Here's an interview I did recently with Sludge/Stoner/Noise Rockers - NAMAZU. Their debut album Works Cited was released last month and it's a great album if you're a fan of Torche and Red Fang.
NAMAZU is made up of Memphis scene veterans from Hosoi Bros and Tanks, who between them have shared the stage with Red Fang, Skeletonwitch, Truckfighters, The Sword, Torche, Gypsyhawk, Lord Dying, EYE, Generation of Vipers, Earthling, American Sharks, Clutch, and Anvil.
Lets see what NAMAZU have to say...
Hi guys. How are things with you today. Can you give a brief history of how the band came about and where it is today.NAMAZU is made up of Memphis scene veterans from Hosoi Bros and Tanks, who between them have shared the stage with Red Fang, Skeletonwitch, Truckfighters, The Sword, Torche, Gypsyhawk, Lord Dying, EYE, Generation of Vipers, Earthling, American Sharks, Clutch, and Anvil.
Lets see what NAMAZU have to say...
Sam and I worked together at the Hi Tone(Memphis rock club) and at one point his band Tanks broke up, and my band Hosoi Bros took some time off, and we started jamming. Booking a tour for January that will take us out to the west coast. Recording a new EP when we get back.
How would you describe your overall sound.
Heavy, fast, and angular.
We are here to talk about your debut album. What can people expect from the album. (Though my good pal Bucky Brown does a great job describing your album on your BandCamp Page).
We’re melodic but heavy, and faster than most sludge bands. Like a crossover stoner thrash punk band.
What influenced you all when recording the album.
All the records Kurt Ballou has produced.
Typhoon Killer is my own label. We didn’t even shop it around. Just put it on out.
What is the song-writing dynamic in the band. Is it a group participation or down to one individual.
I try and bring complete song ideas to Sam and Tyler, and then we jam through them and they put their own spin on things.
What influences you when writing music.
Lyrically, whatever book I am reading at the time is what I write about. Musically, it’s whatever record I’m into at the time. Right now I’m really into Victory Lap, Propagandhi’s new album.
Are you all involved with different musical projects or is this your main band.
Sam (NAMAZU drummer) plays bass with me in Hosoi Bros, but NAMAZU is our main band right now. All of our energy is focused on getting this album into as many ears as possible.
What is your musical setup when performing or recording live. Is it an advanced setup or a basic setup.
I run an A/B pedal and play through a 1980 Sunn Concert Lead and an old Ampeg solid state head.
How hard is it for Namazu stand-out from the crowd. Or do you not worry about things like that.
I’d like to think we do things differently than some bands. We’re not really trying to fit into a certain genre or scene. We just like playing fast and loud.
Memphis is pretty dead right now. Kind of sad.
Do you perform many local gigs or do you have to travel further afield.
We play with bands we like when they come through town, but right now there’s just not too many people hitting up Memphis. We’ll be touring out west in January, and we actually have a connection in Brazil so we’re going to try and tour down there to. Definitely looking to get over to Europe soon.
I've seen from your Facebook Page that you've supported a ton of awesome bands over the years. Along with ANVIL as well. (Nothing wrong with ANVIL. Love those guys. Saw them at a gig years ago and they were fantastic). How did you get that gig with Anvil as you're not the same type of music and how did their fans react to your set.
That was actually Sam’s old band Tanks, who had even less in common with Anvil musically than we do. Ha ha. They played some weird festival down in Mobile with them.
Before you go, do you have anything to say to your fans.
I’m a lifer. I’ll be doing this when I’m old and gray.
Words by Steve Howe and NAMAZU
I've seen from your Facebook Page that you've supported a ton of awesome bands over the years. Along with ANVIL as well. (Nothing wrong with ANVIL. Love those guys. Saw them at a gig years ago and they were fantastic). How did you get that gig with Anvil as you're not the same type of music and how did their fans react to your set.
That was actually Sam’s old band Tanks, who had even less in common with Anvil musically than we do. Ha ha. They played some weird festival down in Mobile with them.
Before you go, do you have anything to say to your fans.
I’m a lifer. I’ll be doing this when I’m old and gray.
Words by Steve Howe and NAMAZU
