Here we go again… Last year we covered every band on the Hobgoblin New Blood and Jagermeister stages in the run-up to Bloodstock 2015. This year, we’re going one better and aim to have interviews from all the bands on those two stages as well as all of those on the SOPHIE stage prior to the event kicking off on August 11th. That’s almost 100 interviews to get online for you lucky people over the course of the next couple of weeks. I bloody love this job, but you lot owe me a beer at Catton Hall, right?
Thanks to all the bands who’ve taken the time to respond!
Goatwhore – SOPHIE stage, Sunday
All questions answered by drummer Zack Simmons…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
The band is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our bassist and I live in different parts of the US but we mainly operate out of New Orleans.
How did you meet?
Our guitar player and singer have known each other for a long time due to being involved in the local New Orleans scene and playing in different bands. I met the guys through an audition process when they were looking for a new drummer.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
The band was formed in 1996 and has gone through a few lineup changes but has remained fairly constant for the past 12 years with the exception of bass players.
Where does the name of the band come from?
It comes from an Aleister Crowley ritual where his wife would have sex with a goat. There’s also a story of an unattractive stripper that sort of reinforced the name.
What are your influences – individually or as a band?
We are collectively and individually influenced by a wide variety of things. I’d say the main influences for this band are Celtic Frost, Bathory, Venom, and Motorhead.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I have a hard time classifying ourselves into one subgenre because we have aspects of many different things. Thrash, death, black metal and even quite a bit of punk can be heard in our music. It’s a very intense, in your face attitude that leans in more of the “old school” direction.
What’s your live show like – why should the baying hordes troop over to the stage you’re playing on to watch you?
Onstage is really where we feel most at home, I suppose. It’s really just about having a good time, releasing some aggression, and making everyone feel like they’re part of the action.
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
It must have been early this year that we were asked to play. We’ve been to the UK several times and we love the crowds there. Basically, they asked, and of course we accepted.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
It’s going to be unrelenting for sure. Songs from our newest releases all the way back to the first album. There’s a lot of ground to cover and a definite point to be made with this set.
Which main stage band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
Well, I’d hope we wouldn’t be playing the same time as Slayer, obviously. So much respect to them. I actually wish we were there a couple days earlier to catch Twisted Sister. I’ve still yet to see them live.
What are you working on at the moment?
Aside from the interview? We are actually rehearsing songs for our new album which we will start recording in a few months. Just tightening those songs up until it’s time to start running the tour setlist.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done on tour?
That’s always a hard question. You become numb to all the wild stuff that happens after a while. Also, I don’t want to get anyone in trouble!
What advice would you give to a young band just starting out today?
Have fun with it and always make your craft and art a priority. It’s easy to let normal life things try to take your dream away but be wise and keep working hard. It’s a sacrifice and it may not be for everyone.
If you could be part of any 3-band line-up who else would you have on the bill? One band above you and one below – a chance to plug a smaller, unsigned act!
A once again reunited Celtic Frost, Goatwhore, and a killer band from New Orleans called Six Pack. Check them out!
What stage / time are you playing at Bloodstock (if you have your slot yet!)
We play Sunday closing out the Sophie Lancaster stage. I haven’t seen a time yet. Hope to see you all there!
