An Interview With Holy State
After seeing these guys tear up Out Of Steps 1st Birthday Party I thought I’d ask them some questions to find out more about them and what makes them tick as a band.
Right here we go…
Holy State, who are you and what do you do?
Rob: We are a rock band, or rather, a group of cosmic scientists exploring the intricate world of Tone.
Describe your band’s music in 5 words?
Victor: Loud, Warm, Spacey, Loud, Spacey
Rob: “Could you turn down please”
Which bands made you decide to make music in the first place? (No matter how cool or uncool they may be)
Rob: Lining the seats in our van is a large rug that has a picture of Jimi Hendrix. For me, it’s really all down to him!
Victor: Not so much a band, rather my grandfather and his rad Spanish guitar tones.
Imagine you have to make a 10 track mixtape for someone who has been raised without music. What would your choices be and why?
Victor: This is a massive question! You could go two ways: create something varied and quite eccentric by including the huge figures of music on there, i.e. from Mozart to Pink Floyd, or just create a ten track compilation of some of your favourite songs. I literally don’t know where to start!
Which three records have changed your lives and why? (This can be as a band or as individuals)
Rob: We all have our own ‘life changing’ records, I guess as a band some of these would include:
Nirvana: In Utero - Retains the pop sensibility of their previous records but with the great raw production sound of Steve Albini. A perfect combination that results in such an honest sounding record.
Girls Against Boys: Venus Luxure No.1 Baby - A really sonic sounding record by one of our favorite Touch & Go bands. We use to cover the opener In Like Flynn live which was always fun. ‘Let Me Come Back’ is another one of my favorites too.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds - A van classic. Love every second of this record apart from all the Artilleryman parts - He’s a total dick. ‘Forever Autumn’ is a beautiful song.
What are your views on the current UK music scene? Do you guys go and watch bands for fun? Who’s putting out music worth listening to? Who are your picks for the future?
Rob: Yeah I think on the whole, the UK’s got a good music scene. Aside from the ones we’ve worked with, there are some great labels like Gringo, Brew, We Heart records, Run Of The Mill, Upset The Rhythm, to name but a few. Id recommend bands on any of those labels for sure. And off course, going to watch bands is always fun, especially If it’s at awesome venues like the Brudenell in Leeds.
What are your plans for the future, both sooner and later?
Victor: We’re working on recording our first full length right now so expect to hear some more about that soon. Until then? Just playing lots of awesome shows with awesome bands.
Rob: We’re also working on a couple of other recordings for various other projects which we hope to announce soon.
Holy State can be found at:
www.myspace.com/holystatePlease buy their RAD self-titled EP from:
dancetotheradio.bigcartel.com/or
holyroarrecords.com/shop.phpandysamazingadventures.tumblr.com/post/942211543/holy-state
