 Photo taken from “Leerers” Image captures by Darcy Goodrem, Styled by Shrimpwitch, MUA Alissa Tothpal Name
Georgi Goonsack Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I’m from the bottom of a rock-pool, and now I dive/live in dive bars. Also originally from the south-east but I’m riding my bike around the inner-north now. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started playing drums at a house-party, people thought I was good, so a couple of months later, Shrimpwitch was brought into the universe and voila! So playing drums since 2015 and have no proper training. do not really know how to play guitar or anything. I was drawn to it because I felt like it was natural, and I could teach myself. Hitting things in a controlled environment is a really powerful means of meditation. Do you play any other instruments? Hmm, I guess I play my luck! I sing and drum at the same time, and sometimes I play pretty fast, so I suppose my “vocals” could be another instrument. I like wordplay and foreplay. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? Well, there is Shrimpwitch, and I am singing in a new band with some friends who are all in different bands. We are a super group! We haven’t got a name yet. I think we’re going to be a party band that rocks and you can dance to it and I’m excited to be able to sing some songs that don’t make it into Shrimpwitch. I still wanna be funny but write deep stuff, but just in a different way. I’m also in the process of planning an album and we’ve just recently filmed for a clip for our 1.45 minute length song, “Leerers”. I am so stoked about it. I spent ages finding costumes and there were so many people who help make my dream happen. We’re doing so much this year and will do a split single! What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I haven’t been in any other bands but I have made short films in TAFE and for fun. I have done back-up singing in some friend’s bands, like I sung the femme vocals on the LOOBS album, Bubblewrap, and I’ve done some on stage with Cable Ties. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? Kim Prawn and I both write the songs. Our songwriting process begins with me writing a dramatic poem and a loose melody, I take it to practice and chuck a nifty drumbeat behind it and we collaborate the rest. Kim is truly a witch, her guitaring is so perfect and she can make it all sound just how it was meant to. I write songs based on food, sex or being angry at the government. We need to write angry and sexy music because damn happy/poppy songs, I’m not a “happy” person, I’m pissed off at the notion of reducing myself to be feminine. I don’t really like happy music so I always write about my anxiety, my fears and also just weird shit. I want to challenge what the hell “feminine” is for myself and then aggressively through it back into the world. Other people can do happy music- good on them. We always spend time coming up with matching outfits and we love a good prop. I love doing our own artwork and I write all our press release shit. Words are fun. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? Collaboration is so deeply important. I think I really discussed my collaboration thoughts earlier. For instance, for our film clip, talking to heaps of people at Old Bar and The Tote, all giving me heaps of suggestions and encouragement meant that it was the best it could be. Grimm Sisters made props for the clip, my mates Kelly, Phoebe, Lucy and Darcy who made the LOOBS clips worked hard on helping seeing out my vision. It’s just so important because we all need each other. People can be really smart, kind and intelligent, you know? Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? Well! Recent bands I’m loving are Moody Beaches and Loose Tooth. I’m listening to Bad Beats of Badsville by The Cramps album a lot. I’m always just trying to tune into local music so some old classics I go to are Cable Ties, Mod Con, Swim Team, Lazertits, Hearts & Rockets, GLOVV, Boat Show, Rolling Blackouts CF, HABITS, LOOBS and so much more. I am listening to heaps of podcasts too. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Favourite drummers??? Omg drummers are the best. It’s kind of like asking someone who their favourite child is. It’s hard to pick, I think personality affects how I like someone’s drumming. I really like Tino from Face Face’s style- it’s got personality! Jim from LOOBS, he’s always pushing himself and chucks in cute fills. Etta from Loose Tooth is a singer and drummer too, so I appreciate and understand her “narrative” flow and style. Finally there’s Hamish from Eat-Man who plays really fast and punchy. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I growl and snarl and hold long notes while playing drums really fast. I think that’s pretty unique to what I see other bands doing. I keep my foot on the kick pedal and play it throughout the entire set. I can’t not. I use my tambourine, “Ashton”, quite a lot, so it adds an extra layer of sound and sounds more cuter/playful than hearing me just smash my high-hats. I use my crash like a ride and have it on the left. Kim and I have a lot of duel-singing, so our voices blend together and when we sing together, it sounds in simpatico. