Music Month Q&A: Antagonist vocalist Sam Crocker
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This year is proving to be a big one for hardcore metal band Antagonist. They opened the main stage at Big Day Out, co-headlined at Killer fest (second year in a row), followed up by a tour through out the North Island with American heavyweights Bleeding Through. In June, Antagonist will return to Australia for their fifth time, playing every major city with Australia's finest Parkway Drive.
Vocalist Sam Crocker says Antagonist has gone beyond any expectation he had of being in a band.
"I am still pretty shell shocked about how it's all panned out."
These Cities, Our Graves (Australian Bonus Edition) which includes 2 bonus tracks Distance and Stranger will be released on June 9. Plans are being made for Europe, Canada, Japan & USA invasions for later 2008 and early 2009.This year is proving to be a big one for hardcore metal band Antagonist. They opened the main stage at Big Day Out, co-headlined at Killer fest (second year in a row), followed up by a tour through out the North Island with American heavyweights Bleeding Through. In June, Antagonist will return to Australia for their fifth time, playing every major city with Australia's finest Parkway Drive.
Vocalist Sam Crocker says Antagonist has gone beyond any expectation he had of being in a band.
"I am still pretty shell shocked about how it's all panned out."
These Cities, Our Graves (Australian Bonus Edition) which includes 2 bonus tracks Distance and Stranger will be released on June 9. Plans are being made for Europe, Canada, Japan & USA invasions for later 2008 and early 2009.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Changes, early morning coffee anxiety freak outs work, but at the same time I work outside & travel around Auckland all day. I see a lot of crazy shit.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Vibe.
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The delivery for sure.. Playing shows, vibing.
How does your environment affect your work?
In every way possible.. It shapes and affects me as a person, so obviously that translates to whatever I do.
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Both, right, you gotta do both.. one day at a time, till we get the vegan revolution.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Well, if you're doing what you love & you are sincere about it then success will be yours straight away, you don't need 'recognition' to be successful creatively. That doesn't make much sense does it?? Paraphrase - just do what you love.
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Antagonist has done beyond any expectation I had of being in a band. I am still pretty shell shocked about how it's all panned out.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
All the weird conspiracy shit I've been reading lately, scientology, albert camus, k'rd alcoholics, CrimethInc.
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
American Football.
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Tirau, haha - Lately it has been Piha though.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Live, for the passion, energy & honesty, if it isn't there live then the music isn't real
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
Depends in what context I am, if I'm in wilderness, then the fabric is used as a blanket/clothing, string will be used for traps, and stick is to fight hunters/bigger animals that want to get me etc etc -
But if was just hanging out id make a flag, or maybe a hammock depending on stick/fabric strength..
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Stop drinking so much coffee, just have a green tea
What's great about today?
Today is Friday, tomorrow I go to the ocean.
What's great about NZ Music Month?
The music
What's your big idea for 2008?
Electric cars. Start off with the main centres; build recharge stations everywhere, then slowly expand it out. Would be a HUGE thing, Oh that and Dark Sante Bars dipped in peanut butter.
More information
Sam Crocker - Vocals
Kris Bosman - Guitar
Ross McDougal - Guitar
Josh Moffitt - Bass
Israel McDean - Drums
29/05/08