HEAVY Music Interviews

• Still Up To Their Necks In It With AYA LARKIN From SKUNKHOUR

  No matter what genre of music you listen to, if you had an ear to the radio in 1995, then you would have heard a track by Skunkhour called Up To Our Necks In It. A raw, jazzy and ultimately uplifting tune, Up To Our Necks In It opens with melancholic instrumentation before swelling into a swooning and soulful affair, embracing rapped spoken-word vocal verses balanced alongside soaring melodies and rousing arrangements.While such genre mashes might be considered the norm in the modern age of music, back then, it was a concept still very much in the experimental stage. Sometimes it worked, more often than not it didn't.But when Skunkhour released Up To Our Necks In It, the musical landscape shifted forever. Before then, it was seemingly impossible to blend sounds and instrumentalisation together and still achieve commercial success. Not that the idea of combining musical ideas was entirely new to Skunkhour, whose career to that point had been laced with songs of varying experimentation. But this time it had struck a chord with the masses and catapulted Skunkhour from the local scene into international infamy.Now, thirty years later and still rocking out, Skunkhour plan to celebrate that groundbreaking single by honouring it on a national tour through October and November. HEAVY sat down with vocalist Aya Larkin to take a trip down memory lane. We start with Up To Our Necks In It and ask if the band had any inkling that there was something special about the song when they initially wrote it."It's a good question," he measured. "It came together pretty quickly, and we did, we enjoyed it a lot as it was forming. The guitarists came into the rehearsal studio one day and said, 'oh, I dreamt this part' - and I think that was the intro section. Then he got a couple of the other riffs, because it's like a whole series of riffs that kind of just work, you know, rolling over each other. But my brother Del had had this idea in his back pocket - he's the MC. He had this idea in his back pocket of a spoken word thing that didn't rhyme, and those parts came together. They kind of grafted onto each other seamlessly. And yeah, it felt good. But it didn't…we didn't know that it would be our biggest song…"In the full interview, Aya announced the band's upcoming tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Up To Our Necks In It, which will take place along the east coast of Australia in October and November. He shared insights into the song's creation, emphasising its themes related to urban life and its pivotal role in the band's evolution, contrasting it with their heavier subsequent album.We talked about how that one hit song forever changed the career of Skunkhour, the title of the song and its broader meaning, what to expect from the live shows, the band's progressing sonic direction during the period Up To Our Necks In It came out, the musical climate that gave birth to Skunkhour, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

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• ARKANGEL Blaze Forward With Explosive New Single Haunting My Dreams

  Interview by Angela CroudaceAustralian heavy outfit Arkangel are charging into a bold new chapter with their latest single, Haunting My Dreams, set for release on September 5. The track marks a defining moment for the band, not only in sound but in ambition, and features a powerful collaboration with electro-driven artist Misstiq.For vocalist Jake Harrop, the collaboration was a dream realised. “I’d always wanted to work with Misstiq—her synth work is incredible, and she brought a whole new energy to the track,” he explains. “We already loved the song before she jumped on it, but when she added her vocals and flair, it just took it to another level.”The single was produced by ARIA-nominated songwriter and producer Callan Orr, who Harrop describes as “like a fifth member of the band,” and accompanied by a visually striking music video filmed at Melbourne’s historic Old Jail with acclaimed director Colin Jeffs. “If we were ever going to go all out, this was the one to do it for,” Harrop says. “It’s our favourite song we’ve written so far, and we wanted everything around it to match the scale and intensity.”Since forming in late 2022, Arkangel have been quick to make their mark, with their debut EP racking up over 250,000 streams and a relentless schedule of nearly 30 shows across Australia. The band’s unique blend of crushing heaviness and atmospheric synths has earned them both a loyal fan base and the respect of peers in the heavy scene.Looking ahead, Arkangel aren’t slowing down. With more singles already in the works, including additional collaborations and a return to the studio immediately after this release, the band is focused on pushing boundaries. Fans can also catch Haunting My Dreams live at Ark Fest on November 1, where Arkangel will headline alongside a stacked line up.Tickets are available now via Oztix.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

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• Notching Up The Victories With LIAM GUINANE From WINDWAKER

