MM - Would you like to start by introducing yourself
and the other members of the band to all our readers out there.
Baz - Guitar, vocals
John D- Vocals, guitar
Graham- Drums
Watts- Bass
MM -
How long have the band been together and how did you all meet?
John D - We've been together for bout 3 years now. Me and Baz met in school
and have been playing together in cover bands since we were 16. Watts has
been a friend for years and wanted to play bass with us. I've know Graham
since a very early age, he plays the drums like a fucker and is a really
good mate.
MM -
For any Flamin' Eights virgins out there, how would you describe your
music and who do you think it would most appeal to?
Baz - Heavy metal-rock n roll with a good tune. It probably appeals to
people who enjoy drinking and the almighty power of the riff!
MM -
How you found hailing from Newcastle a help or a hindrance to being in a
band? Does Newcastle, or for that matter the North East have much to offer
new bands out there?
John D - On a whole the Newcastle/ North East scene is a bit shite. It
seems to be all trendy rock n roll bands who have jumped on this whole
garage rock bollocks. At the minute there are only a hand full of bands
who are close to what we like and play, bands like Because We Can and The
Coyote men but they split up last year
MM -
What bands/artists have influenced you the most over the years? Who gave
you the inspiration to start up a band in the first place?
John D - The band which made me and Baz want to play were Iron Maiden.
Early Maiden stuff (pre Seventh Sun) is fuckin classic stuff. The list of
bands which have influenced us is endless. Bands such as Misfits, the
Wildhearts, Entombed, Hellacopters, Slayer, Anthrax, Motorhead, AC/DC the
list goes on and on. But not the Sex Pistols cos they were overrated shite.
MM -
If you could tour with any band out there right now, who would you choose
and why?
Baz - Anthrax cos the new album is amazing, but I hope they wouldn't turn
out to be a bunch of cunts. A full tour with Antiproduct would also be
great.
MM -
The band have a couple of CD's out there at the moment. Would you like to
tell us a little bit about both of them and where people can purchase
them.
Baz- you can get our two ep's from our gigs or online from
www.changesone.co.uk. John D - Our first ep 'Hey Kids, its….The Flamin
Eights' was recorded and mixed in one ten hour session last year and is
noisy as shit. The newer one 'High Level' shows off our new drummer Graham
and is heavy as fuck in places and a lot more tuneful in others.
MM -
What do you love the most about being in a band and on the flipside, what
do you hate about it too?
Baz - We hate cancelling gigs. Everything else we love.
MM -
Are the band currently signed to a record label?
Baz - Nope
MM -
How can fans keep up with the bands exploits and planned gigs etc?
John D - Keep checking our site
www.flamineights.co.uk and join the mailing list.
MM -The band toured with Anti Product late in 2002, how did that go and did
you enjoy it?
John D - We only played one show but wanted to do more. They were a really
nice bunch of people.
MM -
Do you find it difficult juggling being in a band and still having to live
in the real world and pay the bills? Do priorities sometimes clash?
Baz - The band might not pay too good but its what we NEED to do.
MM -
What was your highlight of 2002 and what do you hope 2003 will have in
store for you all?
Highlight of 2002 - Writing/ recording new tunes and playing loads of gigs
with our new drummer Graham.
Hopes for 2003 - Recording new ep/album, getting our asses signed, playing
as much as possible.
MM -
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Baz - Don't stick your dick in the devils daughter.
MM -
The band have forged strong links with the Five Miles High team, how did
you come to hook up with them?
John D- I passed on a copy of the Hey Kids ep and they liked noise. I've
been in contact ever since.
MM -
What's the most exciting band you've seen perform live (other than your
own!)?
John D - Rocket from the Crypt
Baz - The Misfits
MM -
What other up and coming band (s) would you recommend our readers check
out?
John D - New Island Sounds, Because We Can, Torquemarda.
MM -
Would you prefer to (a) hitting it big time in a short space of time and
make oodles of cash before dying a quick death, or (b) having a steady 20
year career that paid the bills and had a solid following?
Baz - A long career writing good songs, a good fan base and hopefully some
pence.
MM -
What are your opinions on music sharing programmes such as Napster and
Co.? Good all round or bad news for bands?
John D - Its great for new bands, it's the best way to get your stuff
heard. For your
'Metallicas' who bitch bout shit like Napster etc- Fuck em, they've got
plenty of money anyway.
Baz - And they're shite.
MM -
Lastly, is there anything you would like to share with our readers? What
would you like to tell all your fans out there?
John D - If you've never heard/ seen us get your self over to
www.flamineights.co.uk
and download some dirty, rock action.
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