murphys etc.


What inspirations do you draw on?
A table full of empty beer bottles, old stories and the Australian way of life.

Tell us about some highlights or low points of the bands career?
We have been so lucky to play so many great Aussie independent music festivals. These promoters put on these festivals with their own time and funding. We are always happy to be a part of their hard work.


Are the songs a collaborative effort or does the band have a main songwriter. How does the music affect the lyrics and vice versa?
Everyone puts in their two cents. We sometimes bring in a riff each and build off that together. The music has a big influence in the lyrics. Sometimes the lyrics are already written other times they are made up on the spot from the feel of the tune.

How would you describe the evolution of the band’s sound?
We have gone from a hard hitting blues/rock sound to bringing in a softer approach (more acoustic at times) with a hillbilly twist. We write for the moment now and how we are feeling at the time.


What’s different in the music industry today compared to when you first started and what would you do differently if you where just entering the industry today?
We've noticed that some venues have started closing down and the punters aren't getting out to watch live, local music as much anymore. This is why we all have to get involved in backing the little guys that are still out there trying to make it happen. There is an awesome music scene in Brisbane, a lot of kick arse bands with a crazy, cool bunch of supporters. Although it is always great to see more support for the industry. And if you're just starting out… Get out there, have fun. We have no regrets.


Which of your song/s are the most fun to play live, or which songs are you most proud of?
Fallen Daughter is amazing to play live we love that fast mother flipper. And love cranking out Sons Of The Soil live… Dirty, stomping, hillbilly blues.

What should we expect from the band in 2015, or what’s the plan for the band moving forward?
Recording!!! it's been a long time coming. Playing shows and trying to look into a tour next year.

Name some of the bands you grew up listening to?
Caitlin Vocals: Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Supertramp, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, B52's, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Kate Bush.
Trev Harmonica: Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Peter Frampton, Graham Parker and the rumour, Midnight Oil early years, The English Beat, Dead Kennedys, Ramones, Stiff Little Fingers, Sex Pistols, Stan Ridgeway, Wall Off Voodoo,The The, The Jam, The Clash, William Clarke, Sonny Boy Williamson, Rod Piazza, Charlie Mussellwhite, Paul Butterfield, Rancid
Calvin Bass: Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Primus, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Guns n' Roses, Soundgarden, Mr Bungle.

If you could play in any other band, who would it be?
Caitlin Vocals: I'm happy just where I am
Trev Harmonica: The Legendary Shack Shakers, lead singer, harp player
Calvin Bass: Something like The Kill Devil Hills or Orange Goblin.

Who did you see at your first ever concert?
Caitlin Vocals: Korn, Disturbed Hatebreed, and 10 Years.
Trev Harmonica: Neil Young Chandler Velodrome
Calvin Bass: Violent Femmes


What album do you have on repeat in your stereo/ipod?
Caitlin Vocals: Mastodon- Once more 'round the sun.
Trev Harmonica: The The - Dusk
Calvin Bass: Modern Life Is War - Fever Hunting

In your opinion, which local or Aussie band/s should we be watching out for, or who do you think are genuine standout’s at the moment?
Caitlin Vocals: Deadweight Express, Veal, Fox 'N' Firkin, The Molotov.
Trev Harmonica: Transvaal Diamond Syndicate, Fox 'N' Firkin, Deadweight Express, Junior Danger, Lip Sinder
Calvin Bass: Transvaal Diamond Syndicate, Fox 'N' Firkin, Ghost Audio, Deadweight Express, Junior Danger.

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