FACING THE GALLOWS

When I was about sixteen years old I was quite hugely into the South African Metal scene, and used to sneak into venues like "Cool Runnings" and "Olive Lounge" to get to see some of the best bands in town, and let me tell you - they made every cent of my allowance worth it. Not only that, but at almost every single event, the headlining band would be "FACING THE GALLOWS". People would shuffle into the jam packed bar to try get as close as possible to the local legends. 16-year-old me would be squeaking and jumping all over the show if she knew that old boring me would one day be interviewing the incredible "Rick Rack Cadillac" (lead guitarist that had everyone chanting his name at every show). So without further ado... May I introduce Mister Guitar Guy from FACING THE GALLOWS:

How long have you guys been performing for?

We've been playing shows since February, about, 2007.

What, in your opinion, is the most enjoyable / fulfilling part of being a part of this industry?

Being able to play music for people who love music and having a great time with them.

What would you consider to be your least favourite part of being in the industry?

Having to carry heavy gear all over the place. The road trips are always fun. Definitely not cool carrying gear.

Have you ever encountered any Crazy fans/ incidents with fans during a show or out in public?

The first time we played RAMfest, someone threw a pig’s head on stage. That was pretty insane. I hear it’s a way of showing one’s love for a band in some countries…

music video for "Hey! I can see my house from here"

Where are the majority of your performances based (area wise) and how do you advertise your upcoming shows to the public?

That’s a difficult one to answer right now. There aren’t many venues around Joburg at the moment. So we’ll take any venue we can get. We’ve played a lot more shows in Pretoria recently which has been quite rad.

We use the internet and flyer bombs to advertise for shows. If all the bands team up to punt the show, it will be a rad show!

If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?

No pants man, because I hate wearing pants. He exists, right?

If you could work with any current artist/group, who would it be and why?

Beast because Inge Beckman… mmm. There are a few local acts I would like to work with, Wrestlerish would be great!

Favourite thing to do when you have a bit of time off

Play guitar, play garden cricket and enjoy life in general. When I have time off I try to do more things that I love doing. The best time off is at about 4.20 pm.

What are your future intensions with the group?

To share our music with more of the world. We’d really like to try show people what SA music is all about. There are so many local acts that are world class and the collective SA music industry is starting to make their mark on the world.

Favourite Cartoon character

IR Baboon.

What is your main message you’d like to give out to your fans/following right now?

Be good to people and the Universe will be good to you. We’re living in a hectic time at the moment and there’s no space or time for negativity.

Where can we catch you next?

We’ll be at the Buck & Hog in Emmerentia on Friday 22 Feb for Handstyle’s fundraiser show. R20 gets you in. Otherwise we’ll be playing RAMfest Cape Town on 8 Feb, Monster stage at around 11pm. Do it!

Best show so far

My favourite will always be Oppikoppi, 2011 I believe. I’ve never seen so many faces in front of me in my life. It was special.

cc: DanNeil Blair Photography

Favourite Song at the moment by a South African Artist

Growing Old by City Bowl Mizers.

Who is your biggest personal influence?

Reaction. It’s the best way to get an idea if you’re doing things right or not.

Give a random fact about yourself.

I have mild tourettes. Not the swearing kind though.

What did you want to be when you “grew up”.

A Ferrari test driver… Not quite there yet.

cc: Savior Photography

Biggest fear

Parktown prawns.

Favourite part of each show you perform.

The bang of the first note.

Describe your personality using any Movie title.

Pineapple Express

SO! If and when you feel like punching someone in the face and need a little musical inspiration - these guys are the way to go! for more info on FACING THE GALLOWS check out their facebook page here and their twitter page here.