ChitChat - With Frenzal Rhomb
INTERVIEW BY: JADE GUIDA
Jade:
Frenzal Rhomb was formed in the early 90s. What was the Sydney Live Music scene like in those days?
Frenzal Rhomb:
I guess different genres change in popularity but I don’t think much has really changed. Loads of venues, loads of bands, good bands were good, shit bands sucked.
Jade:
What is the biggest difference between the Music Scene in your early days compared to the Scene now?
Frenzal Rhomb:
We’re older, everything else seems pretty much the same!
Jade:
There is a lot of discussion around the impact of Covid-19 on the Music Scene and what the lasting impacts may be. How do you think the Music Scene in Sydney will change going forward? And what can band’s and punters do to revitalize Live Music?
Frenzal Rhomb:
I like that local bands have had to sell advance tickets for shows. It means all their deadbeat friends are less likely to come up with a lame excuse not to go to the show!
Jade:
Live Music is pretty localized at the moment with Covid and ongoing state and international boarder restrictions and uncertainty. Are there any Local Bands you know or have seen that you would like to play a live show with?
Frenzal Rhomb:
Too many to mention! Off the top of my head;
Coffin, Naughty Boys, Canine, No Cake, Boudicca, Von Satche, Astrodeath, White Dog, Dole Bludga, Flangipanis, Outcest, Scrotal Vice, Darkhorse, Hedy Lamar, Something Something Explosion, Leeches, Sketch Method.. could actually go on forever!
Jade:
You guys have toured with some big names, Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX and Blink-182. These are bands which would be considered top tier in the Genre. People run cover nights for these bands. Do you think there is a lost art in this genre or are people just not exploring enough to find quality alternative music?
Frenzal Rhomb:
I think it’s great, people are having fun right? Also all of the people in these bands have their own great original bands going as well so why not?!
Jade:
As a band you guys have a reputation for some rather menacing antics on and off stage. I think I remember reading you are no longer welcome in some places, countries and Venues. Has there ever been a moment of “Fuck – took that a bit far”?
Frenzal Rhomb:
Don’t know if we can ever be accused of being truly menacing, we’re way too physically weak for that. Deeply annoying yes. The fact that we’re still welcome in 99% of countries suggests we probably haven’t taken it far enough.
Jade:
What is the plan for 2021? What can we look forward to? What can mentally prepare for?
Frenzal Rhomb:
We’re still demoing our new record, we really want to go back to Colorado to record with Bill Stevenson but without the vaccine we can’t travel there easily. Get vaccinated kids or there’ll be no new Frenzal record! Actually that could work either way.. forget I said that.
Jade:
Did mum really change the locks?
Frenzal Rhomb:
Yes but for unrelated security reasons.
