Interview) METZ
METZ: Explosive Canadian punk band's live show coming up
Music Webzine M: 2016 / 2 / 18
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Band METZ is a Toronto-based punk rock band that consisted of Alex Edkins(guitarist/vocalist), Chris Slorach(bassist), and Hayden Menzies(drummer). Since the release of their first self-titled album in 2012, they have performed more than 300 times in numerous music festivals and venues around the world. Last year, METZ released their 2nd full-length album [II], which received critical acclaim as one of the most important punk rock bands of the 2010s.
METZ is performing live in Seoul for the first time on Feb 22. This interview was conducted by e-mail while they are on a world tour. I really appreciate Alex Edkins of METZ answering my questions sincerely despite his busy schedule.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scIUX9yoGR8
Q: Please introduce yourselves briefly for Korean readers.
Alex: Hayden and I met by going to punk shows in Ottawa. We started METZ in Ottawa and then eventually met Chris in Toronto where we all live now. We’ve been going to punk and hardcore shows and playing in different bands most of our lives.
Q: What is the meaning of the name ‘METZ’? Did you borrow the name from a city in France or the New York Mets?
Alex: Our name was intended to be abstract. It wasn’t supposed to reference the city in France or the baseball team. We thought it looked and sounded good at the time.
Q: I have often seen your performances in YouTube. It’s always amazing. How can you make such energy and passion?
Alex: It’s very natural for us to give everything we have to our performance. We have a lot of energy and are genuinely excited to make music and perform our songs. The music we write requires a very specific intensity for it to translate properly.
Q: What was the most memorable performace?
Alex: I think what stands out the most is the fact that we’ve been able to travel around the world and meet cool people and share our music. I can’t choose just one concert. There are so many moments that stand out as being incredible. We feel very lucky and don’t take it for granted.
METZ's 2nd album [II]Q: Your music is usually described as noise rock or punk rock. How would you describe your music in your own words?
Alex: For lack of a better term, “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rock music”.
Q: You belong to ‘Sub Pop Records’ which is a famous and popular record label. It had great musicians such as Nirvana, Foals, Beach House, Sleater-Kinney, and Wolf Parade, etc. Have you inspired musically by those artists?
Alex: Yes. We do enjoy many of the bands on the label. Bands like ‘Six Finger Satellite’, ‘Mudhoney’, and the ‘Melvins’ are some of our favourites.
Q: Last year you announced the 2nd full-length album [II] that received positive reviews from critics. Tell us more about the album.
Alex: I didn’t sleep very much during the making of that record. I was obsessed with it. I couldn’t think of anything else. We are very proud of it and were flattered by the unanimous positive response.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krGDNbT4CSE
Q: Your music video is distinctive with unique imagination and ingenious insight. Also there are lots of repetitive scenes. Does it have any meaning?
Alex: Scott Cudmore is responsible for many of our music videos (‘Wet Blanket’, ‘Wasted’, ‘The Swimmer’, ‘Spit You out’) and he deserves the credit. He is very talented and always manages to find the perfect visuals to compliment the frenetic nature of our music.
Q: The track ‘Wet Blanket’ was used as a soundtrack for the game “Grand Theft Auto V”. How did it happen?
Alex: We were asked to score several scenes of the game. We agreed, because we thought it would be an interesting challenge. ‘Wet Blanket’ was added on to the radio station after the fact. So, not many people actually know that we made original music for the game.
Q: At the moment I wonder indie music scene in Toronto. Please tell us about it.
Alex: There are great bands in Toronto. I really like ‘Dilly Dally’, ‘Weaves’, ‘Doomsquad’, ‘Absolutely Free’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrYH-TQCn9U
Q: What do you like besides music?
Alex: I like books, movies and coffee. But mostly, I collect records and make music everyday all day.
Q: What is your next plan as METZ in the near future?
Alex: We have two new collaborative 7″ coming out very soon. We are going to focus on LP 3 as soon as we finish this tour.
Q: How would you describe your life in 10 years?
Alex: I hope it will be very quiet and boring. hahaha. No more rock music. I’ll probably be def.
Q: You’re having the first show in Korea on February 22. How do you feel?
Alex: We are incredibly excited!! We are looking forward to seeing your country and meeting the people and eating the food!
Q: Have you ever heard of Korean rock music? How do you think about that?
Alex: I don’t think I have. Can you offer some suggestions?
Q: You released a new single [Eraser / Pure Auto] recently. I think it feels like a continuation of [II]. Are you going to play this song in the show in Seoul?
Alex: Yes!
Q: Lastly, have you got anything special plans? Please leave a message for our readers.
Alex: Let’s have a blast! Looking forward to meeting you and playing music. Please tell us what to check out and eat in Korea!
METZ
Official Homepage: www.metzztem.com
Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/metz
Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/METZtheband
Official Bandcamp: www.metz.bandcamp.com
*M’s recommend Korean rock music for METZ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9_QweIWsDY
Galaxy Express – Horongbul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gmCnngd2N8
Eastern Sidekick – Digger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgYSgjKPDao
Asian Chairshot – Asian Chairshot
