A Dirty Dozen with BANKS ARCADE – July 2022

According to a recent press release: “Melbourne-via-Auckland heavy agents Banks Arcade will release their debut album Future Lovers on July 29 via UNFD. Today, they ignite the lead up to their maiden LP with the video for “Used,” a bouncy ode to self-doubt in the digital age. The track is a high-octane blend of alt rock riffage, spitfire vocals, and melodics. The accompanying music video captures the band in full film, grain-soaked, and CCTV glory amid the chant-worthy chorus. Armed with a dazzling array of metal, electronica, hip hop and more, Future Lovers is primed to stun new and old Banks Arcade fans alike, while also leaving the metaphorical door wide open for heightened innovation and explosive sonic palettes in the not-too-distant future.” We get James and Josh to discuss new music, influences, and more…u

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our single “Used” that just came out is heavily inspired by the punky grit we hear in modern UK rock bands along with a relentless synth line on top of a bouncy drum groove to get people off their feet. The working title for song was ‘fuck’ which we thought may be a little too naughty for an official track title. You’ll probably hear that on your first listen though soo.

2. What got you into music and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Listening to bands like My Chemical Romance along with learning guitar made me realize I wanted to build a life around doing that as much as possible.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

My Chemical Romance was my first real musical love, they still influence me and my approach to this day.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

We’d love to work with someone from the hip hop world such as Saint Jhn or Ye.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Crying.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Imagine the best music you’ve ever fucking heard in your life. That’s what we sound like. Someone once compared us to Beethoven but I believe that was more in reference to our musical virtuosity – not so much the aesthetics of our sound.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Harlan cooks, James drinks, Josh plays Jack Johnson songs on the acoustic, and Jason sighs.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Meeting Sam Carter from Architects in Brighton was pretty nuts.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Being able to connect with fans at live shows will always be a massive highlight. I’d probably find work training martial arts, ideally jiu jitsu as that’s my other main passion.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’m always waiting for someone to ask me how I’m feeling – but really, yknow? The answer… Well, I’ll just keep taking it day by day. I’m just grateful to be a node of consciousness on this spinning rock we call Earth. I’m never tired of answering questions! Please give me all the questions.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I don’t truly regret anything that has happened so far as I recognise that it’s what has led to where I am and has taught me the lessons I’ve learned so far. Who knows where we’d be if things had happened differently.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Experiencing the making of the Black Album by Metallica would be sick since it was such a significant point for the band’s career and to learn from the production that was taking place in the studio to cause the evolution of the band and their sound would be amazing.

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Category: Interviews