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Karnivool Interview: SXSW 2010

KarnivoolAustralia's Karnivool formed in 1997 as a high school cover band but was shortly converted into a band writing original songs after lead singer Ian Kenny changed the set as well as the members. Now the current five piece--vocalist Ian Kenny, guitarist Andrew Goddard, bassist Jon Stockman, guitarist Mark Hosking and drummer Steve Judd--have recently released their second studio album, 'Sound Awake.'

Recently, Hosking took the time to answer some questions from Spinner about the band. This is their first time participating in SXSW and they already have six shows scheduled to perform.


Describe Karnivool's sound in your own words.

I think we could be described as eclectic rock. Something a little left field. Just experimental enough to persuade the Floyd fans to give us a crack, and melodic and rhythmic enough to keep the interest of those who don't care for things that make them think too much. We love jamming. We love different instrumentation. We love playing together. Hopefully it comes across how we envision it.

How did this band form?

There were three original members before the dawn of time. A second guitarist joined whilst writing 'Themata' and our drummer came on board at the beginning of 'Sound Awake.' We're a fairly different bunch of people, but we share a strong love for music, and sometimes partying or drinking a few and talking about space. Somehow we stuck together, despite our differences and now we enjoy watching this thing grow.

How did you come up with your band name?

It's a very dull story. What is a better story is the story of Snow White. Have you ever read it? The dwarves are a little full on at first, but give them time, they will grow on you. The name just stuck. No one really knows where it came from.

What are your musical influences?

Personally, I love a lot of different styles. At the moment I'm listening to a lot of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Peter Gabriel, and Hank Williams, but I'm sure that will change tomorrow. We all have such different tastes. The band was weened on the '80s rock of Nirvana, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, but we as individuals have such different tastes. That's one of the things I really like about this band.

Is this your first time attending SXSW?

This is Karnivool's first time at SXSW. So please be gentle. Talk to us. Let us know you care. When it's dark, hold our hand and whisper in our ears, "It's going to be OK. You're going to do just fine." Then, when we're not looking, spike our drinks, burn pictures of us and sing to us in Swedish. It's how we best relax.

What is your festival survival kit?

We tour with our own iPod and music player so we have our own tunes in our band room. It's amazing what good tunes and alcohol can do to a long hot festival. It's always good to carry a party in your back pocket.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

Listening to things in the dark. I don't know why that's a guilty pleasure but it always feels like it is when you do it. Like you shouldn't be doing it but it's too good to resist. That and buying guitars and effects which I keep getting told to stop doing but, you know.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

We've seen a few crazy things whilst on tour. Nothing extreme. Well, nothing too extreme. One of my favorites was touring through Middle America. We stopped at a truck stop and all felt a bit hung over and exhausted from a ten hour drive and a show the night before. We walked in and bought ourselves some meager meal which we proceeded to pay with from change that was collecting in the van. As we were counting it out on the desk to the girl, a family walked over and talked to the girl and then went back to their table. The woman told us that they had paid for our meals! I think they felt sorry for us, seeing our state and the coins and the van. Ah, the life of a musician.

What is your biggest vice?

Miami. You're never flaccid in Florida!

Anything else you want to add that people need to know about Karnivool?

We are coming to play a show near you. Our new album 'Sound Awake' is out and it is one we have spent four years making and are extremely proud of. Give it a chance. It's a grower so don't write it off on the first listen. Come to a show and come and talk to us! Music is about interaction and sharing ideas, so come and share!


Sarah Vasquez is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.

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Nicole

I made the 3 hr drive to sxsw to catch the 10am show at Emos after I learned Vool wasn't playing Trees in Dallas with FTM. Then with a little quick planning it was a road trip. It was worth every min. of the drive and we arrived during the begining of the second song. Karnivool is amazing and unique. I can enjoy their songs in any mood. And we met Ian and he was very polite. I didn't sing in sweedish..but I did act like a groupie and praise the hell out you guys. Next time I'll come prepared!
Please come back soon!

May 08 2010 at 12:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply