INTERVIEW: Danny Garland – Phoxjaw
Ahead of their tour supporting PAGAN and in the wake of the release of debut EP Goodbye Dinosaur…, Distorted Sound spoke to Danny Garland, bassist and vocalist for Bristol noisemakers PHOXJAW – now available for private relative’s parties, as it turns out…
Thanks for speaking to me, Danny. How has 2018 been for you as a band overall?
Danny: It’s been an amazing year for us, and the beginning of a lot of new things. We’ve picked up some new members and our sound is developing and growing like finger looking weeds sprouting out of a cracked patio.
Have there been any particular highs or lows?
Danny: It’s all been a high really, as we all get on well and are constantly laughing in the van. The band is our form of escapism from the work we need to do for money. So, when we say highs and lows – there aren’t many lows really. 2000 Trees was the biggest high for us all though; what a show that was!
You’re a band with a very eclectic sound, one that could go in any direction at any moment. What do you think has inspired this?
Danny: As simple as it sounds, we all listen to different kinds of music and from here we really want to create something new, utilising everything from the more ambient folk influences to the cold black metal and noise rock sounds. We want a band that’s new and exciting, which is why every record or EP we release, we want to be its own thing with a completely unique personality. We also want to collaborate with other artists in the form of split releases and other projects in the future.
Have there been any albums released this year that have influenced you as a band on how to take your musical stylings forward at all?
Danny: The new BLACK PEAKS record – it’s been smashing skulls with its big tunes! We all find that band sensational to watch, they are the top players on the scene for sure and such lush dudes to chat with. Lots of techno is on the spinner as well; there has been some amazing releases this year from the likes of PARQUET COURTS and MGMT – their new record Little Dark Age has been one that Huw [Allen, keys player] has been enjoying. Cocoa Sugar by YOUNG FATHERS is a banger as well.
Are there any tracks on your Goodbye Dinosaur… EP that you are particularly proud of?
Danny: Personally, Weapons and Triceratops, but the songs on Goodbye Dinosaur… are older songs from the beginning of the Triassic period of this band. I’m proud of this EP like I would be for my young son who came last in the egg and spoon race; the songs rock but my focus is now on the future. When I finish a record or EP it’s no longer mine – it’s yours, and you make what you want of it. If you want to chuck the CD at a brick wall then do it – just make sure you film it.
You’re about to set off on tour with PAGAN. Looking forward to it?
Danny: Very much so. I believe they’re from Melbourne and I’ve seen that Aussies don’t mind a beverage or two. We like to drink as well so it should be a laugh!
You’ve played around your hometown of Bristol a lot this year on various bills; who have been the best band you’ve opened for?
Danny: We opened for our lovely mates in LOATHE earlier in the year at The Fleece; these guys are the freshest bit of metal I’ve been beaten with and it really made me happy. They all sound like Jon Snow as well.
It would be fair to say that your music and intense live shows have made you a sizeable presence in the local scene; does that add any sort of pressure to you?
Danny: As the band grows there is always pressure. What we do live isn’t easy and it does take it out of you but right now no limbs are broken and my voice hasn’t popped so that’s as good a cause for celebration as anything. Grab me a cold one, please! [laughs]
Do you find it difficult trying to break out of Bristol in attempting to playing around the country, or are you happy with how the band is going and taking every opportunity as it arises?
Danny: Oh we will play anywhere asked of us. Your Auntie Sandra’s 60th birthday need a band? We will do it.
What’s the plan for 2019?
Danny: Make the best bit of music that you can grab your hands on. I’d love to play some big shows also, with a few cold ones on stage left and a white towel to dry the dripping sweat from my eyes.
Finally, what would be the ultimate dream for PHOXJAW?
Danny: To travel the world and take PHOXJAW to every place possible, whether’s it hill, mountain or sea, even snow. We also want to support BABYMETAL. Playing some gigs in Asia would be exciting…anything else? Buy a shed and all live in it, I guess!
Goodbye Dinosaur… is out now via self-release.
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