Author: Joey Rochert

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, James, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Life’s Tasting Good’, what is the meaning? 

Well at the core of it, “Life’s Tasting Good” documents the life of a young rat who dreams of becoming a chef at Auguste Gusteau’s restaurant and tries to achieve his goal by forming an unlikely alliance with… wait, no, sorry, that’s Ratatouille! It’s actually just simply about the joys of life. Because sometimes you need to sit back and appreciate the flavours of the world. 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Harry Styles has to hold that crown. What he’s done for combining the aura of a retro rockstar with the modern pop scene is right up my alley. Greta Van Fleet take a close second. 

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

Being active in the age of social media. Thousands of people can hear your music immediately and the challenge is less about getting your music heard and more just making it as good as it can be. 

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I’ve tried to have a think but I don’t tbink there’s anywhere specific I write… what does tend to happen is I’ll come up with an idea somewhere like the library or midway through a theatre show and I have to sneak off to the toilet for a lil compositional wee break. Rock and roll, eh?

What is your first memory of music? 

I was on a tricycle in my house around 5 years old and Johnny B Goode was on the radio. But I’m still not quite playing guitar like ringing a bell just yet… its more like juggling currently!

Pre-save ‘Life’s Tasting Good’, the new single by James Sebastian here.

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Photo Credit: James Sebastian.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Rotten Circus’, what is the meaning? 

Rotten circus symbolizes a broken pattern. I think it’s important to break patterns, in order to change. This song talks about that change, that broken pattern.  And yet,  the vision of the new pattern is still unclear, still uncertain.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

We really appreciate how prolific the Oh Sees are. We have been trying to write a lot and release a big catalog of material…so that is inspiring. So I guess that is a teaser to the amount of material we have coming down the line 🙂

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

The tools that are available to make high quality music on a smaller budget.  How the technology allows us to do so much. Way more than was possible in even the early 2000s. Also the fact that anyone can listen to your stuff at the click of a button is nice.  Labels are not so important in pushing music on your behalf…and the good stuff can sort of rise/float to the top organically.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

Late at night with in my tiny apartment with my huge amp on the absolute lowest setting so that I don’t wake the annoyed neighbors. Something about the restriction of not being able to let it rip all the time causes me to write better riffs. Then I am not totally relying on the sound of my 2000 Euro amp to make my riffs sound good.  At this low volume the musical content of the riffs has got to be good otherwise the stuff sounds boring.  It’s  a perfect filter.

What is your first memory of music? 

My parents had a favorite vinyl with a folk singer who sang about “boney fingers”.   “something about working your fingers to the bone”.  I remember  putting that vinyl in my mouth a few times to chew the corner.

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Photo Credit: Zombiero Martin.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Prague-based alt-rock outfit, Zombiero Martin, are making waves with their latest offering, ‘Rotten Circus’, which is nothing short of a musical tour-de-force. The trio, comprised of Nicholas, Stefano, and Lorenzo, draw inspiration from iconic artists such as Velvet Underground and Bowie, while infusing elements of post-punk and grunge into their unique sound.

The track itself is a gripping experience, featuring massive guitar riffs, thunderous basslines, and blistering drumming that’ll leave you reeling. Also, the raw and impassioned vocals deliver a message that’s both introspective and anthemic, driving home the band’s creative vision.

You can listen below.

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Photo Credit: Zombiero Martin.