For those who haven’t heard of Chavez Cartel before, how would you describe the band?
We’re dirty and loud and according to a recent gig review we are pretty intense. Ben got compared to a bull at our last gig – he was pacing about a bit. So dirty, loud, intense, pretty and bull like so we’re told. We’ll take that 🙂
Who is in the band and how did you all meet?
Ben simpson (vocals), Jack Kelly (lead guitar), Josh Kemp (rhythm), Calvin Brillus (bass), Tom Isaacs (drums) …. I can’t remember how we all met to be honest but I do remember meeting Josh out at a gig. We got chatting and I told him he had great hair and that was that. He really does have shit hot hair. It’s mint.
If I was to use the phrase “for fans of”, who would you best compare yourselves to?
I reckon for fans of The Stooges snd The Doors… Nirvana I guess on the riff side of things, Lou Reed in the sense of dark, dirty vocal and poetry. Compare is probably the wrong word to use we’re guna come off in pretty bad shape compared to those aren’t we. I’d say resemble. Respectfully resemble.
Who produced your latest EP – Confidence is all I’m Taking Home? Have you worked with them before? How was it working with them?
We worked with an Aussie producer called Govinda Doyle. He’s worked on some big records and won awards for his work so getting the opportunity to work with him was one we couldn’t miss. Once we knew he was interested that was that. We did our first record with him too so working with him and communicating with him is as natural as breathing these days he’s more like a mate. A mate who’s an actual genius.
Where did the lyric and music inspiration for these songs come from?
The lyrics and music on this record are all pretty much an encouragement/invitation to really give whatever is you’re doing a good fuckin go and have some self belief about ya. The records about trusting your path and working hard at love and dreaming.
Will there be any music videos to accompany the new EP?
A video for Different Underneath (track 2) is in the works and will be out end of January. It’s looking good man our video guy sent an update last week. It’s dark and it’s edgy and makes us look like we know what we’re doing. Could fool a few people.
When are you next on tour, and where can we catch you?
Tour dates to be announced on our socials very soon. Logistics are being worked out as we speak. First leg is an east coast tour of Australia we do know that.
Where do you hope the band will be, this time next year?
The only thing we hope for is that we’re wherever we deserve to be. We don’t want any gifts. We’re a fuckin hardworking band and we think that’ll pay off. So all I can say is if we carry on next year the way we’ve carried on this year we should be somewhere prosperous.
And finally, where can we find out more about you?
Facebook, Instagram and our website chavezcartel.com
Anything else you would like to tell us?
Merry Christmas and a happy new year. X
I’d like to thank the guys for taking the time to answer my questions, and I wish them the best for 2020
TrueStyleMusic 