US metal band Prong kick off their debut Australian tour in Sydney tomorrow night, a run of shows which has been a long time coming for their fans out this way. Tommy Victor chats with the AU about their extensive catalogue, the dates they’ve got coming up and their new album, Ruining Lives.
Few articles or press releases ignore the influence you have had on the metal genre, and the bands that basically say – without Prong, we wouldn’t be here. But what about you guys? ‘Without __________, we wouldn’t be here…’ fill in that gap for me with a bit on “why”.
KILLING JOKE. I wouldn’t really know where to go vocally without Jaz Coleman. The focus on good memorable solid simple riffs is something they turned us on with as well.
Leading on from the last question… what are three albums that every metal fan needs to own (of course, these don’t have to be metal albums).
I don’t know, really. Everyone has their own tastes, so I’m not one to dictate. Classic records for me are Black Flag’s Damaged, Misfits’ Walk Amongst Us and Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures.
Nine albums in, what gets you guys excited about your own music? What keeps driving you, pushing you on creatively to make record after record?
Not to be paranormal about it, but I sometimes stop thinking of Prong as being “my own music”. It seems as though a lot of recent material has been coming out of nowhere. On the other hand, making records is fun and challenging. It’s great to hear stuff back sounding killer, it’s a rush.
When you release an album, it’s been a part of you for sometimes years as you write, create, release and tour the record. At first you might love the record, by the end you might be totally sick of it. Looking back at your massive discography, is there anything that sticks out that you’re particularly proud of above the rest?
Yeah, the ones that the fans like more. I like it when they say, ‘Hey, that Ruining Lives record is the perfect Prong record’. Carved Into Stone got a great response and I think it holds up. Of course, Cleansing was a revolutionary record and I’m very proud of that.
Is there anything you feel the opposite way towards?
Yeah when the stars are not aligned, some records have suffered. We had a lot of problems with Scorpio Rising, enough to not perform any of those songs any more. I never liked the mixes on Rude Awakening, nor the mastering. It’s all good though.
Well, let’s talk about LP number nine – Ruining Lives – first of all, working with Steve Evetts again, what brought you all back together for this one?
Steve did a fantastic job on Carved Into Stone. We also come from the same New York origins. But also, he knows all types of music and that’s what’s needed when interpreting what to do with Prong.
How do you feel it’s been received by fans and how are the new tracks going down in live shows?
Like I said earlier, response has been amazing. “Turnover” is probably high point in our set as far as audience craziness, apart from “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck”.
Do you find it difficult to balance what the fans might want to hear, with what you want to play? How much credence do you give to such a dialogue?
We try to do what we think are our most popular songs. The video songs are a must. I like all the songs, I wish sometimes we could do more obscure stuff but chances are people get a little confused.
You’re finally coming to Australia – what took you so long?
I think it’s a combination of finance and demand. Also back in the day, we were offered so many opening slots on tours in America – we never did much outside of home and Germany, UK, Holland and France.
What do you hope Australian fans take away from the experience of finally getting to see you play live?
I really don’t have to hope too much, because the band is fun and all our shows in the last three years have been killer.
What do you hope to do while you’re here?
I haven’t a clue. Jason and I are straight edge, so I guess it’ll be watching out for Art most of the time. I focus on the shows most of the time and don’t get involved in extracurricular activities anymore.
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PRONG AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Wednesday, 19th November 2014
The Metro, Sydney – NSW
Tix: www.ticketek.com.au
with special guests SEGRESSION (Sydney only)
Thursday, 20th November 2014
The Hi-Fi, Brisbane – QLD
Tix: www.oztix.com.au
Friday, 21st November 2014
The Hi-Fi, Melbourne – VIC
Tix: www.oztix.com.au
Saturday, 22nd November 2014
‘Metal Fiesta’ The Basement, Canberra – ACT
Tix: www.oztix.com.au
