Band Interview: Johanna Rey
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with high velocity, anything goes, loud hardcore band, Johanna Rey.
1. How did you get started as a band?
Me (Leigh, Drums), Pete (Guitar) and Sticky (Bass) met when we were teenagers through our love of music. We have been in bands with and without each other over the years. It had been while since we had done anything and we were drawn back to making music together. We had a few other members along the way and line up changes but eventually decided the three of us worked best, we just needed a vocalist. So while looking, Alec actually found us. He blew us away right from the start and rest is history.
2. How would you describe your sound?
In your face, powerful, sometimes hectic. This is our way of expressing ourselves and letting loose so a lot of energy.
3. What bands/artists would you say have influenced your style of music?
Ah man so many. Collectively we listen and draw influence to all types of music. From black metal to rap. But we definitely all prefer the more extreme side of heavy music. Like Pig Destroyer, The Black Dahlia Murder but Norma Jean, Every Time I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Converge are just some of the greats we’ve always listened to and loved, and definitely swayed us in some ways.
4. Has the rise of YouTube & music streaming helped or hindered you as a band?
It’s helped us greatly. Streaming has changed the industry and how music is consumed. Some things for the better, some for the worse. But as a tool to promote and share music of upcoming artist and bands it’s amazing. Anything that helps or allows art to be shared and consumed more freely in my opinion is a good thing.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?
We’re all pretty chill now days really. I like to weight train and ride BMX, Pete skateboards and has mad YoYo skills, so we might hit a skatepark occasionally. As a band we have a drink here and there, maybe go to some gigs. But we like to take it easy.
6. What are your future plans musically? Tours?
Yeah, we’d love to tour and see as much of the world as possible, we do this because we love music, enjoy writing/performing and we want to share that love with as many people as we can.
7. Tell us about this latest release and where we can find it?
Trial by Choice is the kind of track that makes you drive faster. The kind of track you put on when you’re feeling down and just want to clear your mind, head bang and stomp your feet. It’s about mental health and dealing with anxiety. You can find it in all streaming platforms or watch the video on Outburn as they hosted the premiere for us here.
Links
Bandcamp | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
