Interview with Dave Haley
How did you come about obtaining the band name?
A friend of our previous singer came up with the name. We were stuck and couldn’t come up with anything. He said "metal band names are easy to come up with. Psycroptic. There you go!" We liked it and ran with it. I haven’t seen the dude since though.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?
I would say, "Well, just jump online and download some tracks like everyone else does or look on YouTube! It will take five seconds to hear some of their stuff." That’s the easiest way. But if you want to put us in a category then I guess its death metal or extreme metal or just metal.
What one thing do you feel sets you apart from the rest in this genre?
We just write stuff we want to hear. A cool riff is a cool riff. Each album we do is different as we evolve and add / subtract elements. We get bored playing the same sort of stuff so we are always changing. Some people like it, others don’t; each to their own. We'll keep playing as long as it remains fun for us.
David Haley - Drums - since 1999
How long did it take to record your 2008 CD ‘Ob(Servant)’? And is there any particular message you are trying to relay to your audience with this album?
Observant took us a few months to do; on and off. Since we all work day jobs and we have our own studio we just chip away at the recording process. There isn’t a particular message we're trying to get across. We all have our own and very different opinions so I wouldn’t push a 'message' on to my band mates, let alone the listener. We're working on a new album as we speak. We started it in February this year and we are still chipping away at it. It should be done and mixed by September. It’s a catchy one, to say the least!
I understand you released this through Nuclear Blast. Do you think record companies actually make the recording process any easier?
Yes, Ob(Servant) was and our upcoming untitled album will be on Nuclear Blast. They make it easier financially, but other than that they let us do our own thing which is great. They aren’t telling us what to play or how to play it. All they say is, "Can’t wait to hear it!" Great label and great people!
How have things changed overall for Psycroptic between ‘Isle Of Disenchantment’ and ‘Ob(Servant)’? Many, if any, lessons learned?
We've all got a bit older and wiser I guess. We have done a lot of touring and seen a lot of new places. As far as lessons learned yeah, a lot. How to do things and how not to do things. You learn from your mistakes and get inspiration from your achievements, so the band has had a positive influence on all of us. I still wish we could make a living out of it as it would make things a lot easier!
You released ‘Initiation’, a live DVD compilation, in 2010. Are there any plans for a new music video and which is your favourite video thus far?
Well, Initiate was the first 'pro' film clip we have had, where it was planned and scripted. It turned out pretty well I think, especially since there was a non-existent budget for it. We are planning to do two for the new one. I have a couple of friends who are excellent video production dudes and they are very keen to get started on it all.
When you go into recording mode, do you find it easy or challenging?
It’s always challenging and to be honest I’m never happy. There are always things that could’ve or should’ve been done or done better. But that’s just part of it all I guess. We only feel pressure from ourselves as we want to do the best job we possibly can. Since we're doing it for the love of it and not financial return, we aren’t trying to make it commercial or make sure there is a 'hit' on it. We just want to create the best album possible.
Jason Peppiatt - Vocals - since 2005
Who’s responsible for the bands artwork?
Haha, people should purchase the CDs to read the credits. All our albums have artwork and lyrical credits in them. Buy it, check it out. We even get people emailing and asking, "Can you send me lyrics?" Um, its printed in the booklet! It will cost you $15 to buy. I’m not being a smartass, but it does cost us a lot of cash to produce albums.
How hard has it been to get to this point?
Well, living in Tasmania doesn’t help as we have to jump on a plane just to play shows. That being said, it hasn’t been that hard. We've only had to kick one member out due to a shit attitude, so I guess it’s been pretty good thus far.
Where does your main fan base / support tend to lie?
We have fans all over the world, but Australia is very supportive of us. Canada also treats us quite well. We like touring the Asian region as well. There are some very dedicated and excited fans there.
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RELEASES:
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Initiation
DVD - 2010
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Observant
2008
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Symbols Of Failure
2006
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Scepter Of The Ancients
2003
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Isle Of Disenchantment
2001
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Can you recall a favourite venue?
It’s always great to play the Brisbane Hotel in Hobart. It’s our local and they treat us very well and the hometown crowd is great as well.
After a live performance do you tend to go and hang out with the fans or do you prefer to keep to yourself?
