Oliver GrabowskiThe Fear are a Melodic Hardcore band from York, having just come back from a two week tour taking them From Holland to Italy and everywhere in between I had the chance to catch them at their album pre-launch show last Saturday. I was totally blown away so I thought it best to catch them for a chat about life, touring, York and the future!
Q&A
So… how do you do?
All good thanks. Just finished rehearsing for the album launch show. Very excited
Tell us a bit of the band history; you have been about a bit is the word on the street…
Well….. a long time ago in a galaxy far far away….oh no wait thats not right. The band in its current form has been going about a year and a half. We have all played with each other in various bands through the years in around York, and we can stand each other just about enough to write some songs and play some shows together.
Can you describe your music in the style of Alan Partridge? Or just describe it, it’s your call…
C**k P**s Partridge? It’s kind of like piercing your foot on a spiiiiiiiiiike. We write punk rock songs. It’s fast in places, melodic all the time, 100% awesome and hotter than the sun!!!!!! Smell my cheese you mother.
What influences do you think you have in your music? Do you all listen to similar stuff or is it pretty mixed up?
We like to think we have a fairly wide ranging taste in music but truth be told we all listen exclusively to the Mr Blobbly theme tune on repeat. Seriously though, we take influence from a plethora of bands. Bands from America, Europe and of course the UK, where there are some stunning bands.
How do you find being based in York? You seem to have a good following here, would you say you are part of a scene here or is it like treading water?
York is a great place, and filled to the brim with musical talent. We enjoy playing in York and it’s always good to do what you love in front of your friends. (Be that painting yourself blue and standing still or playing in a band)
You have an album coming out soon, tell me about it…
Well, I’m glad you asked. Its called ‘Here Goes Nothing’, it comes out in the UK Lockjaw Records on the 26th of May to buy and download, and will also appear on Spotfy. It’s also out RIGHT NOW in Japan through Bells On Records. Also, if you are reading this in the US you can get it from Interpunk. Go do it. NOW!!!!!! It’s the best album you will ever hear. Fact.
Who is the main songwriter and how does the music come together?
All our songs are written by a member of One Direction. He would prefer to reman nameless.
Where do you record? For some reason I have a feeling you record it all yourselves too, or something like that, is this true?
Correct my good sir. Recording was split between 3 locations in York. It was expertly mixed by our guitarist, and Sports Direct enthusiast, Dave. The album was written around Christmas time and when we were done it took about 3 moths to record. It was a long process but this gave us the time to tweak the album and point it in the direction we wanted it to go.
You just got back from yet another European tour… How was it? Spill the beans…
It was Sicktastic; we are forever humbled by the kindness of others. Away for 2 weeks and covered more than 5000 miles, and in that time, every where we went, we were treated incredibly well by all we came into contact with. It’s a pleasure to be able to play in these countries and we urge any band to go out and do the same.
Where was your favourite show?
We were honoured to be asked to play the Belvedere reunion show in Paris. It was sick, the line up was insane and a merry time was had by all who attended. Bon! (France for good)
That’s really nice… Somebody told me you organised the whole thing; what do you have to say for your selves?
We are honoured to know Englands answer to Fat Mike. Our good buddies Andy Dazzler and Danny Cummings (from Zero Talent Booking) were able to organise some shows for us and set up a great tour. They are in bands who tour themselves and have a vast range of contacts for shows around UK and Europe. Hook up with them if you want an amazing tour booking.
Was it a tough process finding all the right venues to put you on or was it fairly straight forwards?
This was the second time we went out and was fantastic to see friends from across the continent again and play some great shows. But we also played in lots of places we had not been before. It’s just great to see that the scene is alive and well in all corners of the EU.
Do you have any advice for bands booking their own tours?
Just get out and do it. The internet has made the world a very small place and there are genuinely great people out there who love putting on shows for the love of music which makes the experience all the better.
What have you got planned for the rest of the Year?
Well after the album launch we have a butt load of shows and a UK tour in August with Smile and Burn through our new booking agent Mighty Vision entertainment. Keep your eyes peeled for some great show announcements. Then i suppose its on to album number 2. You’re welcome planet earth! Also Pete is currently training for his level 3 coaching badge in Zumba. Fingers crossed he passes the exam.
You can check out The Fear and find details on their new album here…
