(creator of Shadowsix and Dampman comics)
When
I was last in contact with you, you were drumming for the thrash band Malakyte. You recently quit that band.
What were the reasons you parted company with them?
There
are many reasons why I left Malakyte, and I prefer not to disclose all
of them publicly. One of the reasons I will say is that I left due to
the new goals of Malakyte which I wasn't in a position to commit to due
to obligations I had outside of the band. My split with them was
amicable. We're all still friends and I keep in contact with Malakyte
regularly, and they're continuing with a new drummer. After I left
Malakyte I took a break from playing music altogether for almost six
months. I'm now playing drums in two bands here in Brisbane: Elkenwood,
which is a folk metal band and Dragonsmead, a comedic power metal band
comprised of members from different Brisbane metal bands. Dalton Wilson,
guitarist from Malakyte is also a member of Elkenwood.
Before
you were drumming for Malakyte you published a zine called The Fallout
which extensively covered extreme metal in your home country Australia.
It’s been a long time since the zine was active but do you still have
copies laying around?
I
occasionally come across a copy whenever I'm packing up to move house,
haha. That or I get occasional "look what I found" messages from people
doing the same thing. A few weeks ago I got a message from a radio DJ
who had a copy of the compilation CD-R I released with an earlier issue,
saying they were going to play a few tracks for an Australian metal
themed night.
How is radio generally treating underground music these days? Are there any internet radio stations based in Australia?
Triple
J, the national radio broadcaster has a weekly programme called 'The
Racket', which has been on the air since 1990. Since their most recent
host Lochlan Watt took over, it's had a greater emphasis on Australian
acts and newer bands from overseas, which has been instrumental to a lot
of their successes.
Who
are the bands from Australia and other countries usually featured on
The Racket? Is it only on traditional radio or can it also be heard via
the internet?
Quite
a diverse variety. I couldn't tell you the exact bands but they like to
keep things pretty fresh and current. On last week's show I heard
tracks from the new King Parrot album, the latest songs from Hidden
Intent, Destroyer 666 and Hacktivist, followed by a Babymetal track...
so you get the idea. They also feature interviews with bands that are
about to tour the country. Triple J can be streamed from its website,
and they also keep recordings of the last show online for a week after
its broadcast.
How are Destroyer 666 doing of late, along with the other bands you mentioned are being aired on The Racket?
Destroyer
666 have just released a new record, "Wildfire". Hidden Intent just
recently did a tour of Asia with thrashers Artillery. King Parrot are
always on the road. They are currently touring Europe with Soulfly and
Incite. I shared the stage with them a number of times in Malakyte.
Their live shows are an experience unto themselves.
What exactly happens at a King Parrot show that sets the band apart from all others in Australia?
Their
moshpits are intense, with vocalist Youngy often surfing the crowd or
jumping on a punter's shoulders while singing. The on-stage banter is
pretty hilarious. I guess what sets them apart from other bands in
Australia is that they're not trying to emulate the styles of bands from
Europe or North America. The band has its own personality, and they use
a lot of Aussie humour in their shows and promotional material. Because
of that, the fans can relate to them. If you watch their music videos
(which are more like funny short films unto themselves), you'll know
what I mean.
Who are some of the bands being interviewed on The Racket and touring Australia these days?
The
last broadcast I listened to had an interview with Clutch. It's been a
pretty good time for bands visiting Australia lately. We recently had
1349 on our shores, with Eluveitie coming in May. Black Sabbath are also
due to do some dates of their farewell tour here this year.
After I interviewed you as editor and publisher of The Fallout, did anyone say they learned more about Australian metal?
A
few people from the time I released the zine have said so. Not so much
these days. My zine was a lot of fun to do at the time, but I doubt it
had much of an impact. There are more websites like Metal Obsession and
glossy magazines like Heavy Mag which have raised greater awareness of
Australian metal locally and to the world, and they're doing a great
job. There was also recently a documentary called Metal Down Under which
I recommend. I have a funny story, actually. Every issue of The Fallout
had a retrospective article on an influential cult metal band. In the
third issue of The Fallout back in 2007, I did an interview with the
bassist Karl from 1980s Australian metal legends Nothing Sacred.
Apparently the interview inspired him to get the band back together to
do a few shows years later.
How would you describe the Metal Down Under documentary to someone you were recommending it to?
It's
a pretty comprehensive look into the underground of Australia's metal
scene. You learn a lot about the history of Australian metal from the
early days until now, why our scene is largely underground in scale
compared to the North American and European scenes. Most importantly,
you learn about the many great bands we have here. It is available on
DVD. It can also be viewed on iTunes.
