Prior to Primitai’s performance at Manchester’s Academy 3 on their recent tour with Wolf, I had the opportunity to catch up with Serj and Sergio from Primitai to see how things have been going since we last spoke.
How are you guys doing?
Serj: Pretty good. Just come out of a mad week straight onto the road, but it’s all good.
Sergio: Good thanks.
This is the first night of the tour, are you looking forward to this run with Wolf again?
SB: Very much so. We’ve done 2 albums since then and we’re looking forward to playing some of our new stuff live. We had a really good time last time so it’ll be nice to tour with them again.
How do you feel the response has been to the new album?
SB: It’s been generally very positive. It was our first label release and we had some really good PR in Europe which got us in some magazines for the first time which was good. Having the label has definitely helped as there’s now more resources to get our music out there. The label’s run out of one of the UK’s biggest distribution companies so we’re able to get the album out on a range of formats and out to a lot more people.
What are the plans for the next 6 to 12 months?
SG: We’ve a few gigs coming up and also one or two festivals.
SB: We’re aiming to get out and promote this album as much as we can. We’re trying to get as many gigs as we can so that we can play the album before it runs its course.
What gear are you using these days?
SB: I’ve bought a old school style Charvel recently which is really good. It was kind of a nod to my 80s heroes and it’s out on tour with me for the first time. Aside from that, my gear hasn’t really changed.
SG: I’ve recently changed up my amplifiers. I still use my Ibanez Jem guitar but I now use Marshall amplifiers which is really good. It’s pretty much the sound of record which is really good to have on the road.
SB: We got our album mixed by a German guy who has loads of amplifiers and he re-amped them to get a great sound on the album. He absolutely nailed it and we’re pleased with it.
What is one thing you wish someone told you before you started?
SG: I think it’s to never stop enjoying what you are doing. I think that’s the main thing and to not do it for the money or the success. If you love something so much, then you’ll put in loads of effort which doesn’t feel like effort and you’ll enjoy it. Never stop enjoying what you do.
SB: Some of things we’ve done, we’ve been lucky as we’ve had the right people. I think it’s important that everything is a solid as it can be. Don’t overlook anything as everything needs to be excellent to create the package. You need to have fun as well. Not having fun and doing this is not going to work. There’s a lot of reward for persisting in doing something as you can look back later and see what you’ve done.
SG: Listen to your band mates as well and work as a team. Everyone has ideas and all the songs are the band’s songs as everyone puts their knowledge and ion into the songs. Work as a team and don’t try and be the star.
SB: Always be a good ambassador or easy to work with as well. It all comes back and if you’re easy to work with then people want to work with you.
If you weren’t in a metal band, what music would you play?
SB: 80s covers probably. Like a good version of Duran Duran or something.
SG: I think I would play like rock/fusion and funk stuff. I really enjoy that stuff and could see myself playing it.
Tea or Coffee?
SG: Coffee.
SB: I’m not actually originally from the UK, but one thing I’ve picked up is drinking tea so I’d have to go with tea.
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