Interviews: ZILCH

We have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band ZILCH from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Cal: We kind of liked the theme of nothing or something quite understated, almost self-deprecating. I was watching Futurama and "El Zilcho" was mentioned. We're not Spanish so we dropped the 'El' and the 'O'.

Thom: Yeah, I was obsessed with “Zero” for a while, but that’s too close to Smashing Pumpkins and I don’t think we bear any similarity to them.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Cal: I've always had a love for alt rock, grunge and punk. I've been in various metal bands over the years but found myself falling back into the slightly heavier side of the grunge-y stuff regularly. It's a lot of fun to play as well.

Thom: I don’t think it’s necessarily a conscious choice for us. We’re heavily influenced by a lot of bands from that era which finds its way into our writing naturally. Other than that, I think it’s the perfect music for an outlet. There are moments of fragility and vulnerability which are then contrasted by total chaos.

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

Cal: Me and Thom used to be in a band when we were teenagers and have been friends since then. Crag started seeing one my friends years ago (they're now married) and we've jammed a lot over the years.

Thom: I met Crag without knowing he was friends with Cal and joined his band at the time. We talked about doing a side project, and he we are 4 years later.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Cal: Gojira are my favourite band of all time, but in terms of relating to the type of music we play it would probably be Alice in Chains. I'm really digging Metz a lot recently.

Crag: Too many to choose – Foo Fighters, Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin.

Thom: Nirvana are obviously a huge influence on me so are up there with my favourites, but I absolutely adore David Bowie, Buddy Holly, Pixies… There are just way too many.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Cal: Mostly the frustration of living inside my own head and trying to navigate life but conveying it in a positive way. If someone hears that feel in our playing in any way and vibes with it, that's cool.

Thom: Blowing up non-existent scenarios in my head. My lyrics are an absolute cryptic mess, but I do think they’re open to interpretation.

6. Where was your last gig?

Cal: We played the Moon in Cardiff last month as our also gig of the year. One of mine and Thom’s favourite bands, Tigercub, were playing the venue across the street so it was bittersweet for us.

7. Where would you like to play?

Thom: Japan.

Cal: Pretty much anywhere that'll have us in all honesty. Australia looks wild for shows.

Crag: With the current state of the works, anywhere but our hometown!

8. Who would you like to support?

Crag: Any real rock bands!

Thom: Dinosaur Pile-Up or Tigercub. I got to support Tigercub in my old band, but I’d love to do it again.

Cal: I'm probably going with Metz or Pissed Jean's because they look like the put on a good live show. If we're aiming big then I'll say Alice in Chains.

9. Who not?

Cal: Probably some utter shit like Coldplay. It would be good exposure, but I would have to set myself on fire four minutes into their set.

Crag: Coldplay. They can get in the bin.

Thom: Any glam or cock-rock band.

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

Cal: In my own experience, you have to give whatever 100% is that day. If you don't, you'll feel more embarrassed. Just make sure you have fun and really get into the music. Everyone makes mistakes, almost nobody notices.

Crag: I used to. It’s only bigger shows working with other bands that I get nervous, but that’s only because I don’t want to embarrass them. For beginners and anyone, I suggest get out and play more. Experience always helps. Feeling confident that you know your parts is also a big help.

Thom: I still get nerves before every show we play, it’s just part of it for me. My best advice would be to try and not overthink things. Embrace it as part of your preparation and just go for it, even if you’re only playing to 3 people

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Cal: It's an uncool answer but I always find Nirvana do it for me. Not even necessarily the songs, but how they approached it. They just did what they wanted. Another uncool but honest answer would be the Sex Pistols when I was 13. They couldn't play and neither could I. Now I'll say Napalm Death to restore some credit.

Thom: Most recently, Violent Soho. Even bands in our city are influential to the way I write, though they don’t know it.

Crag: A variety for the band. Our music taste spans far and wide from Doo wop to death metal and everything in-between.

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

Cal: An encore.

Crag: A signed drumstick when I was in another band.

Thom: Absolutely nothing. I have never been asked for anything by a fan.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Cal: We've met some rad people while we've been gigging and loads of people are supportive of what we do. They're usually active and responsive which warms my cold heart.

Thom: I’ve got a lot of love for anyone who listens to our music or comes to our gigs.

Crag: We love and appreciate them all.

14. What do you think of our site?

We dig it. Very clean.

15. Something to add?

Thanks to anyone reading this who thinks about checking us out. We're planning a new EP soon which will have a decent mix of heavy and not so heavy.