Exclusive Interview With Ashtray Electric

 Photo Credit: Liam Lynch

Rolling riffs, feet tapping beats and a ‘quaint mixture consisting of 3 parts suburb and 2 parts platteland’ make up the phenomenon that is Ashtray Electric, hailing from Bellville- they are set to rock and have started to take over the local scene…

Festivals such the KKNK 2008 provided guitarist Rudi (who I interviewed) with quite a few memories “I remember the kids at KKNK 2008 looking like someone stuck them in a braai grill behind the 8-foot high fence in front of the stage..”

Blood, sweat and tears are also a part of what make up this group “I remember hitting (Andre) Pienaar on the head with my guitar and him bleeding….”

Musically, to have “a good selling album” is what they’d like to achieve…and with regards to musical influences “there are a whole bunch to be honest. I like to try and listen to as many different kind of bands and styles of music as possible to try and not fall in a groove of sorts.” which helps the band to “write music that draws little bits from a larger selection of other musical styles and genres.”

Their EP ‘The Dave Sessions’ which was in released 2007 has a slightly edgier feel than their new release ‘Quite Overstared’  They learned “a shit load” from recording the EP and Rudi conceded that “we were a bit conservative in hindsight but that’s how [you] learn” and learn they did!

‘Quite Overstared’ has appeared on the BRC package which is no small feat-considering it features music from the likes of Fokofpolisiekar, Springbok Nude Girls and other notable local bands all from Bellville. “It’s really cool [to be a part of the BRC package]. The funny thing is [about being considered ‘new to the scene’] is that we’ve actually been around for longer than VCK and aKing but we’ve only recently decided to get a little more serious.” and by serious they mean? “Hopefully an album soon and a new video for Quite Overstared. Other than that just playing loads of shows and getting up to Jo’burg and Pretoria again.”

The group certainly has matured both musically and professionally since the release of their EP “I think our songs are structured better now and we’ve gotten one step closer to mastering the art of ‘the hook’.”

Their studio time was fairly laid back-no off the wall craziness whilst in studio,..well “not when recording ‘The Dave Sessions’. Unless if living off McDonalds counts then yes. For Quite Overstared it was a bit different. Still nothing that stands out as off the wall though.”

Performing is special when “the crowd is having a good time. Also, some nights it all just comes together and playing the songs just comes easier than at other times. That’s a pretty good feeling I suppose.”

The band is also looking at touring “Not too seriously at the moment but we’re in the process of getting in a car and living in it for at least 3 months.” McDonalds will again become a faithful friend whilst they are touring I’m sure…

There is also new material on the horizon as “there are loads of loose ideas that haven’t been tied down yet but we’re pretty happy with where it’s been heading at the moment..”

There are no ‘divas’ within AE, although Rupert probably takes the longest to get ready for gigs-but that’s purely because he has more equipment to get ready. [being the drummer]. As for the biggest rubbish talker in the group “that might have to be me (Rudi), but Reg can talk a mean bucket of shit as well.” and Pienaar gets the dubious honour of ‘(probably) the messiest on tour,whilst Wouter has no above mentioned honour-dubious or otherwise which is an honour in itself..

Ashtray Electric is set to take over-so watch out! You won’t be disappointed with what they have to offer…

Enjoy the vid for ‘The Swing’ below

xx

yours in musical madness

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