Aaron spoke to Keir about Dick Tracy and their recent win of the Battle of The Grand. Here’s what he had to say:
How did you come up with the name Dick Tracy?
I had been thinking of band names for a while, not for any particular reason other than to store for the right band. Dick Tracy just popped in my head one day. Obviously there is a correlation to the 1930’s comic strip which we dig on the style, but really it just fit with our style of music being that we see it as a fun name and we are a fun band.
How long have you been together?
If you are looking at the time we have been together as a band then we are still a ‘baby band’, though we have known each other for a long time, be it through music, friendship or both.
How did you guys get together?
I had been discussing with Rich at the beginning of the year, ideas to put together a band. Rich had been jamming with Johnny already so that was perfect and we kicked it together as a 3 piece and were in search for a bassist. We got Dan by chance in like August after only really been playing songs as a 3 piece for about a month and then we had our first gig shortly after that.
Who’s your favourite NZ band right now?
It’s hard to say really as we have quite eclectic tastes in music and we seem to be in the season of really fresh, amazing local music coming out from everywhere. Personally I am a big fan of Decortica, they have a unique sound in the NZ scene and I expect big things from them.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Being that Rich writes the majority of the music and he took a look of influence from Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath, you get that kind of vibe coursing in our sound. We get compared to Kyuss a lot which is rad. When we started we wanted to be Red Fang meets Refused and I guess our own sound moulded itself from that idea.
You recently won the “Battle of The Grand”, how was the winning experience?
We used the word surreal a lot the following days. With so much talent involved, we didn’t expect to get that far, so to win was mind explosion. We got treated well by The Grand and met a bunch of cool people including Tiki Taane who offered us a lot of advice going into and following the final.
Where to now for Dick Tracy?
We have already planned some big things. I cant say what, but keep an eye out. Dick Tracy will keep partying.
What rumour would you most like to start about Dick Tracy?
We found a book deep in a cave that was bound by the skin and blood of dead rock legends. This book empowers its keeper with the power to rock and party. Once we opened the book, Dick Tracy was formed and was given the power to rock.
About the interviewer Asmith
Having graduated from UCOL’s music course in 2011, I began working with Tararua Television hosting a monthly local music show called “Off The Stage”, where I interviewed and showcased people working within the local music scene. I am in a blues rock band called “The Blue Grizzly Band” as well as a metal band called “Defetus”. I teach guitar lessons and busk regularly. I am also a radio host on Access Radio’s Metal Heads Radio (NZ Metal), and Black & Blues Radio (blues and soul) shows. I am also regularly involved in charity events. My love of music began at an early age, having a wide interest in genres ranging from Reggae and Blues to Rock and Metal, and a few in between. https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueGrizzlyBand https://www.facebook.com/defetus https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manawatu-Metal/126468620697622 https://www.facebook.com/blackandblue999 [email protected]
