Hey there. Who are we chatting to and what do you do in WAAX?
Heya. My name is Tom, I play drums.
To the uninitiated, give us a little history lesson in WAAX.
Me and Maz and a couple other people started jamming together on some very different sounding music a couple of years ago. Through those two years people came and left, and the sound changed a lot. Feels like yesterday really, but so much has happened since then.
What influenced your sound as a band growing up in Queensland? What do you enjoy most about being part of the Queensland music scene?
The vibe in QLD is infectious. Everyone supports each other and knows each other. Going through high school watching all the local bands and trying to sneak into shows was a big part of wanting to play our own stuff. And now we are, which is pretty much a dream come true.
Tell us about the writing and recording process behind your latest EP, Holy Sick.
Marie locked herself away and wrote some bare bone melodies and song structures, then over a period of months we filled them out and then hit the studio. A lot changes when we get to the producer side, and Kon (producer) really helped with putting the finishing touches on everything.
It’s been noted that a lot of WAAX’s music comes from a place of anger, but there’s evidence of vulnerability in the songs too. Tell us about one of the tracks from Holy Sick that demonstrates both these sides.
I For an Eye deals with issues of vanity and self-detrimental mentality via making a comparison of yourself to others. Then again it’s a fast punk song that shows the angry reaction to the frustration that comes along with those feelings.
Your performance at BIGSOUND received glowing reviews. What drives your huge onstage presence?
We just play as hard as we can really. It’s the funnest thing we ever do, so we like to make the most of it. Marie is a complete weapon as well and really gives it her all.
Queensland is a bit of a journey for us folk down here in Melbourne. Who should we be paying attention to from up north?
There’s so many great bands around here, but to name a few: The Belligerents, Good Boy, Born Joy Dead and Big Bad Echo are all great bands to keep an eye on.
You’re about to head off on a tour of Australia in celebration of Holy Sick. What should we expect from your show at The Workers Club?
Melbourne is the first stop on our tour, so we want to kick it off with a bang. We’ll be fresh and ready to party, might have a cheeky cover for you as well.
WAAX are playing at The Workers Club on Friday December 4 with support from Them Bruins and Deloraines. Holy Sick is available now.