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I drink wine!!!!!!!! And I sing the blues in the shower. I hold a note really low and try to get it higher and louder. Practice routine? The usual smacking my thighs with my eyes partially closed, imagining there’s a kit in front of me. I also listen to our music while I get read to remind myself when “that part” comes up. Because it’s so important to know what to do when “that part” comes up! Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? I definitely always knew that in this day and age, it’s important to have an image, a look, if you will. I use Instagram and Facebook all the time. I think it’s important to make yourself seem accessible and I also really like shitposting. I like connecting to people, that’s why I became an artist. It’s great having a good rapport with shrimplings (Shrimpwitch fans). Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? HA! Um, well I have used band money for luxuries like rent and food. I make a career out of it, I mean I can’t see myself not playing and performing in my life. It’s a lot of work to be in a band, so it is a big job. I just recently got another job which requires me to talk to people all the time, so that makes me happy. Ahh, connecting... Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Self-esteem? Um let’s see. Well playing sold-out Tote shows are good, we played the Melbourne equivalent of Goner Fest, we’ve played Halloween shows, we released a 7” record. I think day-by-day is the best part, it’s the learning on where you can go and what you can do. I think the personal achievements are the things that take me to that “place” that is “cool”. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? I don’t know, I don’t know much more that I did then. I’m just a bit faster and I have more skills. I’d probably just say to do more upper-body exercise and I don’t know, “relax”? Other thoughts/info People always said, “Wow, you play drums and sing? That much be hard!” Well I didn’t think it was hard for the first year and a half, but now that I spend more time trying to challenge myself and write more complex songs, I’d have to tell them, that it is quite hard. But I really enjoy it. Also I think I’m good at drums, but also, who cares, I play them the way I want to play them. Also it’s hard wearing platform shoes and playing drums which is disappointing. Big hair is good when I’m drumming. Also drumming is cool because you get to sit down and standing can be tiring. Thanks for reading about my feelings, that was cool and I’m glad to be here. I’m going to watch some documentaries on Youtube and research stuff for work. Also I’ve done heaps of admin today. Ok, see you later, reader. Website http://facebook.com/shrimpwitch Instagram: @shrimpwitch http://shrimpwitch.bandcamp.com
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 Photo by Mai Gryffydd Name
Lei Gryffydd Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I’m originally from Brisbane and have been living in Melbourne for nearly ten years. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? My twin and I bought a drumkit when we were 16 in the hopes of finding a drummer to play in our band. We thought it would improve our chances if we made it easier for band practice. We were all too young to drive and not everyone had their own drum kit. It didn’t solve our problem - the music was really weird (not in a good way) and so were we. In hindsight, I had always wanted to play drums and this might’ve been an excuse to get a drum kit. I quickly started teaching myself from a drum book. I was practicing guitar for at least 6 hours per day and playing around on the drums was my fun time. I was drawn to drums because they were confusing and elusive. I still find drums the most challenging instrument to play. Do you play any other instruments? My main instrument is guitar and I play synths. I started off playing keyboards, french horn and violin as a child. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I have a band called GLOVV with my twin, Mai. We also run Identical Records, a queer non for profit music organisation. Our other band, Stationary Suns is with John Tucker and my all time favourite drummer, Monika Fikerle. We helped our friends start their first band, Cystic Nightmare. I played drums with them for 18 months and recently left to focus on finishing my doctorate. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? Mai and I started our first proper band, Me Mu & Meow when we were 17 in Brisbane. We started Acid Casualty when we were 20 and had moved to Melbourne. This was my first band playing drums. I still wanted to play guitar in a band so Mai and I formed Hissey Miyake, which we renamed GLOVV after our drummer left. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I am a songwriter, more so than a drummer. I write lyrics in bursts, as a way of processing emotions and negative experiences. Musically, I generally start with a beat or riff and build upwards. Mai and I have been writing music together since we were 14 and I love our songwriting team. