Tour Interviews

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Interview with Christofer Johnsson – Therion

Well only a month until THERION hit our shores for the first ever time. Casper spoke with have band mastermind / guitatrist Christofer Johnsson as to what to expect!


THERION was founded in 1987 by Christofer Johnsson their debut album Of Darkness… “was released in 1991 and was a huge success for the band within the underground Metal scene. THERION began as a very creative Death Metal band, pushing limits of the contemporary sound and grew beyond themselves. In the course of the years, the bands’ style developed in a quite unique way and between 1991 and 1996 THERION released groundbreaking records, one being more special than the other.

In 1996 THERION released Theli which would be the ultimate breakthrough for the band. At this time THERION turned towards a more opera-like, progressive and even orchestral sound. Vovin and Deggial are dominated by the new style of catchy symphonic opera metal Christofer invented. Then came Secrets of the Rune, their first concept album, dealing with Nordic myths and influenced by Scandinavian Folk music. The double record Lemuria / Sirius B was a huge success then THERION engaged themselves with the recording of Gotihc Kabbalah and The Miskolc Experience. After that Christofer decided it was time for a change: Sitra Ahra was done with a completely new lineup.

THERION have evolved from a mere death metal act into one of the first projects to take a trip towards the world of classical music, setting the initial standards to a style later known as symphonic metal. When 15-year-old prodigy Christofer Johnsson founded THERION as a death metal band in 1987, little did he know that exactly 30 years later he would put the final touches to a project that will go down in history as symphonic metal’s most ambitious release. While ‘rock operas’ are no longer an unusual concept, this term will now receive a new meaning when the curtain opens for Johnsson’s lifelong creation: Beloved Antichrist is the title of his spectacular brainchild, consisting of 3 full-length CDs. It is more than just a concept album; it’s a complete rock opera unveiling a sweeping story inspired by Vladímir Soloviov “A Short Tale Of The Antichrist“.

Joining THERION are THE DEVIL who is a mysterious and highly original Cinematic Metal act that has innovated by creating an entirely new genre within metal music. The band features an international line-up of masked musicians that deliver a unique live show, complete with cinematic movie projection in sync to the entire live performance.

Further experimental elements of THE DEVIL music is the selective use of historical and political conspiracy-laden samples in place of traditional vocals which reveals a powerful message encoded within the music. THE DEVIL exposes a great secret. A grand conspiracy…

THE DEVIL self-titled debut album was released worldwide through Candlelight Records / EMI and released three official music videos from that album, ‘Universe’, ‘Extinction Level Event’ and ‘Alternative Dimensions’.

TOUR DATES:
Wednesday 12th September – MELBOURNE – Max Watt’s
Thursday 13th September – BRISBANE – The Triffid
Friday 14th September – SYDNEY – Manning Bar

An exclusive event. A unique experience. Limited VIP meet and greet tickets will be available.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 20 JULY  9 AM

From: http://www.hardlinemedia.net/

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Interview with Aðalbjörn “Addi” Tryggvason (SÓLSTAFIR)

As you know SÓLSTAFIR are one stunning band and blend post-rock majestic intensity with beautiful melodies, progressive and psychedelic passages, and a strong undercurrent of hard rock! Well, we are lucky they are headed here this month with the mighty ENSLAVED!

SÓLSTAFIR are different. With their roots heavily embedded in metal, SÓLSTAFIR blend post-rock majestic intensity with beautiful melodies, progressive and psychedelic passages, and a strong undercurrent of hard rock, which comes as varied and at times appealingly bizarre as the white glaciers, moss-green bubble-fields, deep fjords, black beaches and frost-cracked mountain landscapes of their native Iceland.

Finally, 20 years into their astonishing career, and riding high on the five-star reviews for their Berdreyminn album, SÓLSTAFIR are coming to Australia, joining Enslaved on their forthcoming spring sojourn.

“Sólstafir are on a mission to re-imagine the idiosyncratic grandeur of Icelandic landscapes in vivid sonic shades. Total immersion is compulsory.” The Guardian

SÓLSTAFIR take their already impressive evolution ever further to embody the ever-turning wheel of seasons with their shifting light, darkness, and colours, extreme Northern climate, the stark contrasts, the closeness of beauty and deadly forces of nature, the impressive sceneries that have the bones of ancient gods enshrined in them like hardly any other band in every aspect of their existence.

