We had a quick Q&A with Kazzy Kage, the frontman from Sydney band Tensions Arise. You can check out what’s happening with the band at all times HERE.
The Band
How did the band first come to exist?
It was 2008 and I was without a band and just wanted to get back into it. A guy I knew responded to an ad I posted on a forum and we started demoing. Things have grown a lot since that time. Man, that was eight years ago now…such a long time!
Is there an interesting story behind the name?
It was basically based on how things went in my previous band, towards the end it just got very tense and it fell apart, suddenly one day I was chilling at home and it popped into my head. I had the name before I had the band!
What’s your most recent release?
We are about to release our debut full length album “A Breath Of Aggression”. Most people who know us are somewhat familiar with our sound and what we do, we have stepped it up beyond anything I could have imagined on this new one.
What’s the one must have item on the rider?
We have always requested a pool on the side of stage, no one has given us that yet! Usually though we want Jäger and bourbons, or ciders, or cocaine and hookers, or unicorns. Sometimes we want a pet monkey to come out onstage… I am pretty sure the only thing we have been given is room temperature water!
Any pre-show rituals?
My guitarist and I usually go to the bathroom in hopes they have mirrors, we put water in our mouths look at each other count to 3 on our hand and spit water over each other, we do it again but at the mirror. It’s weird, we just started doing it one day. I think we were drunk, but its became a thing. Well, you asked …
What do you think is the hardest aspect of being in a touring band?
Well, I guess it would be the obvious like maintaining a relationship. I personally love touring, I don’t like the organising and planning but I do enjoy actually doing it.
What’s on the cards in the next few months for the band?
We are about to do our first Aussie tour in a really long time in support of our debut album, A Breath Of Aggression. Playing in places like Wagga for the first time! We are even going international and playing alongside 8 Foot Sativa in New Zealand. A lot more is currently being locked in but I have to keep those things quiet for now! It’s going to be a busy year for Tensions. If you didn’t know us before, you sure will this year!
The Music
Any band, album, or song that you personally credit as a major influence?
For sure, Dez Fafara from Coal Chamber/Devildriver and Björn from Soilwork are some serious influences for me. For the band Steel Panther and 80s hair metal, it isn’t our sound but it sure as hell is our personalities! Haha.
Most prized music related item you own?
Anything I own to do with music is prized, Music has and will continue to influence the person I am and continue to work on being.
Last album you picked up?
Steel Panther – Live from Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage. I have also pre ordered the Debut of Westfield Massacre and am eagerly awaiting the new Devildriver!
What album is currently on high rotation?
Wouldn’t say it’s an album, but it’s a mix of Poison/Def Leppard and Steel Panther for the most part.
What do you think of online music sharing?
It’s how the world is now, We should be happy someone wants to share our art in any way, be It online or burning a cd.
The Man
Who are your non-musical influences?
My mother R.I.P, My family and friends, anyone who has stuck by me through the most trying of times.
What are some of your pet peeves?
People not responding, or doing half assed jobs. People who need to be reminded constantly on how to be human.
When you’re not with the band, what are you usually found doing?
Chilling out, everything I do band wise is so loud, high energy and intense, I like chilling out. I can be found locked in my room watching DVD’s.
AFL or NRL?
NRL!
The Final Say
Don’t forget, our album comes out on the 12 May, we are on tour from Friday 13th! Check us out at a town near you, come say hey and have some drinks or shots at the bar with me!
Tensions Arise: Tour Dates 2016
13 May – The Home Tavern, Wagga
20 May – Unibar, Wollongong
21 May – Baldfaced Stag, Sydney
27 May – The Vault, Newcastle
28 May – The Basement, Canberra
04 June – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
10 June – The Backroom, Brisbane
17 June – Wholelottalove, Melbourne
25 June – Club Statik, Woy Woy
01 July – The Kings Arms, Auckland NZ
