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Photo credit: Justin Ma photography

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Photo credit: Justin Ma photography

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How did the band come together? Is there someone who is a “driving force”, or do you all make decisions together?
So me (Ben) and Tom were jamming together in the very early days and met Jack and Josh a bit further down the track and here we are!! We did have some line up changes in between as all bands do but us four together I’d say was the start of it being a proper band. We’re all driving forces in our way I guess as each of us brings something to the table that the rest of the band can’t do. I’d say I do tend to do most of the decision making though. I feel a bit awkward answering that question but I think it you asked any of the boys they’d have said the same haha I’d say I’m a bossy visionary but they’d probably leave out the visionary part and just say bossy. That’s the only way that answer would differ. 

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I’d call it alt rock if I had to put it into a genre but I think the reason it resonates is because we’ve got that many different influences in the band that you’d do pretty well to not find something in there that you like. Even if you think we’re shit I guarantee there’s still something you’ll like in there. So yeah buy our records and get digging haha.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
Jim Morrison for me was my first vocal love. The Stooges and The Velvet Underground then Iggy Pop and Lou Reed came next. Joy Division left their mark for sure as did Nirvana. More recently Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, IDLES, Fontaines D.C all great bands who’s sound I study in awe. So many I’m just scratching the surface here.

Your new single Dead Weekend has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
So it started as a live song back in 2020 during the pandemic. We did a live recording of a few tracks in a local studio up here in Burleigh Heads on Gold Coast. The recording got picked up over in the UK and got some radio play on BBC Introducing. We recorded it later on and here we are. 

Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
Yeah there’s an EP coming out in May on End Of The Trail Creative Records.  The EP is called ‘Man’s Best Friend’, it’s a 6 track and Dead Weekend is the final song on there. It’s a good last song we feel and we end our live sets with it too. We can’t wait to get it out. 

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Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
Oh yes it’s all happening! We’re supporting The Reytons (UK) on the Australian tour next week then we’re heading over to the UK in May for a promo tour of our own. We’re playing some festivals and shows over there before getting back to Australia for a few festivals here too. Action packed few months ahead! 

How has COVID affected you to date? What have you introduced to balance the losses from missed events?
The break that Covid gave us actually did us a favour. Gave us a good year or so to focus on our sound and our writing which is something we really needed. There’s so much to being in a band and you can never focus on everything at once. Somethings always being neglected. This was a good chance to really focus in on improving the most important thing. Our music! 

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I’d choose Oasis and I’d be known as the man that got them back together. Win win.

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist?
Just headlining all the major festivals the world has to offer. That’s all.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
The best thing is the energy they give back. I know there’s a responsibility for the band to bring the energy but the gigs are definitely better with the crowd bringing their energy too. That’s the best part. When their energy meets ours. Career highlight so far would probably be playing Rockhampton River festival. Big stage, big production, big sound, big crowd, big lineup. Big gig! 

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Artist – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 
Movie – Pulp Fiction 
Place to visit – Rome
Venue to play – Any outdoor festival
Food – Pizza
Drink – Margarita
Person in History – Have to be Jesus wouldn’t it. What a character he was.
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) I’ve got about 70. Either my bands name on my knuckles or my daughters name on my chest would obviously be the most meaningful. 

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Follow CHAVEZ CARTEL
 Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Press Release 7th March 2023 (below) HERE

CHAVEZ CARTEL
Share new
SINGLE + VIDEO
DEAD WEEKEND

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AMNPLIFY – DB