  As with every other year, anticipation surrounding the first line-up announcement for Good Things 2025 was almost at a fever pitch. Social media experts and promoter wannabe’s all shared their projected line-ups, but most were well off the mark.Good Things is possibly one of the hardest festival line-ups armchair critics get to sink their teeth into, with the diversity and seemingly flippant mashing of genres meaning pretty much any band from any genre could make the final cut. And this year was no exception.When TOOL were announced as headliners, a large number of punters were already scrambling for tickets, but a quick scan through the rest of the line-up proves the eclectic tastes of organisers and the variety of live music on show for fans of most persuasions.Rock? Tick. Weezer, Garbage.Pop Punk? Tick. All Time Low, New Found Glory.Punk? Tick. Refused.Metal? Big tick. Machine Head. Knocked Loose, Lorna Shore.Amongst the impressive international bands on display is a large contingent of Australian bands who will be representing at Good Things. One of whom is Windwaker, who have just released the crushing new track Victory Lap. The Melbourne-based metalcore outfit are deservedly riding a tidal wave of success following the release of last year's genre-bending album Hyperviolence. The album catapulted the band into the ears of a global audience, in the process earning them a nomination at this year's APRA Awards alongside touring opportunities both local and abroad. The album - which was the first featuring Liam Guinane as lead vocalist - showcased the evolution within Windwaker's sound, tearing at the foundations of sonic tapestries to reveal a convoluted yet accessible underbelly that was as refreshing as it was unique.The flow on effect from that album has seen Windwaker lead the charge of Aussie acts at Good Things 2025, with Liam sitting down with HEAVY to go over a whirlwind last 18 months. The band have previously played festivals such as Download, UNIFY and Knight & Day, but we state the obvious by remarking that no matter how often it may happen, Liam would never get sick of seeing the name 'Windwaker' on the poster."No, I want to see it more often," he laughed. "I'm so stoked to be part of this line-up. We've played Good Things once before, but I think this is probably my favourite line-up of theirs put together. That's not just because I'm on it, I think it's just a great round of bands."We ask about the mentality backstage between Australian bands and their international counterparts, and if it ever seems like an 'us against them' type of situation."It can be," Liam laughed again. "It's case by case with every band. Some keep to themselves and do their own thing, while there's others that are very friendly and talk to you. It's always different. I think the artist area is where a lot of the mingling happens. When you're backstage, as such, everyone is acting like security guards for their gear (laughs), and they're just staunching everybody. For the most part, everyone is really nice, but you're right, the Aussies gravitate to the other Aussies. I guess it's just a bit of a natural thing that happens."In the full interview, Liam talks more about the eclectic assortment of artists and genres and why he prefers a festival like that rather than one with a more common mixing of genres. We talk about the high number of Australian bands playing and how it represents local music on a global stage, his tips for surviving Good Things, what songs from Windwaker to listen to in preparation for the show and what we can expect from their set.Talk turns to Windwaker's new single Victory Lap and it's sensational music video, whether it is a standalone single or part of a bigger picture, what direction future music may take and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

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• Raw, Real & Gritty With LUKE GRUNTS From CLEOPATRICK

  Interview by Angela CroudaceOne of the most in-demand rising rock bands on the planet, Canadian post-rock act, Cleopatrick, will tour Australia for the first time ever this September, playing three shows only in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The tour follows the release of their bold and introspective second record FAKE MOON, a sonic journey blending lo-fi grit with expansive production and raw existentialism.Sonically, Cleopatrick are what can only be described as the audio equivalent to Playstation 1 graphics, serving up gritty 8-bit guitars, minimalist synth lines, glitchy vocals and shoegaze-like refrains to create a sound that is both retro and otherworldly at the same time. With influences ranging from Radiohead’s experimental brilliance to the grounded surrealism of Dijon’s Absolutely, and the raw intimacy of Califone, Cleopatrick can take you on a journey of self-reflection or a voyage to the stars, depending on your frame of mind.With the tour set to kick off in Brisbane on September 25, HEAVY sat down with Luke Grunts to bring us up to speed."I think (the best thing) has been just seeing the excitement coming from the fans," he enthused when asked how it feels to be finally coming to this side of the world. "We've had people asking us to come to Australia for a really long time, but it's never really been in the playbook because it's quite far away, and we're an independent band. But just being able to satisfy that request for some people has been really awesome.And then the most surprising thing is finding out that we're missing a lot of the country. There's also a lot of disappointed people, which I didn't expect. I guess it's much like Canada in the way that it's vast, and the cities are separated, and it's not easy to just travel to a show when it's happening in the same country. So I guess that's a good reason for us to come back (smiles)."In the full interview, Luke talks more about touring Australia for the first time and what he is expecting, what fans can expect from a Cleopatrick live show, how much influence social media has had on their career and how they have used it to their advantage and living in the modern age of the internet.He talked about things he wants to do while he is here, their latest album and how/why it sounds the way it does, Scooby Doo and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

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• BATTLE BEAST's NOORA LOUHIMO On Courage, Empowerment And The Power Of Metal

  Interview by Angela CroudaceFinnish powerhouse Battle Beast is set to unleash their seventh studio album, Steelbound, on October 17, and frontwoman Noora Louhimo says the record is their most empowering yet.Known for fusing classic heavy metal with symphonic flourishes, 80s-inspired rock, and soaring synths, the band continues to evolve while staying true to their mission of uplifting fans through music.“This album deals with serious issues—life, death, and human rights,” Louhimo explains. “But at its core, Steelbound is about empowerment. We want to encourage people to fight through challenges, whether big or small, and to feel strong enough to go on.” Songs like Last Goodbye reflect this ethos, drawing inspiration from bassist Eero’s encounter with a fellow patient battling cancer. “It’s about that relentless hunger for life and never giving up,” she adds.Louhimo’s own transformation into her stage persona, “Mother Beast,” embodies this spirit. With her striking horns; symbols she describes as “horns of courage” and elaborate stage outfits, she seeks to inspire fans to embrace individuality. “I want people to show their horns, to be their true selves. You are enough just the way you are,” she says.For Louhimo, music is more than performance: it’s a lifeline. “Culture is vital for mental health. If we don’t have something to escape to, we don’t have the strength to carry on. Music brings people together and helps us heal.”Vocally, she pushed her limits on tracks like Twilight Cabaret, which she calls a showcase of her full range. Yet, her focus remains on the bigger picture: uniting fans and advocating for equality. “Success doesn’t come from fame or money—it comes from expressing yourself freely. That’s my rebellion, and I hope to encourage others to do the same.”With Steelbound, Battle Beast delivers not just metal anthems but a rallying cry for resilience, individuality, and joy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

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