Chasing Friday-Exclusive Interview
“After being kicked out of their rehearsal space, guitarist Adrian James Gregory and bassist Nico Mouissie had hit a brick wall in chasing their dream of being in a kick-ass rock band. Little did they know that Andrew ‘The Mule’ Mellish was just as desperate to form a band. After searching tirelessly on the internet it was fate that they crossed paths. Three months of solid jamming followed with many songs being written, all this new 3-piece needed was a vocalist to complete their line-up. After many awkward moments trying to get rid of super-keen yet not so super-talented candidates, Mule suggested an old school buddy, Phill Black who fronted his first band, to try crack the nod. A week later Chasing Friday was born.Chasing Friday is not just a band, its a way of life. Formed in late 2007, an unusually long Cape Town winter (carrying on into summer) couldn’t stop this band from exploding onto the Cape Town music scene. The band writes catchy, groovable, interesting rock songs. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to ‘pump up the volume’ and roll down the windows when you hit a red robot…”
I caught up with the guys from Chasing Friday and found out as to how the band started, whats new, and who the biggest diva is in the band is…
check it out!
Why the name? Chasing Friday symbolises the struggle between doing what you have to do in order to make a living ( boring 9-5 jobs ) and what you want to do with your life ( your passion ) . For us it’s music, but it can be anything. We have noticed that often our passions don’t pay the bills and are shelved or become part-time hobbies. We are trying to make our passion our livelihood. This is represented by the act of ‘Chasing’. ‘Friday’ just represents the begining of the weekend, a time of freedom to pursue these passions. People are always so glad when Friday arrives as they know they are free to choice how to spend each moment.
How did the band meet? Andrew (drummer/songwriter) aka Mule was searching for musicians to start a project via the web. Nico (bass) and Adrian (guitars/songwriter) long time friends were also searching via the web. The connection was made through facebook and a jam session was scheduled at Andrew’s farm in Durbanville. Things clicked from the start and 3 months of jammig, songwriting and auditioning of frontmen commenced from June 07 till early Sept. After many dissmil auditions Andrew suggested long time school friend Phil, whom had been in a band at school with Andrew and Dan Shout ( Johhny Clegg saxophonist ) . So Chasing Friday was born. Started gigging a month later in Oct and the rest as they say is history.
What are the new things happening? Just signed a 6 month management deal with ilovemusic.co.za. Busy recording some new songs which should be online by Christmas. Adrian will be leaving the band in the new year to focus on his career. Brendon Hull is busy learning our material to take over as our new full time guitarist by Jan. We meet Brendon through our good friends Autopilot.
What you’d like to achieve in the music industry? Our goals are to play all of SA’s top music festivals, be playlisted on national radio, Make cutting edge music video’s, to connect with our fans on a personnel level, support and create awareness to causes and charities we believe in and write music that inspires.
What’s the new single your releasing (or will it be a surprise)? We are busy with 2 of the best songs we’ve written ‘Here With You’ and ‘Josie’ which we hope to have online by Christmas.
And do you have a favorite song from the album? We have an album available called ’2 Days in Paris’, as it was recorded over a weekend at Paris Studios in Fish Hoek late in 2007. The album contains 6 electric tracks and 2 acoustic. There are only 200 copies left and it won’t be continued. We are proud of the album and cannot single out one favourite.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming tour? We are looking at a tour of Jo’burg early next year.
Who takes the longest to get ready before a gig? Phil, he’s a real diva.
Are any of you working on side projects? Andrew sings for a cover band called ‘One Step Closer’, purely for fun. Nico also plays in his church band.
Who talks the most rubbish (at any given moment)? Phil and Mule.
Who is the messiest on tour? Phil and Mule..
enjoy!
xx
yours in musical madness
