Interview by Kris Peters
In a world obsessed with technology and the quick fix band aid mentality it is refreshing to see bands that still adhere primarily to the old school formulas.
When an album cycle meant getting out on the road and taking your music far and wide, engaging with old fans and connecting with new.
The simplistic approach made possible in the modern age can often lessen the appeal and/or viability of such public displays of affection but I, for one, still love that vibe put off by a band who just wants to get down and dirty with their fans.
Brisbane rock machine Gutterfire! have been touring relentlessly since the release of their debut album Chill some two years ago, traversing the East Coast of this great land on countless occasions and often more or less forcing people to give their music a listen.
Not that that is such a bad thing because Gutterfire! are damn fine at what they do.
With only a handful of shows left before the band settles in to complete their hotly anticipated follow up effort, Gutterfire! guitarist Az Stonely and frontman Photon Jon sat down with HEAVY to discuss their final few shows of the album cycle and what they have planned next.
We start off by talking about their upcoming gig as part of Rock Beats Depression at the Mansfield Tavern on September 16.
"We've done it every year since very early on," Jon offered. "We love Caity, the organiser, and it's for a good cause. Everyone who plays the show really gets behind it for that reason."
We ask what Gutterfire! get personally out of playing shows such as this.
"Personally, I'm autistic and ADHD," Jon revealed. "So it's close to my heart and I work in that field as well. Mental health in general... it's really cool how since I was a kid I've seen the conversation change and become more open. I remember when I was a kid people were questioning whether or not depression even existed, so seeing a nice big festival like that and raising money towards awareness is pretty awesome. Very different from when I was a kid."
In the full interview, Az and Jon discuss the importance of festivals supporting depression and mental health issues, the fact these things can affect anyone, any time, the other bands on the line-up and who they are looking forward to playing with, next weekend's shows with Cairns outfit Forest, the High Kicks Forever Cancer Research Fundraiser they are playing on September 30, supporting charities, how it feels to be nearly finished a long and successful tour, new material and what direction it is heading and more.