Bleeders - Bleeders Newsletter Interview
08 Sep 2016 // An interview by Shade
NZ music legends in their own right, the Bleeders are known for their hard-hitting and ear-splitting performances that leave you begging for more. November this year brings us more such brutal performances from this incredible act, at the Kings Arms in Auckland with Fireshark and Blue Ruin on the 25th, and at the NZ Tattoo and Art Festival in New Plymouth on the 26th - definitely shows that shouldn't be missed out on.
Angelo answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:
How did you become involved in music?
I've loved music since I was very young, I would draw pictures of myself as a "rockstar". My sister introduced me to the Sex Pistols and the Clash, and that's where my love of music really took off, as soon as I was old enough to join bands I did.. from my teenage years onwards..
If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
There's so many. My favourite band is always rotating between 4/5 different acts, but today let's just say The Cure. I saw them recently at Vector Arena and yet again they blew my mind. Such a magical experience.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
It would have to be Out Of Time. It's probably not my favourite song, but the message behind it nearly chokes me up every time. Also the response we get when we play it and, in particular our friends response, is very special.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
Look it's probably a dirty word but I'd say it's crossover Punk, influences in Punk/Hardcore but a lot more melodic and rocky.
What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
We are playing 2 shows in November; our own headliner at the Kings Arms on the 25th and at the NZ Tattoo and Art Festival in New Plymouth on the 26th.. it's gonna be a blast!
I'd like to see some of those 90's Rock bands come out of the woodworks, Loves Ugly Children, Future Stupid, Semi Lemon Kola etc.. I just felt we had a really strong alternative scene in the 90's and those bands would get a great response if they played again!
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
The new Saving Grace is sick! Also the debut full length from Too Late, another banger.. and I have to say I'm feeling the catchy single from that band Broods!
What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?
The Kings Arms for me for sure. We played our very first gig there, we came up from opening gigs there to selling it out, and our show on the 25th will be at our old stomping ground again!
Have you got any tips for dealing with nerves before a gig?
Nah not at all.. I guess growing up in the Hardcore scene, the crowd were always my friends so nothing to be really nervous about, to be honest the Hardcore/Punk scene is to thanks for all my confidence in every facet of the music game.
How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc.?
Well music is extremely part time for me these days.. I had a good run with the band and some great memories travelling around, but these days I'm very passionate about my career and family/home life.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Everything around me. Politically what's happening in the world, environmentally, socially, you just need to take a look around really.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Just get out there and do it! The internet has really opened up the door and levelled the playing field for the whole world to hear our music here in NZ. Practise hard and DIY-do it yourself, we got noticed as we were wiling to go the extra mile, flyer runs, pasting up posters around town, sticker runs you name it.
If you are willing to work hard things will happen for you!
About Bleeders
Formed in 2002, it didn't take long for Auckland based Bleeders to take off. In their debut year they released the legendary hardcore punk NZ classic A Bleeding Heart EP. This was followed by constant sold out shows all over NZ. In 2004 the band was rewarded for their hard work and ever growing fan base by signing a record deal to Universal Music.
2006 was a huge year for the Bleeders. Their debut album, the anthemic power house that is Sweet As Sin, reached 2 in the charts, garnered them Best Breakthough Artist and Best Rock Album at the 2006 New Zealand Music Awards and went on to sell Gold. The band toured like maniacs in NZ and headed across the Tasman no less than five times at the invitation of everyone from Avenged Sevenfold and AFI to Aussie acts Gyroscope and Behind Crimson Eyes.
The self-titled follow up to Sweet As Sin rejects any notion of resting on laurels. Produced by Clint Murphy and the Bleeders at Auckland's York Street Studios and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York, Bleeders was a return to the brutal vitality that first brought them to people's attention.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Bleeders
As Sweet As Sin
A Bleeding Heart