Introducing Interview: Gas Kunst

The first in a series of features and interviews to throw a spotlight and point you in the direction of some of the new bands playing at this year’s Shiiine On Weekender 23. First up, Gas Kunst…

Having seen all of you around my locality in different bands and musical guises over the last few years – Tell us about Gas Kunst  and how the band formed and come together.

Dick: The band came together fairly organically, Buzz and Justin turned up to jam with a drummer friend at a community rehearsal space that I volunteer at. Having known the lads for many years I jumped at the chance to sit in and throw some riffs about. Afterward us 3 were hyped but Big Matt the drummer said he wasn’t feeling it.

Justin: Pretty sure he gutted for quitting now! 

Dick: I suggested bringing my trusty 606 drum machine so we could at least play to a backbeat. We took it from there with no big plans other than to have some fun.

Justin: Don’t forget our first session with no drummer, we used old naff keyboard drum loops haha! But it worked and we knew we had something special. 

Three become four recently with a new member from another great band The C33s.

Dick: Indeed, if Judy hadn’t propositioned us after the final C33s show I think we’d still have the 606, but lucky us! Judy’s drumming is the perfect fit and her harmonies and vocals the cherry on top. Personally I think every band should have a mix of genders, it really brings out the best creatively and stops the music getting to one sided.

Justin: Judy is the backbone of the band and also our unofficial HR manager. Everything really started to spiral once she joined! 

The Gas Kunst sound! Lots of different and interesting things going on , very distinctive sound on the singles to date. Tell us about your musical influences and inspirations.

Justin: Some of these songs I actually wrote about 10 years ago, when I wanted to start a band that sounded like “industry leaders” The Hives, so you could say they’re my original influence. These songs didn’t find their true home until Gas Kunst, it’s nice to bring them to life. They’ve stood the test of time as they may just stayed as Garage band demos without this band. Other than that I draw a lot of my inspiration from multiple genres, Hip-Hop being a big one!

Dick:  I had a few songs before we started this that I really wanted to play with a band, but as since as we got rolling both Justin and I have been on streak. We must have written over 20 songs over the last 12 months. For me in terms of inspiration if I ever have to give one name it’s ZAPPA and in particular the albums “We’re only in it for the money” “Hot Rats” and “Does Humour Belong in Music”. 

Justin: Bass man Buzz Vanker is a big fan of all things garage rock, Thee Osees, Ty Segall, Frankie & the Witch Fingers etc & Judy’s drum style is really branching out to compliment our songs but I think you can still hear her roots are in surf, punk and new wave stuff like The Cramps, B52s and The Ramones etc. 

Future plans for GK , what’s in the pipeline? Can we expect an album etc in the future ? 

Dick: We have a new EP, Gas Mark II dropping mid August. Followed by a 7 inch single mid September both recorded by Stephen Cole (leader of the awesome a.P.A.t.T), at What Studio in Liverpool. All to be released on Rare Vitamin Records! Which you should definitely check out if you haven’t already… Gig wise we got a few but our biggest show to date is at Northwich Plaza in Cheshire with John Power, Chris Helme and Clint Boon for the Tiny Steps charity. It’s on 21st October and all the money goes to a really great cause.

Justin: We have a nice run of summer shows this August. Including our first time in London! Which is also a headline show for the sweethearts at Permanent Creeps. 

We like to give a new bands that catch our ear a slot at the weekender to play alongside the established acts. Looking forward to playing at the Shiiine On Weekender?

Dick: Obviously our mate John Power! There’s a lot of bands on the bill that meant a great deal to me growing up, specifically Terrorvision who were always super fun. Also looking forward to seeing Danny from Supergrass who were the best britpop band IMO and the mighty Black Grape.. think we’re all hoping to meet Shaun!!

Justin: Yup, we really wanna be partying it up with Shaun Ryder in a chalet kitchen somewhere at 3am. Shaun if you read this, hit us up mate! Also we are buzzing to be sharing the stage with our good friends and Shiiine On residents Deja Vega. 

We are looking forward to Gas Kunst play this year’s Shiiine On Weekender.

Darren Brooks