Band/Artist name:

HEAVYLOVE

Where did your band name come from?

It originally came from a discussion I had with my wife where I was describing the music I have played, ranging from heavy rock to acoustic love songs. She suggested putting the two words together.

Who’s in the band? How did you meet and when did you get together?

Laurie - guitar / vocal, Darren – drums, and Scott-bass. When I met Darren I noticed he had a Led Zeppelin tattoo and we talked about music for awhile. The next day I rang his work and asked to speak to the guy with the Led Zepp tattoo. We got together and jammed and the rest is history. Scott and I have played in lots of bands together over the years. We can read each other really well musically, it is all telepathic.

What’s your musical background? When did you start playing?

I taught myself guitar and started playing my first gigs when I was 16. The other boys are the same, Scott was taught by his dad who was a bassist and gave him his passion. Darren jammed to the Foo Fighters first album to teach himself drums, it’s served him very well.

Has your music evolved since you first began playing together?

I would say yes, definitely. It gets better every jam, every gig. The telepathy gets stronger every time.

What is your creative process?

Sometimes I don’t play guitar for weeks on end then all of a sudden I will write three songs in a day. For the upcoming release I wrote and recorded everything and then brought the band in to add their flavour in a live setting.

How would you describe your music to people?

The only way I can describe it effectively is that it’s honest. It’s the most honest thing that I do.

Does your music convey a message?

I hope it does. If you listen to the songs the message is pretty clear. Turn off your television, go surfing, join a tai chi class, do something! We need to chill out and start communicating again. Talk to people, have a laugh, go to a pub and catch some good rocknroll music.

Who are your musical influences?

The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Hendrix and Led Zeppelin

How do you sell your music?

At a gig near you and soon to be online and in stores.

What live performance experience have you had?

Plenty, both as a group and as individuals. We have lived every line from, ‘It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.’

Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you have a set play list?

Yeah we play most of the songs from the upcoming CD, as well as a bunch of new ones. Roe 8 Highway and The Flow are always in there. That usually gets everyone on their feet.

Do you ever play covers?

Yes, we throw a few Kinks songs in and a bit of Helmet or Creedence for the old timers.

What has been your biggest highlight as a musician?

This interview, right here. And also when you hit the spot when you are jamming or playing live, that feels pretty good.

What’s the most interesting thing that’s ever happened to your band?

People coming to our shows with home-made t-shirts sporting our band name. That’s a trip. Might have to work out some merchandise options for our fans.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band?

Mainly it comes down to money, the root of all evil, when you don’t have enough!

What are your long-term goals as a musician?

To never have to pick up a shovel again. And earn enough so I can eat something nicer than toast and cornflakes!

Do you have any tips?

Grow a good moustache and always wear clean underwear.

Why do you want to be a musician?

Because it’s the only thing I am good at, and the only thing I haven’t given up on. I can’t speak for the other guys but I would say they feel the same. Playing is as good as getting barrelled when I’m in the water. And I can’t get paid for surfing.

Where can we hear your tunes online?

www.myspace.com/heavylovemusic