Interview: Stuart Blythe
The Fearless Vampire Killers are hitting the road thoughout March (2012) with their Batmania tour. We caught up with TFVK guitarist Al Marx for a chat. Al gave us an interesting and humorous insight into TFVK.
LMM: Tell us a little about The Fearless Vampire Killers
Al Marx : I have a little birthmark below the waist, Sean used to be a pro scooterer, Jacob’s fluent in every language and Justin shot J.F.K.
LMM: You’re debut LP, “Batmania” has enjoyed rave reviews.
For fans who haven’t yet heard “Batmania”, how would you describe the sound and the vibe? Were you channelling any musical influences at the time of production?
Al Marx : It’s good, I like it. Musical influences are a bit of a no-no as far as we’re concerned. We have music we love and we play how we like to play. We focus on writing good songs, and playing with all our hearts. If you can actually pinpoint a specific influence, you’re not doing your job right.
LMM: In 2011 you toured with Lanie Lane, how was that experience?
Al Marx : It was funny, you’ve got to have fun right? We got to stay in Sydney for a few nights, and it’s rare to stay in the one place on tour. It let us put our roots down and get a little loose.
LMM: You’re about to kick off on a nation headline tour. What can fans expect at the shows?
Al Marx : We’ve worked a bit of trapeze into the set. Sean and I even do a bit of the performance with no net, because we’re badass. Jacob has beefed up his juggling act and bowing to the demands of animal rights groups has removed the poodle grand finale.
LMM: Have you got any pre-show routines/superstitions?
Al Marx : I know it sounds gross but i generally don’t like to shower in the day before a gig. I like to feel gritty, and I sweat like a pig onstage anyway. I also find someone to hold my phone before i play. Jackie Stewart used to do the same with his watch, so it’s a bit of an nod to the greats.
LMM: Which bands did you grow up with, and who still inspires you now?
Al Marx : We all grew up with the classics – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. Right now i think our biggest interest is in the great Spaghetti Western soundtracks of Ennio Morricone.
LMM: With “For You & Me” on the American TV series 90210… do you have any plans to tour internationally?
Al Marx : There’s plans and there’s dreams. I think we’re still in the day-dream stage, but we are making some steps for that possibility in the future. We play better inter-state, imagine how we’ll be internationally.
LMM: Is there anything you would like to say to your growing fan base?
Al Marx : We love you all, thank you so much for your support. Just remember to look both ways before you cross the street, and don’t put plastic bags in your recycling.
:: What track changed your life ::
Across the Universe
Across the Universe – The Beatles 1967–1970 (The Blue Album)
:: Biggest influence ::
you
:: Name a band or artist we should checkout ::
Dungen
:: Favourite Quote ::
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell
:: When on tour, you can’t live without ::
Humour
:: When in the studio, you can’t live without ::
Humour
:: Three words to describe the last year?
Nice to visit
:: Three for how you feel about the year ahead? ::
It’s getting better
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