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I love collaborating with other musicians and artists, in theory. In practice, I often find it very difficult. I am a perfectionist and have strong creative visions. I am also a very big people pleaser and end up dissatisfied after trying to accommodate other’s ideas. Stationary Suns works really well because we have distinct roles. Mai and I write the songs, Monika and Johnny have input on the song structure. It is also frustrating to work with people who use music as a tool for another goal or agenda. Everyone’s time and energy is wasted when it inevitably ends in disappointment. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? I haven’t stopped listening to Aseul’s new release, Asobi since it was released last month. Plus Rainbow Chan’s new single, Promises, Kirara’s new album, Sarah, Drama’s EP Lies after Love, and CIFIKA’s EP PRISM. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Mick Fleetwood was my favourite drummer as a young child. Tobi Vail from Frumpies/Bikini Kill was my biggest teen idol. Also, Mercedes (Kitty), Hannah Blilie since first hearing Chrome Rats vs. Basement Rutz by Chromatics and Emma Gaze from electrelance, probably my favourite band from recent years. I first heard Love of Diagrams when I was 16 and have been in awe of Monika Fikerle’s unique drumming ever since. Monika is now one of my closest friends and has been my bandmate for several years. I still feel unbelievably lucky to play with her. Dreams do come true! How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I would describe my various music projects as unsettling pop songs with sad, angry lyrics and bratty high pitched vocals. They typically feature driving bass and angular guitar. The exception being GLOVV, it has electronic production and synths. I would say my music is an acquired taste, insufferable rather than unique! haha. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I have a few songs that I run through for a warm up. I want to practice more and improve my drumming skills. I can’t wait to learn more drums and sound engineering once I submit my thesis. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? I am lucky to have a twin who looks after our social media. So Mai handles the social media side of our bands and record label and I look after our website content and design. We use our website to promote other artists, primarily focussing on LGBTQIA+, POC and women artists. It has helped us develop and maintain relationships with artists. It's been more rewarding than just self-promotion. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? This is an important question to ask. Money tends to be a restricted topic, never openly discussed, just insinuated and often misrepresented. The music industry is incredibly classist. Having access to music education and expensive equipment is a huge privilege. It involves a huge time commitment and this is unfeasible for many people, such as those working long hours in low paying jobs in order to survive. Artists are considered successful if they earn an income from their music. There is a sense of shame in having another job so these are kept secret whilst plenty of “fulltime” musicians are supported by their wealthy family. This just perpetuates an unachievable dream where success is just financial status. Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Tasmania, it is the coldest place I have played a show. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? You can use a kick. The issue is your kick pedal is broken. Don’t overthink when performing and scrutinize your hands and feet. They know what they are doing so let them do it. Other thoughts/info If you are having trouble finding a drummer, become your own drummer. Don’t be afraid to get behind the kit. Or make your own beats. Website Identical Records - http://identicalrecords.com/ Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/identicalrecords Identical Records Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identicalrecords/ Identical Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/identicalrecords/ GLOVV Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/glovvband/ GLOVV Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glovvband Stationary Suns Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stationarysuns/  Photo by Hannan Paul (@shotbyhannan) Name
Astrid Holz Where are you from and/or where do you live now? Always been a Sydney-sider! How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started playing drums when I was about 15, which means I’ve been playing for almost 20 years - yikes! My decision to start playing is a bit of a funny story. I remember watching Conan O’Brien with my Dad one night, and mentioning something about how cool Max Weinberg was, and that it would be pretty awesome to be able to play the drums (I already played piano and trumpet). It was a tough time for my parents, as they were going through the initial stages of a divorce but were still living in the same house while they were getting their lives in order. The next day, Dad went off and bought me a drum kit. Mum was not impressed. Luckily, I didn’t read too much into and and blissfully bashed away in my room while it probably made things worse between my folks. I don’t think either of them imagined how much that instrument was going to be a part of my life! Do you play any other instruments? I did play trumpet at school - much better than I played drums that’s for sure! But alas I don’t practice anymore. I love playing guitar and piano whenever I get time. What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? I play drums in Rackett, and my talented partner (Kat Ayala - also the guitarist in Rackett) and I produce music under the name Forces & Fury. Kat and I built a small studio in Marrickville, and we use it as a rehearsal and recording space. We love to write music, and also work with singer/songwriters to help arrange and produce their songs. