Lucas Stone.
Your band’s name:
HELM.
What’s the deal with the band’s name:
I’m a boatbuilder; the helm is the station from where you operate your vessel. It’s a good word with a ‘directed’ meaning. We all liked it at the time so boom, that’s the deal.
Define your sound in five words or less:
A giant committing suicide.
Someone is walking past as you’re playing, they get a beer and tell their friend about you… what do they say?
How hot is that bass player?! Ha…Even the dudes.
And how do they dance?
Like ballerinas on the glass barbecues.
How long have you been gigging and writing?
Gigging as HELM – 3 years. Writing – 21.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve played to date?
Always the last one.
What inspires or has influenced your music the most?
I think life itself has to be the biggest influence. Our kids and loved ones in general would definitely be who inspires us the most. As for other bands, I think as songwriters we’re probably a little too set in our ways to have a direct musical influence these days. I mean, I love blues, country and extreme death metal. But I write rock songs.\
Favourite piece of on-stage banter, or fan-related craziness?
We don’t really talk too much on stage and I’m not sure how much fan-related craziness we’ve experienced but we destroy cars on the road. It’s hilarious. Blown tyres, exploding window’s, cooked engines, contaminated fuel systems – you name it. We’ve been through a lot of cars now and these shenanigans have led us to become stranded in the weirdest places.
What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed?
Play good music and work your arse off.
Do you have any releases to date?
Yes. Vol 1 Keelhaul, Vol 2 The Winter March, Great Southern Land EP. All good record stores nation-wide. Order through MGM, iTunes, online etc.They are all wonderful. They will make you grow a beard and brew your own beer.
Why should everyone come and see you?
Because we play nude and have MASSIVE guitars.
When and where are you playing next?
Friday August 19 at The Hi-Fi with Bellusira, Ennis Tols, The Design and Estampe.
Famous last words:
Where’s our rider?
