Interviews: Sunset Junkies

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band, Sunset Junkies 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?

EJ: Byron came up with the band name before I actually joined the band. It's a mystery, but I like it

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

EJ: I have always loved heavy rock and when Byron asked me to join the band I was in straight away. Junkies sound is constantly evolving and really encompasses many genres. I love the fluidity of this band

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

EJ: I'm pretty sure I had seen Byron performing at a local venue before we actually spoke..... A while after that we were both on the same bill as soloists at another Brisbane venue and that's where we formally met. After I played Byron approached me and said "I wanna record your pipes", that's really where our musical connection began. Since then he has also recorded and produced my first full-length solo album and we are just wrapping up my 2nd in the studio now, alongside our new Junkies album

4. Your favourite band?

EJ: I like many bands and genres but I'd have to say one of my biggest inspirations is T. REX, Marc Bolan was so charismatic as a frontman and I really admire his songwriting and style.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

EJ: Music from the 60s and 70s is a big influence for me as a songwriter and performer. I try to have some kind of positive message coming through in my music based on my life experiences, sometimes these are obvious and other times more cryptic. I find this is similar to the messages in Junkies songs in regards to exploring the inner psyche of Byron and his world

6. Where was your last gig?

EJ: Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane raising money for Breast Cancer research. 

7. Where would you like to play?

EJ: I would love to tour around Australia when circumstances permit. Big festivals would be awesome too

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

EJ: There aren't many international bands touring at the moment but I would love to feature with other female fronted rock bands both locally and internationally 

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

EJ: I used to be pretty shy but the more I got up on stage the easier it got for me. I know it's not like that for some people. I would recommend taking a quiet moment to yourself before going on stage, say some positive affirmations and a good old group hug with the band always sets me at ease before performing

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

EJ: If I had to say a few they would be: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen and also some super powerful women performers such as Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin

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

EJ: I was doing a livestream series throughout parts of 2020 and fans suggested I make an Ellie Jane wall clock (as the clock I had in the background was broken and stayed on the same time every livestream). I actually got a prototype made and may do an exclusive release sometime hahaha

12. What do you think of your fans?

EJ: Our fans are the best, they make everything we do worthwhile. They keep the music alive!