Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Olde Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Truthfully, it has been a little slow. We have only played a handful of shows, in the last year or so. Maybe 10. Just enough to stay sharp. We have progressively, been playing more shows, leading up to the new release….We did put out a cd/digital ep last Fall. That was called “Shallow Graves”. That was meant to tide us over until the release of our newest full-length “Temple”…. Basically, we bullshitted our way thru the last year or so, waiting, writing more, and getting ready for this record to finally drop. When it does (Aug 11/17), we will react accordingly…

2. You have a new album coming out in August, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Dense. This batch of songs is very dense. Not super-busy, but busier. Just more of each of us in every part. I think we established our signature “thud” on the first record, now with this one, we have started to add our individual voices to it.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Without getting in too deep into the lyric meanings I will just give a general run thru of topics on the new record. I wrote about the masks we wear…I wrote about lose. Lose of purpose, lose of faith, lose of reasons to bother…I wrote about the crushing wheel of time…I wrote about willful ignorance, and it’s just rewards…I wrote about memories, and lessons, and truth………….and ghosts, and the conversations we sometimes have with them.

4. Originally the band was known as 'Corvuss', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Olde'?

There was at least one other band we found were using the name. It wasn’t a big deal for us, to ditch it. As for how we chose ‘Olde’, I’m not exactly sure. It was suggested, and we didn’t ditch it. No meaning, just a name…I think. Considering the general median age in this band, it is kinda funny.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We did one hometown (Toronto) show, with Windhand, that was a stand out. Just one of those shows…perfect-sized, low-ceiling, sweaty full club. It was hot and nasty. A review showed up online for that gig, referencing our band’s heavy sweat-angle. Ha!….Our stage performance? I dunno. I would like to think we are an intense live band. When we play, it is an exercise in almost manic restraint. Oh yeah, and sweaty. Some of us more than others. Way more.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Actual plans, as of right now? No, no plans. Like I said earlier, when the record comes out, and gets around, we will react to whatever presents itself. We will do what we can, when we can. We are not overly ambitious, but we are open to everything…Regionally, we will be ticking off places as we go, tho.

7. Currently, the band is signed to 'STB Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Yup. STB is a small boutique label, run outta NJ, by a driven-dude named Steve. It specializes in stoner/doom/heavy psych. Small, limited runs are his thing. All the releases come in multiple variants , with lots of cool stuff you don’t usual get when you buy a record. For example, the last Wounded Giant came with a cast, pewter ring. Always top of the heap for cool releases. We were super-stoked when he wanted to release the newest, which ended up being “Temple”. STB has worked with lots of other cool bands, too. Geezer, Year of the Cobra, Goya….

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of stoner, sludge and doom metal?

Not really the one to ask about that, as I do next-to-nothing  on the internet end of things. That is all Cory (bass). From what I can pickup, we seem to be getting a decent response. We haven’t been offered any large sums of loot, so obviously the world has not yet fallen at our feet, in reverence. Our expectations were pretty low before. I think we expect more of a response this time around. Poke at a few more eyes/ears.

9. What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Lots! We got lots of other things going on. Ryan still pounds the shit out of everything with his main squeeze, Sons of Otis. They are actually playing Psycho Las Vegas in August….Cory (bass) has just reformed his old punk band from 20 years ago, Five Knuckle Chuckle. They are circling a few shows this Summer/Fall… Hippy (gtr) is still doing his other band, Seas. They play out some. I’m not sure if Moneen are still in the picture, or not… Captain Greg Dawson (gtr) keeps plenty busy writing songs for us, recording us in his studio (BWC Studio), and generally being a fine father-figure for us all. Haha! He records tons of shit, he doesn’t need two bands…I’m in another band called The Volume Knobs. We are hardcore-punk as fuck. We have recorded, and should have it on Bandcamp, soon. Like a Poison Idea/GBH-cross with me yelling.

10. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

This ties in with an earlier question, where I kinda mentioned how we are all having our individual stamps put on the new stuff. I just see that continuing with the new stuff.  At first, it was almost a single vision, Greg’s. It is much more of a collaborative-thing now. Being just the throat of the band, I really don’t know, but I do know Greg and Cory are already deep into the demoing stages of new stuff. Plenty of new stuff.

11. What are some of your non-musical interests?

I dig my old bike. I have a Norton, and I love it. We have covered a lot of miles together. Even went to the East Coast and back, which isn’t bad for a 40+ year bike. The first song, from our first record was ‘Roads That Lead Nowhere’. I wrote those lyrics, for that bike. Ha!….I also really digs some pro sports. I like baseball (RedSox), hockey (Habs), and football (Pats)… in that order.

12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Actually….nope. I don’t anything to add, other than to say “Thanks” for letting me shoot my mouth off. Always appreciated. Cheers!

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