Project Description
“Amnplify Snapshot“:
GRASSHOLE
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Grasshole are a three-piece Rock outfit from Melbourne, Australia. Grasshole combine elements of Grunge, Rock and Punk to create their endearing and progressive sonic. Amnplify went in depth with the band recently as the below displays.
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How would you describe your journey in the music industry so far, and where do you want to go from here with your music?
K: Its been pretty wild. We’ve experienced a lot as a band and individually from past groups. The highs and lows are too numerous too mention, but they all culminate in an amazing experience. We love the challenge of working in one of the hardest industries in the world. Its always worth it to reach those people that truly get it and love it. Expanding that reach is the number one priority, and means the world to all of us when it happens. That feeling (generally as a kid) you get when you first hear that band that turns you on, is a feeling I want to inspire for others. To have done that in various forms
R: I think that we have all known from a very early age that music is one of the really magic forms of expression; that it has the power to emotionally move you, excite you and make you want to get better at it. Performance was the natural progression of loving playing and getting good at it. The great thing about starting early is you have few reservations and little fear. A perfect way to flourish. And then I guess it becomes a bit of a habit, like kicking the football. There is no greater thrill!
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When did you know you wanted to make music, and perform as your career?
K: I grew up surrounded by musos and it was such a hugely influential moment hearing my first P Bass going full tilt! Even just watching my dad rehearse with rock bands over the years and soaking up the vibrations in the corner of the room. I saw something special in what 3 instruments could create in unison and have been mesmerised ever since.
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Who have been your musical influences or artists you have admired growing up?
K: Honestly too many to name. The obvious ones are 90’s grunge bands around the seattle and a lot of the pop punk scene. In recent years I’ve looked for more bands outside that scope that still deliver that energy with a more obscure flare. Biffy Clyro, Kvelertak, Queens of The Stone Age have really unique approaches to their sound that always ignite my musical flame. There are also just so many influential local bands in Australia that are super talented. Across the 12 years i’ve been in playing ive had some amazing inspiration from watching the talent here.
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Are there any artists or musicians that you have been so impacted by that it changed your view on life or mentality toward music?
K: Nirvana made a profound impact at an early age, beyond the songwriting, it was more for the live show. I remember watching ‘Lithium’ and being mesmerised by their live energy and really felt like it was some ‘holy trinity’ of energy being burnt into my eyes haha. On the flipside, experiencing the lows of life at various points led me to find beauty and catharsis in Elliott Smith’s music and lyrics. Watching a lot of my mates play over the years also really inspired me. Some of them aren’t with us anymore so I always think about how lucky I am that I get to enjoy what I do.
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How do you feel your sound has developed over your time releasing music?
K: I think we have found a nice middle road between the straight pop rock we love in the first self titled EP, and the more progressive stoner journey we were taking on ‘The Unification Proclamation’ EP.
The need to keep things interesting musically, poetically poignant lyrically, and hooky for our fans has really come to fruition on ‘Fuzz of Flavour’. I think we will still play across a broad spectrum of genres and don’t really want to pigeon-hole ourselves, but after 3 CD’s theres a certain continuity to what we are doing which has finally settled as the “Grasshole Sound”
R: We were a 2 piece for 4 years and our Debut self-titled EP was quite garage in its own way; at least it definitely represented a starting point for the band from which we could grow.
Our 2nd EP ‘The Unification Proclamation’ was a conscious decision to explore more progressive song ideas and sonic landscapes and perhaps a more developed sound for the band. We felt good about it but we were stunned and very encouraged by the reaction to its release in the United States where it had substantial rotation on over 90 radio stations (mainly college radio) and where we cracked three No 1’s in their charts. Not bad for a DIY band from Melbourne who weren’t particularly well known even in our own town!
The album Fuzz of Flavour is a big leap again. Our sound has evolved and with the inclusion of our bass player Fredrik (who we found in Sweden when touring in 2016) we have been able to develop our sound to another level.
The objective of the band has always been to continue to concentrate on writing new material to keep it exciting and to challenge each other as musicians. Karis is prolific with his song writing and this continues to mature along with the songs & contributions of the band.
