Interview: Turbowolf

Turbowolf are playing a Christmas special at the Marble factory and it’s billed as their last live outing for a while. Special seasonal shenanigans are promised and if you’ve seen ‘em play, you know it’s gonna be a killer. If you’ve yet to experience the mayhem, then snaffle up one of the few remaining tickets and come and get yer ears pinned back. As a warm up George Georgiadis answered a few questions for us. Now read on:

Asian Dub Foundation recently performed a live soundtrack to THX 1138, is there a film you guys would like to soundtrack in a similar manner?

“No Country for Old Men. It doesn’t have a soundtrack so it’s a bit of a blank canvas. A lot of our favourite films have got great soundtracks, so wouldn’t want to mess around with anything like that.”

The media struggle to describe your music, getting their tongues twisted around multiple genre mash-ups, would you help ‘em out and describe your perception of your sound in simple terms?

“Beautifully crafted horrible noise for the masses.”

Who would win a celebrity funk-off George Clinton or James Brown?

“Not sure what that competition would consist of but I guess George Clinton when it comes to most things, like songwriting, persona and invention. But James Brown would win if it was based on voice and moves.”

You’ve a well-earned reputation for thrilling live shows; do you see yourselves as primarily a live band or a recording act?

“We treat live and studio work completely differently. In the studio we like to be meticulous and technical, and then live we like to let it all hang out and just have fun.”

Outside of town people perceive Bristol to be the trip hop capital of the country (© all of that London media), and yet the town rocks; does this perception frustrate you or has it been irrelevant and inconsequential to your progress?

“Not really: I think if you’ve got something that’s good then it doesn’t matter where you’re from, even more so in these days of internet proliferation. Plus London is just an M4 away!”

Who serves AC/DC better as their singer – Bon Scott or Brian Johnson?

“Bon Scott if I had to pick but I don’t really mind as I’m not a big fan.”

The NME, Kerrang!, Mojo, Classic Rock – how important is print media to a working band in the digital age?

“It’s all important. You’re aiming for being always present everywhere.”

What level of success would you like to achieve – do you want a Muse level of success or would you be happy to be playing & recording and making a living?

“If I can be in a band and enjoy all that brings, I’ll be happy.”

A duo from Brighton have lately been anointed by the fashion police as the saviour of guitar-based rock, the media regularly seem to think guitar based rock needs saving but I’ve certainly never seen it anywhere near death’s door over the past three decades – what’s your take?

“Culture, which includes and is shaped by the media, rotate things that are cool / not cool so that companies can sell you things. Best to try to ignore the people shouting and listen to what you know is right.” 

What are the bands that you are all collectively happy to listen to on the road, and what bands drive massive wedges between you?

“Whenever we listen to music on the road we normally all find something to enjoy in it. I guess we’re all quite open minded. To name a few…DFA1979, Bad Brains, Battles, Nick Cave…all kinds of stuff really.”

Finally, who is your favourite Doctor, one of the rebooted 21st Century fellas or one of the chaps from the 20th Century?

“Don’t watch it, don’t like it. I liked the titles and music when I was a kid though.”

Oops, almost forgot, we’re compelled to ask you what you think of Jeremy Corbyn (who currently seems more at risk from fellow party members rather than the Government and the tabloids)?

“A better one than the one we have.”