What new bands have become active in Australia since we did our previous interview?
There
has been a definite change of the guard since our last interview in
2009. There's been a greater emphasis on extreme metal and grindcore. A
lot of the pioneering bands from the 1980s and 1990s that we talked
about in our last interview have called it quits. Probably the most
prominent act to come out of Australia at the moment is King Parrot who
are doing exceptionally well, especially in North America. They're a
band who've played their cards right. Australia's thrash metal scene is
also alive and well, with bands like In Malice's Wake, Harlott, Hidden
Intent, and Alkira absolutely slaying it.
Are the same clubs that were active in 2009 still around in 2016? Have any new clubs opened since then?
None
of the venues that were active in Brisbane during 2009 are still going
in 2016. I can't speak for the venues in other cities. In Brisbane we
have had a lot of great new venues open since then, like the Crowbar in
Fortitude Valley which has done incredibly well. The Triffid is a recent
venue for more established bands, which was opened by a former member
of the Brisbane band Powderfinger. However, in Brisbane we're about to
get new lockout laws put in place, which will most definitely hurt a lot
of the businesses in Brisbane's entertainment precincts.
What are these lockout laws you are referring to, and how will they affect the local clubs in Brisbane?
We
already have lockout laws in place where clubs and venues in Brisbane
can't let anyone back inside after 3am. The laws are about to be changed
to no "high alcohol" drinks after midnight, last drinks at 2am, and the
lockout hour being pushed forward to 1am. This will hurt so many small
businesses in the state's entertainment precincts, especially music
venues.
How will venues deal with the new lockout laws so they can continue doing business?
That's
the million dollar question. The changes will cut into the hours after
midnight, which is the time when a lot of pubs and clubs make the most
of their earnings, and makes up for any losses for shows that don't pull
enough punters. To answer your question, I don't know how the venues
are going to deal with these new laws. Without venues, Brisbane's music
scene - which has been likened to the music scene of Seattle by multiple
musical journalists - stops.
Are more people in Australia reading webzines and checking out bands online or reading print zines and buying physical CDs?
Definitely
the former over the latter. These days, more bands are releasing their
recordings online through pay-what-you-want apps like Bandcamp, and why
not. It's a cheaper, more efficient option, especially for bands of a
DIY ethic. More bands who release physical copies of their recordings
opt for the vinyl format over CD, also. CDs just end up getting ripped
to your computer, after all.
The
last time I was in contact with you, you showed me some comic art you
were working on. How did you become interested in doing comics and what
sort of storylines were you coming up with?
I
used to draw comics a lot as a kid just to pass time. When I stopped
doing The Fallout in 2011, I started drawing again and started
developing ideas for a more "serious" comic story. Over the last year
I've been working on my own comic book series called Shadowsix. I'm also
working on a comedy comic strip called Dampman. Shadowsix is about a
young man who appears to be traumatized by his past as a vigilante. It's
inspired by a lot of darker-themed superhero comics, like Watchmen
(Alan Moore), The Victories (Michael Avon Oeming), The Scribbler (Dan
Schaffer) and Kick-Ass (Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.). Dampman is a
bit lighter-hearted and would probably be enjoyed by fans of Deadpool
or The Tick. The first issue of Shadowsix I'm aiming to release by May
of this year. Each issue of Shadowsix will contain a Dampman strip.
Are there any comic artists you were inspired or partly inspired by?
If
I were to pick just one, I'd say Dave Gibbons. I was inspired by his
art in the video game Beneath A Steel Sky (the poor guy only seems to be
recognized only for his work on Watchmen!). If anything, I'd say I'm
more of a "technical" drawer compared to my inker Anne Morrison, who has
more of an "organic" drawing style. My art in the Dampman series isn't
inspired by any artist in particular. It more or less takes influence
from the art stylings of 1990s Saturday morning cartoons. I wanted to
capture that aesthetic for a funny comic.
What work by Dave Gibbons would you suggest the readers check out, in addition to Watchmen?
Dave
Gibbons was artist of Mark Millar's The Secret Service, which was the
basis of the movie "Kingsmen". He also worked on a lot of stuff for
2000AD in the 1970s and 1980s including early stories for the sci-fi
comic Rogue Trooper.
I
guess you would have to visit a comic outlet with a section for back
issues to find Gibbons’ work from the 70s and 80s. I haven’t seen the
movie Kingsmen yet; how closely does it fit Millar’s The Secret Service?