NEWS JUST IN – ENSLAVED & SÓLSTAFIR hit the West Coast! Yes it’s true – a Perth show has been added to the tour.

Perth – Wednesday 29 August – The Rosemount

Sydney – Thursday 30 August – Factory Theatre

Brisbane – Friday 31 August – The Zoo

Melbourne – Saturday 1 September – Max Watts

 

Tickets on sale NOW via: 

Enslaved with Sólstafir

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Interview with Michael Sweet (Stryper)

Not long now before STRYPER make their way Downunder, and Casper had the most fascinating chat with front-man Michael Sweet about what to expect.

Established in southern California in 1983, multi-platinum crossover Christian metal band, STRYPER, continues to share their positive message and energetic stage presence with a passionate following throughout the world. Since the band’s inception over 30 years ago, the founding members have stayed true to their deepest convictions, turning from “the ways of the world” and following their hearts instead. “In the past 35 years, we’ve evolved into what we are now,” says vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet. “This is what we always really wanted to be. I love the progression. The story of STRYPER is that of an underdog. We seem to go against the grain with everything we do, and our fans tend to be the same – They’re good hardworking people who believe in love, respect, and not conforming to the ways of the world.”

The members of STRYPER have proven themselves as metal stalwarts, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with each new release. With such hits as “Calling On You,” “Free,” “Honestly,” and “Always There For You,” STRYPER’s album sales now exceed over 10 million worldwide. Add to that one of the most successful Christian rock albums ever, 1986’s multi-platinum To Hell With The Devil, and the unique distinction of being the first band in history to notch two songs in MTV’s Top 10 with “Free” and “Honestly.”

Since returning from a 12-year hiatus in 2003, STRYPER has managed to release new music on a regular basis. Their last 4 studio albums: Murder By Pride (73), No More Hell To Pay (35), Fallen (44) & God Damn Evil (77) all crashed on to the U.S. Billboard Charts!

Watch: “The Valley” (Official Music Video) just click below:

Their latest album God Damn Evil sees the band offering up their heaviest release yet and immediately shows you that Michael Sweet and company have zero intentions of mellowing with age. The next two tracks, “Sorry” and “Lost”, are classic STRYPER anthems, but with a modern heaviness and edge that carries the band’s sound into the 21st century and beyond. “You Don’t Even Know Me” and “The Valley” are excellent follow-ups to the glorious title track, with the latter being a true example of how heavy doesn’t have to equate to “fast”. Later, “Can’t Live Without Your Love” showcases that Sweet can still write great ballads. While only time will tell, pound for pound, this very well and truly might be STRYPER’s best album yet.

The line-up still features three of the original members, including singer-songwriter Michael Sweet, his brother and drummer Robert Sweet, and guitarist Oz Fox. Recently, the group welcomed iconic bassist Perry Richardson (formerly of Firehouse), who will be joining them on tour. “We’re excited about the next season of Stryper,” says Sweet. “We have the best fans in the world and the band is at the top of its game musically and spiritually. We look forward to seeing everyone on the road.”

The Yellow and Black Attack returns to Australia for the first time since 2010!

Stryper 2018 Australian Tour Dates

Friday 17th August MELBOURNE Max Watts

Saturday 18th August SYDNEY Max Watts

Sunday 19th August ADELAIDE The Gov

Tuesday 21st August BRISBANE The Triffid

Tickets On Sale: Wednesday 6th June 9:00am local

http://silverbacktouring.com.au/612-2/

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Interview with Andrew W.K.

It’s safe to say, nobody has partied harder, longer or more fervently than the undisputed King of Partying himself, ANDREW W.K. and Casper got to chat to him recently regarding the upcoming tour.

ANDREW W.K. is a one-man music machine possessed of a single-minded, monomaniacal focus to spread a singular message: That to party is to exist. And to exist is to party. Fans in Sydney and Melbourne will get to experience this life-affirming and overwhelming show in August because ANDREW W.K. is coming to Australia this August and he’s coming in hard!

An ANDREW W.K. live show is backed by a six-piece band of hard-driving musicians, became a collective celebration of unbridled joy that often turns entire dance floors into a giant, whirling circle pit of jostling bodies, with sweat and hair flying, and generally ends in a mass stage invasion that tears down the boundary between artist and audience.

