Late in the day but it’s been a busy one. Talking of busy, the lads of Starve to Survive don’t seem to be ones to rest on their laurels…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We are from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. With our guitarist coming from Liverpool.
How did you meet?
The founding members (Sam, James and Luke) all met during their school years, with the rest of the members eventually joining from other bands.
How long have you been playing as a band?
Overall, the band has been running for 5 years. Whilst the beginning of the project got off to a slow start, it has only been over the last couple years it has started to gain traction.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
The name originally came from a quote we read somewhere down the line. It’s kind of a twisted adaptation of everyone’s current scenario right now. Having to work relentlessly for something that is an idealistic scenario, and rummaging through the rubble for their own personal gain. Therefore, metaphorically, you are starving to survive.
What are your influences?
We are all each to our own desired tastes. A few of us look to various genres for inspiration instead of searching to find more heavier influences.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We think having a varied approach to writing is an important factor. Instead of bands simply looking to replicate what larger heavier bands are doing, we look to more progressive genres and pick out interesting factors, to develop them in our own way.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
In a few of the tracks from our latest release ‘Have Me to Waste – EP’, we mainly outline some of the feelings and thoughts that some of us were going through at the time of writing the EP. Lyrically, the tracks outline those stages and describe how they have been overcome.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
We’re unsure of the exact number of shows we’ve played, however there’s been a good amount of shows done. For our sets, we like to make sure those who haven’t heard of our band before, walks away knowing what we’re about, who we are, and what to remember us by. We ensure we put on the craziest set every time we play and to leave a lasting impression for our audience.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
There have only been a selective few who have picked up a minor injury from one of our performances. It doesn’t happen regularly and luckily no one has needed medical attention. But the wildest thing that has happened was probably a performance in Sheffield, where someone picked up a bin and threw it from the stage to the back of the venue. During the same show, another person took the sign off the gent’s toilets and began chasing people with it.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
Dom (Guitarist):
- Lee Malia Signature Epiphone RD Guitar
- POD HD PRO X
- Jordan (Guitarist):
- LTD ESP SC-207 7 String Guitar
- POD HD500X
Luke (Bassist):
- Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass V 5 String.
- POD HD PRO
Sam (Drums):
- Istanbul Mehmet Cymbal Set 1-18
- Zildjan Oriental China 16”
- WorldMax Black Brass Snare Drum
- Tama Iron Cobra 600 Double Pedal
- Promark 5B Sticks
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
In the run up to our EP, we brought out the single “Dismal” which was released with a music video. At the minute, we are just pushing the release as much as possible. We can’t say much yet, but more exciting content is coming.
What are your plans for 2019?
We can’t give anything away yet, but this year brings much bigger opportunities that we are all excited to announce.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
For the headliner, probably The Acacia Strain and for a support we would have the local lads in Creak.
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