It's
a loose adaptation, but it follows some aspects of the comic such as
the story of a young protege training up to become a member of the
British Secret Service. Definitely worth watching. It's a nice
alternative to the regular comic book films from Marvel and DC.
Do you read many of the comics published by Marvel and DC? Which titles do you read most often?
I'm
more into the discreet serials of comics. My favourite series from DC
is "The Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller, as well as Watchmen and
anything to do with the Rogues gallery of DC. I'm more into
creator-owned limited series from Dark Horse and Image than the ongoing
material from Marvel or DC.
How did you begin to develop Shadowsix and how far as the concept and execution come along?
I
first developed the story of Shadowsix in 2014 as part of an assignment
in a graphic design course I was taking. I decided to continue the
story after I had completed the course. However, my first draft of the
story was too long. Given the amount of work it takes to produce a
comic: scripting, penciling, inking, and even colouring, the story
would've taken too long to complete. I decided not to be too ambitious
and scaled the story back to a much simpler and more effective one. It's
better to release a complete story, even if it's a mediocre one, than
give up on it and leave it without a conclusion. The first issue has
been complete, with the first stage of the second issue also finished.
There will be six issues in total.
How much did you trim the storyline of Shadowsix so it was easier to manage? Explain how it will unfold?
If
I had gone along with the original storyline of Shadowsix it would've
been an ongoing series, and would've focused less on the themes I was
trying to write about. I've scaled it back to a discrete series and
reduced the story to a much simpler one. I can't reveal too much of the
storyline without giving too much away, but it begins with what I told
you earlier, and will unfold to something more.
How much work have you done on Dampman? What storyline have you been working on for the series?
So
far I've completed six stories, with many more to follow. While each of
the strips have their own self-contained plots, they're all threaded
together in the same continuity. The basic premise is that he's a
superhero whose superpower is... being moist. However, when he explains
this to people they collapse at the sound of the word "moist". He's not
aware that this in itself is his *true* superpower. I was at a comic
convention last year when I met Dave Gibbons and Joe Jusko (artist who
has worked with Marvel), and I showed them both some of the Dampman
stories. Joe flipped through the book and said "Looks good, but I can't
read it right now. What's the premise?" I explained it to him. Joe's
wife who was with him at the convention started laughing, snatched the
book out of his hand and said "I hate that word! Let *me* read it!!" She
was in stitches reading the stories, enough to convince Joe to have a
proper read!
What did Jusko think of Dampman after he took the time to read it? Was there an indication that he would help support it?
Just
a lot of encouraging words and some helpful hints on my art style.
Pointers on how to improve character anatomies, and whatnot. Joe Jusko
is quite well-known for his near-realistic style of drawing, so it was
cool to hear some of his advice.
At what comic convention did you run into Gibbons and Jusko? What else went on at the show?
In
Australia we have a pop culture convention called Supanova, which
encompasses Film & TV and gamer culture as well as comics. There was
also a clinic Gibbons and Jusko hosted with Australian artist Tom
Taylor about comics in the movie industry. Tom Taylor's "The Deep" comic
also recently got adapted into an animated TV series, and had its
première screening at the convention.
How often are comic conventions held in your local area? Do you travel to other parts of the country to attend conventions?
Supanova
is held twice a year in my area - once in the Gold Coast in autumn and
once in Brisbane just before summer. We also have Oz-ComicCon which is
held around spring. Some of the locals often travel to the Supanova
dates in other cities.
When
did you hook up with the bands Elkenwood and Dragonsmead after parting
company with Malakyte? Did you help start these bands or join them after
they began?
Gareth
Graham and Nicola Williams (the songwriters of Elkenwood) had been
jamming together for over a year before they decided to make Elkenwood a
full band. It started off with Gareth, Nicola, and bassist Callan
Musgrave and I jamming some Agalloch covers before we started writing
originals. Gareth has been a good friend of mine for a number of years
and I was happy to help him as a favour while I was still in Malakyte.
After I left Malakyte I was intending to hang up my drumsticks
permanently... and that only lasted four months! Playing music is like
an addiction... you just can't shake it off! I asked Gareth if I could
join Elkenwood in a permanent position and he said yes. After a number
of line-up changes, we have a full line-up in Elkenwood of about six
people. Elkenwood's first single, "Uncreation" was recorded during the
time I was out of the band, and features session drums from
Overkill/Invictus13 drummer Sid Falck. Dragonsmead was started by Mousey
Whitburn, who I used to perform with years ago in a Dethklok cover
band, KlokBlok. It is comprised of members from various Brisbane metal
bands: Before Nightfall, Karulean and Born From The Ashes, as well as
three members of Elkenwood (Gareth, Amanda Terry and I)! It's all a bit
of fun, and sort of a comedic love letter to medieval-style power metal
bands. We recently played the LagerFest in Brisbane, with pirate metal
legends Lagerstein.
