Stevic - Twelve Foot Ninja (15/08/2013)
Following the succesful release of Silent Machine in 2012, a support slot with Fear Factory, and smashing a crowdfunding record for a music video, we chat with Stevic of Twelve Foot Ninja ahead of their Shuriken tour.
Hi mate, I’m Luke, thank you for taking the time to talk with The 59th Sound today.
Hi Luke, no problems mate.
So you’ve just come off tour with Fear Factory. I managed to catch and photograph your set in Melbourne, but could you tell us a bit about this experience touring with Fear Factory?
It was awesome! There were very hospitable, down to earth dudes. It was a pleasure.
What were the highlights of this tour?
Probably Kin getting up and singing Martyr with Fear Factory in Perth!
Twelve Foot Ninja recently broke a record for crowdfunding a music video. I understand it’s going to feature Periphery, could you share some insight into the concept behind the video, and how filming is coming along?
The concept revolves around the idea of having an extreme confrontation with an 'Internet Troll'. With some inspiration from the South Park episode "Scott Tenorman must die", Rocky, Bloodsport, Karate Kid, Indiana Jones, Ren & Stimpy and Dexter.
We've filmed a large slice of it already but it's an epic shoot filmed across a few months, then we have a LOT of editing and post production. Can't wait to share it!
Silent Machine was released late 2012 to much fan and critic acclaim. You already had a solid fan base prior to the release. Did strong fan expectations create pressure during the writing/recording process?
I don't think so. I think we put more pressure on ourselves to raise the bar each time. If we're digging it, hopefully fans of the band do as well.
Do you have a personal favourite song from the album, or some personal favourites to perform live?
I'd say my personal favourite off the album is 'Ain't That A Bitch'. Favourite to play live would probably be 'Coming For You'.
And on the subject of performing live, the mention of the words Twelve Foot Ninja creates some pretty vivid imagery! How would you describe your music to somebody who has not heard it before?
It's a mash up of genres mixed predominately with heavy music in one form or another. Probably easier to explain to go to http://twelvefootninja.com and listen for themselves.
You’ll soon be embarking on the Shuriken tour; could you tell us what a Twelve Foot Ninja pre-show ritual involves?
We're fairly fastidious with setting up our equipment. Once that is done, Russ usually warms up on a practice pad, Kin and Ro run harmonies, Kin walks around screaming for a bit, Damon drinks a beer or two, I'm not sure what I do...usually something a bit antisocial. Then we summarise the mission, focus on having a good time and then just fucking do it I guess!?
What has been your proudest moment in your career?
Probably selling out the majority of the last headline tour, smashing the crowd funding campaign and getting kudos from musicians and bands we really admire.
Now on a more serious note, recent times have seen Australia’s music venues under threat. At your performance at the Palace with Fear Factory, Kin spoke of the venue, which is under threat. What message would you give to the Australian public on the importance of preserving our live music scene?
I think preserving venues like the Palace is paramount. Not only is it a great venue...it has some legit history that needs to be protected and maintained. I also think live music is not just about people being 'charitable' and going out and watching bands, I think bands have the responsibility to ensure they are not turning people off live music by being shit. I'm not referring to subjective tastes, I mean just being able to play their instruments, sing in tune etc.
At the end of a long day, what are the pros and cons of being a musician?
Way too many to list. I'd say the main con is the cost to create content and tour is disproportionate to the return. The main pro would be seeing ideas and concepts come to fruition and witnessing others enjoy them.
Now I ask this question in every interview, but what has been your favourite music release of 2013?
Ah shit! Tough one as there has been a lot of great releases this year! I'm writing this on my phone in Fiji so I can't access my computer. Locally I'd start with Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, and Northlane.
And finally, what advice would you give to young musicians and bands looking to start their careers?
Critique and scrutinise your own work. Don't rush your product as there is no second first impression. Be realistic.
Thanks for your time, looking forward to the tour!
Cheers mate!
Luke Sutton
@lukesutton
Twelve Foot Ninja Shuriken Tour Dates
August 30 Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
September 5 Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
September 6 Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
September 7 Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
September 12 Zierholz UC, Canberra
September 13 Waves, Wollongong
September 14 Manning Bar, Sydney
September 19 Small Ballroom, Newcastle
September 20 Entrance Leagues, The Entrance
September 21 Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
September 26 Prince of Wales, Bunbury
September 27 Rosemount Hotel, Perth
October 4 Corner Hotel, Melbourne
October 5 Fowlers Live, Adelaide
Hi mate, I’m Luke, thank you for taking the time to talk with The 59th Sound today.