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I have been in heaps of original and cover bands since I was 16, but the longest run before Rackett was a band called Bonney Read, which I played in for about four years with some big shows and an international tour. I’ve also worked on production for a few artists, most recently the talented Sydney rapper Sarah Maxwell, who released an EP that Kat and I produced. Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? I do write music with Kat. We have a number of songs that are complete, we’re just finalising vocalists for them. Neither of us sing very well, so we reached out to singers we adore to sing the melodies for us. It’s been very special recording different vocalists on each of our tracks, and our first EP is shaping up to be something we’re immensely proud of. We’d love to release some music soon, but time is pretty tight with Rackett performing a couple of times a week. Things are in the pipeline though! What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? Collaboration is what music is about! It makes good ideas great, and it is the main reason I love music. My aim is to collaborate and play with as many people as possible. It undeniably makes you a better musician, and it makes every musical experience exciting. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? It’s pretty eclectic! Recently I’d had a relapse into my teens and early 20s with Radiohead and Death Cab for Cutie, but I’ve mixed in with some Osaka Punch, Mammal, DJ Shadow, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Turtleskull. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? why? Favourite drummers are Taylor Hawkins, Stuart Copeland and Matt McGuire, but Anika Nilles probably inspires me the most. There are many great female drummers out there, but few have the technical ability that Anika does - she really inspires me to do my rudiments! She also doesn’t use her sexuality and play the “gorgeous female drummer” card - and she totally could if she wanted to! She’s just an incredible musician who has spent countless hours developing her skills. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? There’s no doubt I’m a hard hitting rock drummer, and so I mostly play pop and rock genres. The stuff I write with Kat is very pop/rock with an element of trip hop - it wasn’t a conscious decision to create that sound, it just always comes out that way. As I’m really focussing on my drumming at the moment, I’m working on increasing my dynamics and expanding my grooves with some mentoring from the incredible Dane Pulvirenti. I want to push past the point of being a good solid drummer and move towards being incredible in a variety of genres. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? There are a few exercises I do before a show, mostly taken from Benny Grebb. My practice routine depends on what I’m focussing on at the time. It always involves some kind of paradiddles, doubles, singles with varied accents, reading “Syncopation” or “Stick Control” and playing along to Toto. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? The band uses socials heaps - photos and videos go up daily. We also employ publicists to help get the message out about singles and tours, and do poster runs, and pay for ads in street magazines and community radio stations. Kat and I use mainly socials for our production stuff and our own personal musician profiles. It’s a never-ending cycle of promotion really. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? No - not yet anyway. I’m actually a sound engineer by trade, and so I probably could work full time doing live and studio sound, however that work would most definitely clash with the live gigging schedule. I work a part time day-job, and spend the rest of the time gigging or producing. I feel very fortunate to be able to do this. Fingers crossed one day I won’t need the day-job anymore! Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? There’s a few actually! I got to tour the Philippines with my old band Bonney Read and we did some charity work over there - that was AMAZING. I’ve also had some incredible experiences with Rackett over the past year - supporting The Superjesus, Killing Heidi, Spiderbait, Ali Barter, playing Groove in the Moo - the list goes on! I feel incredibly fortunate to be playing in a band that is getting such awesome performance opportunities, not to mention that I’m also able to share these experiences with my partner and two other lovely and talented musicians. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? I think I’d tell myself to keep getting lessons, and if one teacher isn’t working, go to another one! It’s so important to just have someone on your side to inspire you to try new things and celebrate the little accomplishments. Website www.forcesandfury.com Instagram: @asti_holz and @rackett.tv  Photo by Laura Du Ve Name
