Interviews: Sugar Spine

We have had the opportunity to interview the  Hardcore/Metalcore band Sugar Spine from Australia. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The band name definitely just popped into my head, though not before I considered about 20 or 30 other names, of course! The name more or less metaphorically describes a person who behaves like they’re an intimidating force, saying and doing things only to criticise and insult, but at the end of the day they’re just brittle and weak. I also really wanted a name that didn’t sound too gnarly or heavy, but still suited the lyrical concepts and music well. Sugar Spine seemed to hit the mark, and it kinda has a nice ring to it, at least in my mind. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I think the biggest reason was that the style I landed on is super malleable, but most importantly I was able to express rage and anger in the exact way I liked. Since there is some absolute sass and attitude in the lyrics, there needed to be as much attitude in the music to accompany the words; it seems that the hardcore/metalcore combination fit really well. Sugar Spine was born during 2 weeks of hotel quarantine, so playing aggressive riffs and writing about things that made me angry was a great catharsis.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Funny story, it’s just a solo project… But as things develop, I’m sure the project will also.

4. Each band member favourite band?

All-time favourite band is Slipknot, but others like Counterparts and Sleep Token often come to mind as an answer.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I definitely have moments of influence from world events, but the motivation to write mainly comes from personal reflections on subjects. With Sugar Spine, the songs are mainly focused outwards on issues bigger than me. The biggest thing about Sugar Spine is the lyrics.

6. Where was your last gig?

When the first gig happens, I’ll let you know!

7. Where would you like to act?

Any festival in Australia would be an absolute blast. However I’m currently much more interested in making music.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

If I could appear on a track, I’d love to be on an Employed to Serve or Fever 333 track. I’d probably die if Brendan Murphy from Counterparts or Jesper Vincencio from Ghost Iris were able to appear on a Sugar Spine track, though.

9. Whom not?

Honestly, I’d feel honoured to feature with any musician that would appreciate my input.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Honestly, not really! Performing is a tonne of fun, and everyone is there for the same reasons; to have a good time, enjoy music etc. A great tip for beginners is to remember that no one ever comes to a show because they want to see you fail. People are there and are keen to see what you’ve got, and if you’ve put the time into your craft, then you should be proud of what you have to offer.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Musically, Stray from the Path, Slipknot, Stick to Your Guns, Your Demise and others.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

In the short time Sugar Spine has been around, nothing too crazy has happened in that regard!

13. What do you think of your fans?

So far, the support that has been shown to Sugar Spine and ‘Go Outside’ is pretty awesome. I have some close friends who have really supported the project from the get-go, but I’m just now starting to see real appreciation and support from outside my social circle, and that’s super reassuring and humbling.

14. What do you think of our site?

Breathing the Core is bloody fantastic. I think it’s really great to see a company focus intensely on pushing and promoting new artists whilst still covering big news items in the metal world.

15. Something to add?

Thanks so much for having me! ‘Go Outside’ is available on all major streaming platforms, and is just a small taste of the absolute wrath that is yet to come from Sugar Spine.