Hi Luke, no problems mate.
So you’ve just come off tour with Fear Factory. I managed to catch and photograph your set in Melbourne, but could you tell us a bit about this experience touring with Fear Factory?
It was awesome! There were very hospitable, down to earth dudes. It was a pleasure.
What were the highlights of this tour?
Probably Kin getting up and singing Martyr with Fear Factory in Perth!
Twelve Foot Ninja recently broke a record for crowdfunding a music video. I understand it’s going to feature Periphery, could you share some insight into the concept behind the video, and how filming is coming along?
The concept revolves around the idea of having an extreme confrontation with an 'Internet Troll'. With some inspiration from the South Park episode "Scott Tenorman must die", Rocky, Bloodsport, Karate Kid, Indiana Jones, Ren & Stimpy and Dexter.
We've filmed a large slice of it already but it's an epic shoot filmed across a few months, then we have a LOT of editing and post production. Can't wait to share it!
Silent Machine was released late 2012 to much fan and critic acclaim. You already had a solid fan base prior to the release. Did strong fan expectations create pressure during the writing/recording process?
I don't think so. I think we put more pressure on ourselves to raise the bar each time. If we're digging it, hopefully fans of the band do as well.
Do you have a personal favourite song from the album, or some personal favourites to perform live?
I'd say my personal favourite off the album is 'Ain't That A Bitch'. Favourite to play live would probably be 'Coming For You'.
And on the subject of performing live, the mention of the words Twelve Foot Ninja creates some pretty vivid imagery! How would you describe your music to somebody who has not heard it before?
It's a mash up of genres mixed predominately with heavy music in one form or another. Probably easier to explain to go to http://twelvefootninja.com and listen for themselves.
You’ll soon be embarking on the Shuriken tour; could you tell us what a Twelve Foot Ninja pre-show ritual involves?
We're fairly fastidious with setting up our equipment. Once that is done, Russ usually warms up on a practice pad, Kin and Ro run harmonies, Kin walks around screaming for a bit, Damon drinks a beer or two, I'm not sure what I do...usually something a bit antisocial. Then we summarise the mission, focus on having a good time and then just fucking do it I guess!?
What has been your proudest moment in your career?
Probably selling out the majority of the last headline tour, smashing the crowd funding campaign and getting kudos from musicians and bands we really admire.
Now on a more serious note, recent times have seen Australia’s music venues under threat. At your performance at the Palace with Fear Factory, Kin spoke of the venue, which is under threat. What message would you give to the Australian public on the importance of preserving our live music scene?
I think preserving venues like the Palace is paramount. Not only is it a great venue...it has some legit history that needs to be protected and maintained. I also think live music is not just about people being 'charitable' and going out and watching bands, I think bands have the responsibility to ensure they are not turning people off live music by being shit. I'm not referring to subjective tastes, I mean just being able to play their instruments, sing in tune etc.
At the end of a long day, what are the pros and cons of being a musician?
Way too many to list. I'd say the main con is the cost to create content and tour is disproportionate to the return. The main pro would be seeing ideas and concepts come to fruition and witnessing others enjoy them.
Now I ask this question in every interview, but what has been your favourite music release of 2013?
Ah shit! Tough one as there has been a lot of great releases this year! I'm writing this on my phone in Fiji so I can't access my computer. Locally I'd start with Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, and Northlane.
And finally, what advice would you give to young musicians and bands looking to start their careers?
Critique and scrutinise your own work. Don't rush your product as there is no second first impression. Be realistic.
Thanks for your time, looking forward to the tour!
Cheers mate!
Luke Sutton
@lukesutton
Twelve Foot Ninja Shuriken Tour Dates
August 30 Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
September 5 Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
September 6 Tempo Hotel, Brisbane
September 7 Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
September 12 Zierholz UC, Canberra
September 13 Waves, Wollongong
September 14 Manning Bar, Sydney
September 19 Small Ballroom, Newcastle
September 20 Entrance Leagues, The Entrance
September 21 Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
September 26 Prince of Wales, Bunbury
September 27 Rosemount Hotel, Perth
October 4 Corner Hotel, Melbourne
October 5 Fowlers Live, Adelaide