Sullivan „Sully” Patten Where are you from and/or where do you live now? I grew up in Queensland and have lived in Melbourne since the beginning of the year, after spending many years in Berlin. How long have you been playing drums? And what initially drew you to the instrument? I started playing drums that were around my house as a kid, my older brother played drums in a band. I started playing more seriously when I decided to start a band in High School when I was 16 and assigned myself as Drummer/Singer, I just picked it up I guess. I think I tended to be attracted to the noisier instruments and it came pretty natural to me. Do you play any other instruments? I can play trumpet – I played this to a professional level, but decided not to pursue it further. I can also play piano and guitar, but at a much more novice level What bands/projects/collaborations are you involved in right now? Currently I’m figuring that out! There have been a few offers and I’m trying to decide where I want to direct my attention and focus my energies. I’m really excited about working on some new collaborations. I still work on my solo stuff and although we aren’t currently active, am still involved with I Heart Hiroshima. What else have you previously been involved in (bands/shows/projects etc)? I have been in a bunch of bands as an integral member and as a session musician such as I Heart Hiroshima, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Sia, Ve, Creep (NYC), Robert Forster, Heinz Reigler, Jens Lekman (Sweden), Stereogamous, Black Cracker and probably more that I am forgetting! I have also worked with a few MCs as their DJ such as Miss Blanks and SK Simeon Do you write music or develop your own shows? What are they about/how have they come about? Yes I do. My writing tends to be come in waves as opposed to being a constant stream, which can be frustrating as an artist, when you want to write but it isn’t happening. I trust that it happens when the time, vibe and energy is right. What are your thoughts on collaboration in music and in the projects you’re involved in or the projects you run? I love collaborating! It’s very exciting to me currently as I think I have spent too much time in the past few years in my own head so enjoy bouncing ideas of other artists. Who are you listening to/whose music are you enjoying right now? Currently I am into Tommy Genesis, Bbymutha, Neana, Shygirl, Lauren Flax, Quay Dash, Ciara, Mojo Juju, Teyana Taylor, Baba Stilz and Sarah Mary Chadwick. Do you have any favourite drummers? Or other musicians who inspire you? Why? My friend Stella Mozgwa has done amazing things with her drumming/life and I admire her journey and style of drumming. Jim White was a huge inspiration for me when I was younger and saw his animalistic style drumming when he played in the Dirty Three and with Cat Power. Locally, Raquelle from Various Asses/Modcon, Simona Castricum and Shauna from Cable Ties are all really fun to watch. How would you describe the kind of music or projects you’re mostly involved in? And what kind of unique perspective/sound do you bring to these gigs? I would say I am “known” for playing in more indie/punk/grunge bands but I’m trying to diversify that and love playing with more genre expanding projects. I love electronic music, house techno and hip hop so I like to blend all those elements together. Do you have a particular warm up or practice routine? Or favourite exercises? I really don’t! I have had back issues in the past when on really long tours or when I was playing loads, so I would always stretch before shows and carried along two tennis balls taped together that helped loosen up and massage my lower back, buying a good quality drum throne really helped that though. Does social media play a big part in how you promote yourself as an artist and your various projects? Do you promote your work in other ways? Yeah I think social media is the only I promote myself – asides from word of mouth. I am a pretty confident person, but talking about myself is pretty difficult and I represent myself so it’s hard to talk yourself up sometimes. I love Instagram for promo though and it works with my brain. Do you make a living from music? What different types of work does this comprise? I work in the music industry in different fields, so yes I make a living from music – but not primarily as a musician. My income streams are from my job working for a ticketing agency, as a booking agent for a few artists, as a promoter and DJ/musician. Many pies! Where’s the coolest place that music has taken you? Touring in Vietnam and Cambodia with Ratatat was pretty special, touring in Europe is amazing too but in a very different way. If you could give your younger drumming self some advice what would it be? It’s ok if you don’t become famous ☺ Website http://www.sullivanpatten.com |
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