What happened to KlokBlok since you were their drummer? Did they disband before Dragonsmead formed or are they still active?
KlokBlok
disbanded sometime in 2011. Dragonsmead didn't form until about late
2015. Mousey, Ian and I from the first KlokBlok line-up are currently in
Dragonsmead. Mousey is also a gig promoter in Brisbane. The members
from the second line-up are still active - Josh is frontman of a death
metal band called Dungeons Of Blood. Nick plays for doomsters Lizzard
Wizzard (another band I recommend), and Nev does sound at a venue in
Brisbane. I haven't seen or heard from Nick Cummins, the bassist from
both incarnations of the band lately, so I don't know what he's up to.
Are
you still in touch with the members of Brutal Ballet? I remember you
were involved in a few collaborations with them. What have they been
doing these days?
I
haven't been in contact with them for a while. Yeah, KlokBlok were the
backing band for their DethBallet shows in 2009. That was a learning
experience. The last I heard about Brutal Ballet was that they moved to
the UK.
How
much material have you recorded with those two bands since you became
their drummer? Is anything available from them? If so, is it being
streamed anywhere or do people have to order it directly?
Elkenwood
released their single "Uncreation" digitally during Solstice of 2015,
and we're currently writing and recording music for an EP with a
tentative Winter release. Dragonsmead should have some recordings out
later this year also.
What press feedback has Elkenwood gotten for the Uncreation single since its release?
Mainly
positive fan feedback, and we got invited to play at a folk festival in
New South Wales in May. No press feedback as of yet. Care to review?
How
do you balance Elkenwood and Dragonsmead whereas you were previously
putting your energy into one band? How do practicing and recording
sessions usually go with these bands? Do they have their own studios
where they practice?
Dragonsmead
doesn't perform too often as all the members have their own
commitments, and one of our lead guitarists Michael Varlet lives in
Melbourne. Dragonsmead and Elkenwood rehearse at a practice space in the
inner-city suburbs of Brisbane, which is convenient for all the
members.
When
you were in Malakyte you filmed some promotional videos and posted tour
diaries on Youtube. Do Elkenwood and Dragonsmead plan similar
developments once becoming more active?
For Elkenwood, probably not. For Dragonsmead, probably. The band is still in its early days so we shall see.
How often is LagerFest held in Brisbane? How many bands are usually booked to appear at these fests?
LagerFest
is a festival run once a year. It was held this year at Brisbane venue
The Triffid with the release of Lagerstein's latest album "All for Rum,
and Rum for All", co-headlined with US 8-bit composer Rainbowdragoneyes.
The festival has seen some varied line-ups, from punk, power metal,
death metal, to industrial, as well as similarly-themed folk and pirate
metal bands. I forgot to mention Lagerstein in my recommendations
earlier, but if you or your readers are ever looking for some decent
pirate-themed metal, I recommend them!
What
is pirate metal and in what ways does Lagerstein personify that genre?
Are there other pirate metal bands you know of that you would recommend?
Pirate
metal is exactly what you think it is! I guess it's derivative of power
metal and folk metal, but with a pirate theme to it. Lagerstein
personify that genre in their stage personae and attire, their song
themes, and some other cool stunts they do. Before they released their
latest album, Lagerstein buried some treasure in an undisclosed
location. The CD sleeve contained a treasure map as well as clues to
find the treasure in the lyrics. The only other pirate metal bands I'm
familiar with are Alestorm from Scotland, whom Lagerstein have done
tours with, and Swashbuckle from US.
Do
you eventually want Elkenwood and Dragonsmead to perform outside
Australia in the years to come? Where would you want those bands to
perform first?
In
Elkenwood we're trying to gain as much of a following as possible and
get more recordings released before we set our sights on any overseas
shows. Same goes for Dragonsmead, since it's kind of a side-project
supergroup for most of the members. I know for a fact that Gareth, Nic
and Mel from Elkenwood would love to play some shows in Scandinavia
somewhere, haha. I would love to perform with Elkenwood or Dragonsmead
outside Australia sometime, but we still have a long way to go.
SHADOWSIX
SHADOWSIX
-Dave Wolff
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