Tom Gordon of Horror My Friend
Hi Tom and thanks for taking the time out to speak with us at Musicology.
Your single Pavement is scorching track. Richly layered, brutal and positively oozing with passion and vigour. In constructing the track both lyrically and musically, the fervour in which it is delivered begs the question, is it largely driven by the subject matter that entices the intensity or simply the music itself which is but an insight to the sentiment behind the track itself?
Generally, I just write the music first for every HMF track and the lyrics come later, but definitely the feel of a song dictates what kind of subject matter is involved.
There is no end to politi-tricks, injustices and social pressures to be enraged by which obviously provides plenty of raw material for your own work, but what issues do you feel most strongly about at this given time in which to rail against?
I suppose mainly the pressures and stringents of society and dictated roles as a whole is something that I'm particularly interested in.
Your cover work for Pavement is optical illusion that breaks the eye. Can you explain a little about the artwork and aside from its obvious artistic merit, is there a deeper significance to it as far as your band ethos goes?
Not that I know of. It was made by Sam (Kolesnik), our drummer. He's a graphic designer, so he takes the lead on all visuals for the band.
In terms of influence, where have you drawn some of your inspiration as it often derives from some unusual performers?
Recently I've been really getting into a lot of Shoegaze or Shoegaze inspired bands like DIIV, Beach Fossils, My Bloody Valentine, Moaning and Cloakroom. Also, Alvvays!
Within your own local scene, how closely related is what is happening with Horror My Friend and that of the area in which you play?
I don't think it's too purposefully related, we just play what we like to play, but definitely we take some inspirations from the bands around us like Siamese and Paradise Club.
When it comes to playing your own sets, what do you like to bring to the stage that you perhaps see as lacking in other live performances as to what makes a truly knock out show?
I would say, I just really like to see bands actually have fun on stage and not take themselves too seriously. I feel like energy and being a little light hearted are completely underrated.
Conversely, what do want from an audience? Presumably to depart a show enriched and invigorated rather than simply entertained?
Just to have some kind of positive interaction!
What is on the cars for the rest of 2018 for Horror My Friend?
Some touring, a record and maybe heading overseas, but we shall see.