It depends really. It’s always cool hanging out at the merch desk and watching other bands play, but sometimes you just have to sleep. If it’s been a huge drive or long flight, we just crash out before going on stage so we can do the best performance possible. There are heaps of really cool stories and fun times we've had. Haha, but I can’t really single one out. Just come to a show and hangout with us and party!
What would be your most memorable gig / performance to date?
I would say playing China would be the most surreal experience to date. It’s a country I personally have always wanted to go to and when we got the opportunity to play three shows there we jumped at the chance. Playing on stage at a festival there, I was just thinking, "Man, I would have never expected this to be happening!" Good times!
What are some of your favourite Australian acts? And have you had the chance to play alongside them?
It’s always great to play with other bands like The Amenta, Blood Duster, Ruins, Alarum and Portal. Oh, there are heaps of great bands in Australia! We've been fortunate enough to play with a tonne of great bands as well as a tonne of not so great bands. Haha...
Cameron Grant - Bass - since 1999
Have you got a favourite song you like to play? And is there one in particular your fans seem to prefer?
Well, the new tracks we are doing are my faves to play at the moment. It depends really. Ask me again next week and I might say the older stuff. People love to hear songs like ‘Observant’, ‘Colour Of Sleep’ and ‘Alpha Breed’ but we have a lot of songs to choose from. I can’t wait to get out and play the new songs live.
You are about to embark on a Bastard Fest adventure throughout Australia and New Zealand during September and October. What insight can you share with my readers about the kind of music and antics folks can expect from attending this tour?
It’s going to be a fucking awesome day, so make sure you come out! The line-ups are very diverse and have something for everyone. We will be playing about three or four new tracks from the upcoming album, so it will be a good chance for people to get a bit of a sneak peak so to speak. Get off your asses and come to the show!
If you created your own metal festival, who would you prefer was playing alongside you and where would that be?
It would be the Bastard Fest tour! ;)
What kind of instruments do you use?
I use Pearl, Zildjian and Axis. I’m endorsed by these companies and I’m very proud to be. Joe uses Ormsby guitars and Cam uses Musicman basses.
What have been some of the more bizarre signings you’ve had?
Signing breasts is always a weird and cool thing to do! I've signed mobile phones a few times which I always find odd. Actually, I find the whole signing concept a little weird!
Have you ever had any Mystical experiences?
Yes, but none that I wish to discuss in an interview. I’m happy to chat about it to anyone who wants, but only in private.
Joe Haley - Guitar - since 1999
Where can people purchase your music and merchandise from?
You can purchase a lot of Psycroptic merch and music from our webstore. We run this store and all money goes to us, so please check it out.
What was the main reason you chose this career path and has it turned out as expected?
Haha, it’s not a career as we don’t earn a living from it! I didn’t choose it either, it chose me. I never had any expectations and still don’t, so as long as I’m happy, it’s going well.
Let’s pretend you were creating a tour survival guide. What would be your top three tips for surviving a long tour with the band?
Baby wipes for when you can’t get a shower, talcum powder for your stinky feet and ear plugs for when other dudes snore.
From all the places you’ve been able to travel to, have you come across any which you’d consider a good holiday destination?
Most of the places I have been I'd love to holiday except for the US. I don’t really consider that place a ‘holiday’ destination. Mexico was super cool and I'd love to go back as soon as possible; Great food, awesome people and the weather is good.
What words of advice can you offer anyone looking to enter the music industry?
Just remember if you’re playing the instrument, you won’t make the money. If you’re looking at it as a job, well I'd say look somewhere else. If you’re doing it for the love of it, then you'll be fine.
Anything you'd like to add or say to your fans?
See you all at the Bastard Fest shows and we'll have a new album out early 2012. Thanks a lot!
LINKS
Psycroptic Website
Psycroptic Myspace
Psycroptic Facebook
Psycroptic Webstore
Soundworks Touring
‘Interview with Psycroptic’ by Déa di Morté © 09 August 2011
Hails! to Dave Haley for agreeing to participate and taking the time to complete this interview
All pictures courtesy of Psycroptic, Stygian Studio, Zouille and Soundworks Touring