Exclusive Q&A: Larry Leadfoot (Melbourne)

Q1) What’s your name and position in the band?

Nick Parkinson – Drummer, songwriter.

Daniel Phillip East – Guitarist, songwriter, beer.

Nick “Vigg” Apthorpe – Bass, vocals.

Q2) Which genre(s) do you feel best represent your band?

Nick: Avant-garde metal, blackened death metal, technical death metal.

Dan: Avant-garde metal, death metal, black metal, groove metal.

Q3) What was your favorite thing about writing, recording and filming the latest release?

Nick: The fun and the self-expression.

Dan: How naturally and quickly the song came together. As far as the recording is concerned, having been captured live at our show it harnesses some of the power and energy of the night. The video itself is a montage and that compliments the schizophrenic nature of the song.

Vigg: Seeing and hearing all the feedback from fans.

Q4) What is your favorite part about touring?

Nick: Getting away from the mundane drudgery of everyday life, having a load of fun and meeting new people, all while experiencing new places.

Dan: The shows are what it’s all about. Getting on stage and sharing an experience with a crowd of fellow Leadheads. Making new fans and meeting new friends.

Vigg: Meeting new people and making new fans, visiting cool places and making new connections in the music world.

Q5) In an alternate universe where you are not a Musician, what kind of activities would you be interested in?

Nick: Probably really old-school alchemy or something. Or maybe playing rugby union.

Dan: Traversing the Astral Plane.

Vigg: Astrophysicist or animal wrangler.

Q6) When did you pick up your first instrument?

Nick: My parents got me a violin and started sending me to lessons when I was 5.

Dan: Age 11, a nylon string acoustic, but it wasn’t until I got my first electric guitar at age 12 that I truly fell in love with the guitar.

Vigg: I picked up guitar at 6.

Q7) Did your school have a supportive Music Department/Teachers?

Nick: Yes. Katoomba High School was amazing for performing arts when I was there.

Dan: My high school, St Norbert College, had an excellent music program and I received great support and teachings from the associated teachers. I was greatly supported in developing my skills in both playing, writing and live performance. Pat Reale and Nunzio Mondia are the two teachers that had the greatest impact on me in these times.

Vigg: Not really, but my whole family are musical and very supportive of my musical journey

Q8) Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

Nick: Always drink a beer or 2. Occasionally I warm up on the pads.

Dan: Beer.

Vigg: Warm up my hands and voice, jump around to get my heart pumping, try to calm the nerves

Q9) What do you think the Music Industry needs right now?

Nick: Us.

Dan: Originality. I’m fucking tired of clone metal bands. The scene is saturated with carbon copies. There is some originality out there for sure, but damn it can be hard to find.

Vigg: Unity, more live shows.

Q10) What’s next for you?

Nick: Sell my kit and buy a new one, set up my DAW, record a lot of music.

Dan: Writing and refining songs for our first full length album. Getting back amongst the live scene now that everything is opening up again.

Vigg: Write more awesome music, get out and playing live, tour, tour, tour!