We felt sure that we had some good songs. Playing them live and gauging the direct energy response from the crowd has been a great experience. Though it’s still early days we feel that the album can withstand the scrutiny that comes from interviewers, reviewers and more importantly the public. And be accepted for what it is – a 13 track solid power rock album. We always knew we could only ever have one Debut Album release so we are pleased that after some delay the early reaction is great & the final product is strong.
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What are your goals for 2018 with the release of your album ‘Fuzz of Flavour.’ ?
K: We always have lofty ambitions with each year, and usually set out to achieve what we plan to do. This year, ambitions and opportunities for international touring are on the table. Celebrating the release of this album through shows and new contacts are a big focus, but we don’t get settled for too long. Demo’s for the 2nd full length LP will be in the works, and whittling down the 25 new songs to the best is the ultimate aim. Time’s the most precious asset we have, and we don’t want to take one day for granted.
R: We plan on touring the album in NSW, QLD, SA & VIC before heading back to Europe for some shows in Spain, Sweden, UK etc. (dates are still being nutted out). The band is very keen to work hard over the year to play to as many punters as possible whilst still working up powerful material for a second follow-up album.
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Is it surreal finally being at the stage of releasing your first album to the public?
K: After 2 years of hard work getting it ready, the countless hours and the literal blood sweat and tears we’ve put in, the short answer? Abso-fuckin-lutely.
R: To be honest, it has been a steady progression with 2 EP releases over recent years, but sure we are relieved & excited to finally have our debut album out there. It was a huge project, one that probably tested us in some ways along the process, and we have learnt a great deal as a band, but we are very proud of the final product and the early feedback has been extremely positive.
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Do you plan on touring the album around the country?
K: Already started in 2017 with the first two singles, ‘Van Inhalin’ & ‘Fragile’. We just released our 3rd single and film clip ‘Hash? Tag Me In’ and a supporting tour for the whole album which kicked off Feb 2018 and will go until April.
R: We started up our Fuzz of Flavour Album Tour on 7th Feb in Wollongong partnering the stage with Basque Country rockers Berri Txarrak who have become our latest favourites.
We had great shows in Sydney & Newcastle last week and soon head to the Crowbar in Brisbane on 22nd Feb, Burleigh Tavern on the Gold Coast on 23rd Feb, back to the Dank Vibes Festival in Fortitude Valley on 24th Feb & then on to Howl & Moan in Byron Bay on 27th Feb.
We take a half-time break & then head off to Adelaide on 16th & 17th March for shows at Ed Castle & The Exeter for a huge weekend.
Final shows are at The Loft, Warnambool on 31st March and we finish the tour on a high at Cherry Bar in our hometown on 6th April.
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If you weren’t working in the music industry, what else do you think you would be doing with your life right now?
K: I think about this a lot. Unfortunately I still don’t really have an answer for it. I can justify working average jobs because this (music) is what I love doing and if it pays for guitar strings then so be it. I guess this week I was thinking how cool it’d be to work with penguins and platypus’s. Something science orientated would be pretty engaging. Maybe even some quantum physics mind shit? Maybe I’ve just been watching too much ‘Rick n Morty’ haha
R: Finishing up a strenuous pre-season for the mighty Hawks and preparing for another tilt at the Cup in 2018! I think Grasshole may have missed the cryptocurrency/bitcoin surge unfortunately.
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What’s one song fans might be surprised you really like?
K: Elvis Presley – If I can dream. Such a beautiful tune and quite different to what we do. People might be more surprised by my enjoyment from Drum and Bass/Dubstep/Dub-reggae, can generally be a surprisingly fun night pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
R: Any song, say Lemon Tree by Trini Lopez – wee, wee!
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If you could choose only one muso, artist or band to collaborate with the rest of your career who would it be?
I’d go with Biffy Clyro from Scotland. They’re just such interesting and peculiar musicians, write great tunes and have such a great take on everything from rock/indie/heavy sounds. Don’t think it’d ever be a boring writing session, plus their rhythm section is tight as a nun’s clacker.
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And, if you had to listen to one song on repeat the rest of your life what song and why?
White Limo – Foo Fighters. Has everything intense, energetic and rocking that I love in music. Just cant get enough of that song and always get amped by it.
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