The party lives on!

THE PARTY NEVER DIES

AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2018

TOUR DATES:

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST – CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE 18+

SUNDAY 26 AUGUST – MANNING BAR, SYDNEY 18+

www.tickets.destroyalllines.com

Tickets go on sale Wednesday 13 June, 9am local

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Kara Eberle

Kara Eberle is an American voice actress and internet personality. She’s most known for her role as Weiss Schnee in the award-winning anime series, RWBY. Sarah had an amazing chat with her ahead of this weekends PERTH SUPANOVA!

Kara first stepped into the industry working at Rooster Teeth Productions, where she met Monty Oum (RWBY) in 2011. They became close friends, and Oum shared a “crazy idea” that would turn out to be a global phenomenon. Warner Bros. Japan recently debuted RWBY to the eastern market in late 2015.

Kara also lends her voice to the new video game, RWBY: Grimm Eclipse – introduced at RTX 2015 and currently available on Steam.

In addition to voice acting and interacting with fans, Kara works as an executive at Powerhouse Animation Studios, located in Austin, TX. She enjoys seeing all aspects of the animation world!

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Peta-Marie Rixon

Peta-Marie is an actor most notably known for her role as Alpha 5, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. The feature film was produced by some of Hollywood’s leading producers like Jon Landau (Titantic and Avatar) and Suzanne Todd (the Austin Powers franchise and Alice in Wonderland). Sarah had a killer chat with her ahead of Supanova Sydney and Perth.

She also appeared in Hong Kong film How Deep Is Your Love working alongside Ken Wu (Tai Chi Zero Producer).

She appeared in Home and Away in 1997 and was a television presenter for Infobreak which aired on Good Morning Australia. This gave her skills to teach Television Presenting at TV Pro casting which was leading TV Presenting school located in Sydney.

She has appeared in over 30 TV Commercials and has worked in various arrears in the arts sector from Art Direction – she designed the set for Kasey Chambers Music Video Luca and has worked on photo shoots and competitions as both an Art Director and fashion stylist which have been published in magazines World Wide including over 10 covers and had 4 finalist nominations in 5 categories for the AIPP awards in Paris 2011.

Peta-Marie has been involved as an Australian Producer for charitable organizations including AHS (UK), H4O (AU) – which raised money for children with cancer. With shows Produced in London – Royal Albert Hall, Kremlin State Theatre , Seoul Korea as Australian Producer and in Sydney Australia – helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. She has also worked with Fashion Icons: Robert Lobetta, Xpression to name a few as a Producer for ssshhh the oz secret staged in Sydney 2015/16.

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Interview with Tony Rogers (The Charlatans)

Well on the back of a great tour announcement that the most widely-loved British bands, THE CHARLATANS are headed to Australia. Casper had a great chat with drummer TONY ROGERS about what to expect in August. You can hear the entire interview below:

Metropolis Touring are thrilled to announce that one of the most widely-loved British bands, THE CHARLATANS are returning to Australia this August.

Tim Burgess “We love playing in Australia”

The group found initial success in 1990 with their debut record ‘Some Friendly’. The album charted at #1 in the UK and featured the indie anthem The Only One I Know as well as Then and fan favourite Sproston Green.

Since then THE CHARLATANS have released 12 albums, most recently ‘Different Days’ which fans called “a new classic” and which The Guardian called it their “finest effort since 1996’s Telling Stories”. Along the way they have built up an impressive catalogue of most excellent songs including One to Another, Northern Country Boy, Just When You’re Thinkin Things Over, Weirdo, Blackened Blue Eyes and loads more.

THE CHARLATANS have seen off Madchester and Britpop and made music that’s stood the test of time. That along with their amazing live shows have garnered them a passionate following that has given them lasting success… ‘simply a quality band with great back catalogue, great current stuff and phenomenal live musicians’

“THE CHARLATANS sound like home. They’re like your big brothers, always reliable. And always your best mate!”

