Interview with Drew Goddard, guitarist from Karnivool.
You have a new album about to come out. What are your feelings now it is ready for release?
Over the moon. We’re all completely stoked to have it finished after so long in the works, and very excited about releasing it. Most of all we’re really happy to finally have a new set of songs to play live!!
What is the album called and why?
The album’s called Themata. It means an underlying feeling or intuition about how the world works. An unarticulated philosphy on life. Our thesis based on gut assumption.
How was the writing and recording process of the album?
The writing process was a tough one, it didn’t come easily. There was way too much thinking involved! We find when we get put under pressure and trust ourselves and eachother we get way better results than sitting pondering the infinite possiblities of where the song could go.
Half of the album was written in the last 5 or 6 months, and those I think are our best songs. A couple of songs we wrote in the studio at the last minute, and they came out great. So to answer your question the writing was tough but we got through it! Looking forward to starting fresh on the next album.
The recording was a hugely enjoyable process.. we recorded in 12 different locations all up. Forrester and ourselves hired a protools rig and went bush to do all the guitars at this amazing location down near Denmark, 5 mins from the treetop walk. It’s such an awesome way to record away from the city, I’m no hippy, but you can’t help but be inspired waking up to the surrounds of our beautiful south west! Maybe I am a hippy?
We recorded the drums at Planet (RIP), various houses for various things, Mandurah, Roleystone and finished up in Melbourne for final recording and mixing. It’s been an enjoyable year.
Is it being released independently or on a label?
Independently.
You are launching the new cd at the lookout. Why did you choose that venue?
We started out around Scarborough, so it seems fitting to return there for our debut launch.
What is planned after the album is released?
Hectic touring, we\’re just gonna get out there and play as much as we can, spread the word. Hopefully get overseas sometime soon too. We’ll also gonna get straight on to the next album, no fucking around. The next one will be a corker.
The vocalist Ian is singing in Birds of Tokyo. Are any of the other members in other bands?
Hos plays in a couple of bands, Revolucion St: His world music outfit with Fetah (ex-superheist), songs recorded with the Egyptian Symphony Orchestra. Keep your your eyes peeled for that. Also Masoniq, with Drew (ex-superheist) and Matt (ex-28 days), like an experimental hiphop kinda band.
Jon is playing in a new band called Neon Kelly with his girlfriend Steph. Steve is also playing with Hope Here Gone, and the greatest band in the world the Sweatshoppe Girlz is just about to start up again. I’m also starting a metal metal band soon.
How long has Karnivool been gigging for?
Since early 98. Our first show was at the Kent St School Ball. We played like 8 Nirvana songs. The first original show was at the O’Connor skate park with The Iron Youth, Caddis, Dust and a few more. We sounded like Metallica back then. I played bass and Ian played guitar and sang.
Has there been anyone who’s been really helpful to the band’s progress?
Too many to mention here. Check out the thankyou section on our CD when it comes out. It’s huge to say the least. A lot of wonderful people around these parts!
The band has scored some good supports over the past few years. Which ones have been the most memorable?
The Soulfly/Hatebreed national was great, great shows with great people! Strapping Young Lad was highly memorable cos I’m completely in love with Devin Townsend’s music, and getting to meet him was one of the coolest things ever. All the supports were great. It’s been an honour to play with some of the world\’s finest.
Is there anyone you would like to support?
I’d love to support the Devin Townsend Band when they come… I think we’re alot more suited to them than SYL. But I don\’t mind if we don\’t support, I just wanna see them!
What are five bands that describe Karnivool’s musical influences?
There’s way too many to mention… but I think putting these 5 in a boiling pot and stirring would be pretty close to how Karnivool sounds nowadays.
Soundgarden, Devin, STP, Tool, Meshuggah.
Favourite bands from Perth?
Again… too many to mention. I love so many bands in Perth, the scene is bitchin at the moment!! But my favourites would be Subtruck, HWC, Fourth Floor Collapse, Josivac, Dave Mann Collective, Snowman, Gyroscope, Grand Central, Rollerskates.
Lastly – Could you explain how each track on the album came about? Ie how the music was written/what the lyrics were about?
the lyrics and music are open to interpretation. We’d prefer to let everyone find their own meaning 🙂
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