-Hello everyone, before starting with the actual interview, can you introduce yourself to the readers?
Hi, my name is Slatz from Sydney Australia.
- Can you tell us about your musical project and how it was born?
During my youth, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of multiple Hardcore punk bands and a formidable three-piece metal band. It was during this time that I discovered how well-suited my voice was for aggressive vocals. My musical taste was always drawn to the intense energy of hardcore and punk, as well as the captivating blend of riffs and rap found in bands like Rage Against the Machine and Bodycount.
As I grew as a musician, I found myself naturally fusing all of my diverse influences into my songwriting. My latest compositions are a testament to this amalgamation, as they showcase the powerful synergy of 7-string guitar-driven metalcore riffs accompanied by pulsating 808 trap beats and layered with atmospheric synths. It is the combination of these elements that truly ties it all together, creating a cohesive and exhilarating musical experience.
I have never limited myself to a single genre, as I find immense joy in exploring the vast and diverse landscape of music. This ongoing exploration has allowed me to continually push boundaries and infuse my work with fresh and exciting sounds.
- How did you think of your name? Can you retrace the genesis and the meaning of it?
Choosing a band name is no easy task, and it often involves navigating through different opinions. However, when it came to selecting a name for my own musical venture, I found inspiration in a familiar nickname from my early school days: Slatz. Some might say it was a simple and perhaps even lazy choice, and I can't help but agree, haha!
- What are your influences and who inspired you?
When it comes to my musical influences, they span a wide range of genres. For the style of music I'm currently creating, I draw inspiration from artists like Rage Against the Machine, Bodycount, Suicidal Tendencies, Pennywise, Faith No More, Linkin Park, Parkway Drive, Madball, and Terror. However, there is one band that is second to none: Biohazard. Their perfect blend of hardcore, metal, punk, and rap struck a chord with me from the very first moment I watched their "Punishment" music video. I was instantly hooked and rushed out to buy their album.
If someone had told me back then that I would eventually become friends with Billy from Biohazard, I would have thought they were crazy. But here I am today, fortunate enough to have Billy as a mentor for the past year or two. It's absolutely mind-blowing.
As for who inspires me, Billy still continues to be a tremendous source of inspiration. He's not only involved in projects like Billy Bio and Powerflo (with Sean Dogg from Cypress Hill), but Biohazard has also recently reunited with their original members. It's incredible to witness someone who consistently works hard and fearlessly explores new sounds. That kind of dedication is truly inspiring to me.
- Tell me your favorite bands, for each member of the group?
I have too many to write, I like so many bands. I would have over 500 cd's & my Spotify liked songs is just crazy. I actually recently wrote a list of my top 10 albums. These are albums I would take with me if I could only choose a handful.
In no particular order
The Pixies - Doolittle
Nirvana - Nevermind
Rage Against the Machine - Self Titled
Sublime - Self Titled
Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
Biohazard - Urban Discipline & State of the World Address
The Doors - LA Woman
Dr Dre - 2001
Bodycount - Self Titled
Pennywise - Self Titled
Faith No More - The Real Thing
Lenny Kravitz - Mama Said
- How do you compose your songs?
When it comes to composing songs, I don't follow a rigid formula. I let inspiration guide me, allowing it to take me wherever and whenever it strikes. It could be sparked by a story or even a random YouTube clip. When that happens, I immediately grab my phone and start writing. I often find myself in flow state with the words pouring out of me.
Once I sense the right mood, I pick up my guitar and begin to experiment. As soon as a catchy riff or chord progression emerges, I record it into my computer using Logic. I prefer to sketch out the entire song within one session because having incomplete pieces scattered around frustrates me. If I don't have access to Logic, I rely on my phone to record the idea for later use.
Next, I usually step up to the microphone, hit the record button, and let my thoughts flow. Surprisingly, the words that pour out during this freestyle recording often become the thematic core of the song. From there, I can either build upon existing lyrics or start from scratch, depending on the direction the song takes. If I feel like the track could benefit from a memorable hook or if I believe a specific artist could elevate it further, I don't hesitate to seek out collaborations or features.
- Tell us about your first live experience and your most recent!
My first live experience was at a party in a warehouse. The rules were each band had to play a Nirvana song so we played Aneurysm from Incesticide. It was an awesome gig. I would have been 17 or 18.
The last time I played live was actually at a mates band. They invited me up on stage to sing a few songs which was awesome.
Have you ever had "stage anxiety"? Do you have any suggestions for newbies?
I've always been extremely shy, and yes, there was a time when I faced significant stage anxiety. It happened during a daytime gig in front of a large crowd of affluent parents, who turned out to be the wrong audience for our style hahaha. However, aside from that particular experience, I generally don't struggle with stage anxiety when performing in venues where people genuinely want to see our show.
To overcome this challenge, I adopted a technique that has always for me: creating a stage persona. Instead of viewing it as myself stepping onto the stage, I envisioned it as my self-created character taking the spotlight. This mental shift allowed me to disconnect from my fears and insecurities, and simply embrace the enjoyment of performing. By assuming this stage persona, I could confidently express myself and enjoy being up on stage going nuts
For newcomers who may be grappling with stage anxiety, I would highly recommend exploring this approach. Develop a unique character that aligns with your artistic vision and step into that role when you hit the stage.
- What do you think of your fans? What is the strangest anecdote related to them?
I feel genuinely grateful for peoples support. It's a great feeling knowing that people are listening to my music. I make it a point to acknowledge and respond to comments on my posts, actively engaging with my audience. Some people are surprised when I reply and even ask them questions in return. I'm genuinely interested in learning about them and their interests. Building that connection is important to me.
As for memorable fan anecdotes, I haven't encountered any particularly bizarre requests or out-of-the-ordinary experiences, aside from the occasional negative comment like "you suck," which sadly comes with the territory. I choose to focus on the positive interactions and the genuine connections I've made with people. Their support and enthusiasm inspire me to keep creating and sharing my music.
- Before concluding, we leave room for you to add the last few things!
My best advise is to listen to as much new music as you can, and base it off the strength of the song, not how many fillers the artist has. Everyone starts from somewhere, and you could be their first true fan before they blow up. Go to gigs, share music with friends, support emerging talent and enjoy yourself. Life without music has no colour.