The Charlatans Australian Tour Dates August 2018:

Friday 24th BRISBANE: The Triffid

Saturday 25th SYDNEY: The Metro

Sunday 26th MELBOURNE: 170 Russell

Tuesday 28th ADELAIDE: The Gov

Wednesday 29th PERTH: Capitol

Tickets:

Pre-Sale – Friday 27th April, 9am (Local time) – Monday 30th April, 9am (Local time)

On Sale – Monday 30th April, 9am (Local time)

From: https://metropolistouring.com/the-charlatans/

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Karan Ashley

Karan Ashely Jackson, better known by her stage name Karan Ashley, is an American acress. Ashley was born in Odessa, Texas and graduated from David W. dcarter High School in Dallas. In 1992, she was a member of the short-lived girl group K.R.U.S.H., who contributed a song to the soundtrack of Mo’ Money. She was known as Ashley Jackson at this time. Sarah had a great chat with her ahead of Supanova in Sydney and Perth.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Karan Ashley has worked as an actress, singer, radio show host, reality star, writer, and TV and film producer.

Her big break came when she won the role of Aisha, the Yellow Power Ranger, on the number one kids show in America, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Karan was able to do over 80 episodes and also starred in the hit film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.

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[SUPANOVA COMIC-CON] Interview with Johny Cruz

Jonny is an actor/director know for titles such as Matador, Overwatch, Hitman, Heroes of the Storm, Prototype 2, Stinky and Dirty. Sarah Had a chat to him ahead of the Sydney & Perth Supanova.

Jonny’s passions led him to start his career in Dallas Texas, landing him some fun direct to DVD action movies (Walking Tall: Long Justice, Missionary Man) and early TV appearances (Prison Break). He produced and directed his first feature film (Small Timers) and many online series before moving to LA.

Since living in LA he has made his way into television (Matador, The Closer, NCIS: Los Angeles) and voice over (Overwatch as Lucio, Hitman, Heroes of the Storm, Prototype 2, Stinky and Dirty). He is Currently working on a few new VO titles and is a Producer at Facebook | Instagram

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Interview with Rachel Bolan (Skid Row)

Well they are on their way back in October with new frontman former Dragonforce singer ZP Theart for what promises to be some killer shows. Casper had a great chat with SKID ROW bassist RACHEL BOLAN about what they have planned for us.

Multi-platinum selling band SKID ROW will embark on a full Australian tour this October whilst also hitting Auckland New Zealand. It will be the first time Australian fans get to see former Dragonforce singer ZP Theart up front and he will be joined by guitarists Snake Sabo & Scotti Hill, bassist Rachel Bolan and drummer Rob Hammersmith!

Skid Row started in 1986 when a group of New Jersey kids, armed with their punk and metal attitude, and a collection of riff-heavy, high-octane songs, set out to conquer the world, one concert at a time. This determined and focused approach proved to be an unquestionable success, as the group went on to clock up numerous Top Ten singles, Gold and multi-Platinum selling albums and a Number 1 on the Billboard album chart. In other words, the world was theirs.

They might have conquered the world several times over, but guitarist Snake Sabo admits the success hasn’t changed him or the band, and Skid Row are focused on making more earth shattering music. He says: “I will always be that 16-year-old kid in front of the mirror, pretending to be Ace Frehley or Michael Schenker. It’s still about writing a great song with your friends, praying it connects with someone. That has never left me. That willfulness will always exist, and there’s so much left to say!”

Now, SKID ROW is gearing up to record the final instalment of the United World Rebellion trilogy. Recording new songs means capturing the signature SKID ROW energy for drummer Rob Hammersmith. “That sound and energy is what resonates with people and knocks them on their ass! We have a lot of great ideas to work with, so we’re all really excited about this new music.”

As the energy for the new album and tour is reaching fever pitch, enter ZP Theart. “I’ve been a mad fan of this band since I was a teenager, and to now be a member of SKID ROW, is beyond any sense of my imagination!”

The Fever Pitch is sure to be reached as SKID ROW unleash all that energy and hit Australia and NZ this October!

Skid Row Australian and NZ Tour Dates:

Thursday 18th October BRISBANE Eatons Hill Hotel

Friday 19th October MELBOURNE Prince Bandroom

Saturday 20th October SYDNEY Manning Bar

Sunday 21st October PERTH Astor Theatre

Tuesday 23rd October ADELAIDE The Gov

Wednesday 24th October AUCKLAND The Studio

Tickets on sale 9:00am Monday 21st May 2018

From: http://silverbacktouring.com.au/

 

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