interview with JOE THRASHER
What´s the name of your band? JOE THRASHER
How was the band formed? Former Thrasher Jose and I had quit a previous Death Metal band we were in. The two of us were way more into Thrash. We found Jim with the idea of learning some cool Thrash covers having fun with it and seeing where things went. That was late 2001. Eventually Gumby joined in on bass for a few years. Then Jose had to quit to move away, Scott joined in on vocals, and eventually Gumby quit, leaving Scott to pickup the bass. And here we are, 13 years later.
Can you tell about your band? We are heavily influenced by old school metal. Original really thrashy, but with Scott it evolved to include a lot more speed metal and NWOBHM influence. Jim's got a lot of Punk influence. Lots of cool hard rock influence that sneaks its way in as well.
Where are all band members from?/Who does what in the band? We're from bushes outside of Ottawa, Canada. Scott does lead vocals and bass; Jim drums and backups; myself guitar and backups. Our buddy Nic is the unofficial 4th member of the band. Always around at rehearsals and shows, helps us with gear, merch, etc. He does some backup vocals now and then.
What was the ambitions of the band when you started? To have fun. That was about it. As it grew it became more fun and it's just continued on. When it stops being fun, it's done. Out of that goal, I'm really happy with our accomplishments. 2 albums, a few EPs, numerous videos and countless shows. There's still a lot of things I'd like to do with Joe Thrasher.
Could you explain your music to someone that haven't heard you? Lots of metal-party worship. Fast and high energy at times.. but we bring in some more mellow moments, and slower grooves too. Somewhere between Metallica and Slayer but with TONS of Canadian Metal influence (Exciter/Anvil)
Where was your first gig? In a small pool hall/shwarma shop in the east end of Ottawa.
Where was the latest gig? A couple days ago at Maverick's in downtown Ottawa with Blaze Bayley. Next, Katacombes - Montreal this weekend!
Who writes your songs?/Who writes the music who writes lyrics? Scott does about 75% of the writing and I do about the other 25%. Lyrically Scott does more like 80-90%. Usually one of us will sit at home and write the music and then share it. Lately, I prefer sending Scott the music with no lyrics and let him put whatever on top of it. Sometimes I have some ideas I'll send to him.
Who has the best since of humor in the band? I can't answer. We all have our moments.
What's good/bad with the band? It's all good.
What genre do you feel you are? Heavy Metal... if you want to break it down more... Heavy Metal/Speed/Thrash mix.
Why did you pick that particular style? We started off with a love of Thrash. Scott brought in more influence, that really homed in the Joe Thrasher style.
What are your songs about? Heavy Metal, life, abusive of authority, love, time, secrets of the world, etc, etc
Do you write your own material or mainly covers? 99% Original. We occasionally mess around with some cool covers.
Have you made any albums?/If yes what are they? Last album was Cries of War. We've just released an EP 'Screaming Scorching Hell'. Hit us up on facebook.com/joethrasher to get it! Other merch available at joethrasher.ifmerch.com
Do you have any clips on YouTube? lots!! youtube.com/joethrasher
How old are you? I've been on the earth for 35 years. Still feel 18 though. That was nearly 20 years ago!? ouch!
What got you started in music? Watching Marty McFly rip out Johnny B Goode in Back to the Future.
At what age did you start playing? I started messing around on guitar when I was about 12. I messed around with snare drumming a bit when I was 9-10.
How old were you guys when you first stood on stage? Jim and I are about the same age.. so.. 22, 23 ish. Scott's a little older.
What year was the band started? 2001
Best/worst gig you've played? Best gig.. too many to name. probably one of the times we played with Anvil in Ottawa to an over capacity crowd. Good times!!. .Metal til you puke!!!!!!
What places will you be playing in in the imidate future? Katacombes in Montreal Oct 18.. after that, nothing on the books.
Where have you played from then till now? too many places to name between Montreal and Toronto.
Witch band is the best you´ve seen? Motorhead is up there.
Is it always the same songs live? no, we change it up every time.
How do you get psyched up for a gig? step on stage and go!!
What are your goals with your music? to have fun.. everything else that is meant to be, will be.
Is it easier to get your inspiration from older bands or from bands more modern? makes no difference.. good music, is good music. That said I typically prefer older music.
What are your sources of inspiration? life.
What's the first step when making a new song? in my case.. pickup the guitar and start hitting notes.
How do you feel about the downloading of music instead of buying albums? whatever floats your boat. It's gonna happen. My hope is, if you download us, and dig, help us out.. buy a CD or buy a shirt. show us some love!!
What would be your dreams for the band? To play to 20,000 people.
Besides your own music, what genres and bands do you listen to? old blues, rocknroll, rockabilly,GnR, Floyd, Reverend Horton Heat, Stray Cats, Motorhead, BUDGIE!!!, Anvil, Exciter, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, etc, etc, etc...
What do you hold most dear? Simply life.
What would be your greatest fears for the future? I don't fixate on fears too much. It would be a real shame if we (humans) don't pull our shit together and take care of this beautiful planet we've been given the oppurtunity to live on.
Have you been part of any other projects? There's a bunch of other stuff going on around Joe Thrasher. Jim and Scott and Nic have a punk band "Tomahawk Punch". Scott and I have been messing around with some acoustic stuff. I've got my own music, acoustic stuff I mess around with, etc, etc.
What do you work with outside of the band and the music? Jim works in Construction, Scott in manufacturing of trusses, I do IT work.
Where do you rehearse? Deep in the woods of Lanark County in a small village.
What do you feel is the best live band you've seen? Motorhead is up there!
Do you have any webpages? www.joethrasher.com, www.facebook.com/joethrasher, joethrasher.bandcamp.com, youtube.com/joethrasher
Any pearls of wisdom for all other bands out there? First and foremost, do it because you love to play and it's fun.
What is your favorite crappy instrument? A 1962 Silvertone piece of shit!!
sv: tack så mycket!