Eclectic rock band Castlecomer have recently released a video for their new single Judy, an exploration of a taboo relationship from the perspective of the weaker party. The group have also set a date for the release of their new EP All Of The Noise, a dynamic and experimental take on classic guitar pop, to be released October 7. To celebrate, Castlecomer will embark on an East Coast tour in November, kicking off in Wollongong on Thursday November 17, then playing Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and finishing up in Byron Bay on Saturday December 16. Ahead of their tour, Castlecomer’s drummer Patch did a little Q&A with us.
What was your first kit like?
A steel Pearl kit from the 1970’s. Weighed an absolute ton.
What’s your regular kit set up?
Pretty standard for the most part. Kick, snare, one rack, one floor tom, and a Roland SPD-SX pad.
Is it the same for recording?
Most of the time! I have rented snares / full kits to achieve certain sounds in the past.
What sticks do you favour?
Vic Firth 5A.
Other drummers you admire?
John Bonham from Led Zeppelin has always been my favourite drummer. Stairway to Heaven was the second song I learnt on the drums, after AC/DC’s Back in Black.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
Our most recent single is ‘Judy’, which we released in August this year. We head back into the studio in mid October.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
We played in Thredbo Village last weekend with Safia and Sweet Mix Kids which was a blast. Snowboarding during the day, gigging at night!
Most memorable gig?
We played the New Years Eve slot at Woodford Folk Festival and it was huge. We’ve played three sold out shows at Oxford Art Factory as well, all of which were great.
Worst stage nightmare?
One of our first ever shows was at the Gaelic Theatre in Surry Hills. We sold it out, which was huge for us so we all had nerves already. Our lead guitarist Tom walked out on stage by himself to begin the show, hit the button on his delay pedal, it popped off and his pedal board went haywire. We had to source a pair of pliers and frantically fix the thing before taking the stage again to begin the show. Another time he smashed his funny bone on an amp mid gig and passed out … so there was that.
Album that changed your life?
Van Morrison – Enlightenment. The soundtrack to my childhood, and still often the soundtrack to long drives on tour.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
We just announced an east coast tour for our upcoming EP, ‘All Of The Noise’ for November / December. Can’t wait!
A drum tip for the kids?
If you can’t do it, slow it right down. Get your sticking right, then very gradually build up to real tempo. You can play literally anything you set your mind to if you break it down.
http://www.castlecomermusic.com
CASTLECOMER ‘ALL OF THE NOISE’ NATIONAL TOUR
THU 17 NOV | RAD BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com
FRI 25 NOV| TRANSIT BAR, CANBERRA ACT | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com
SAT 26 NOV | THE REVERENCE HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com
FRI 2 DEC | MANNING BAR, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com
THU 15 DEC | THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from www.castlecomermusic.com
FRI 16 DEC | THE NORTHERN HOTEL, BYRON BAY NSW | 18+
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