Atomck Interview

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• 1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band these days?
  We have continued to play gigs and write/record/release music the same as in the past. It's very underground by the nature of who we are, the aim is to play with friends and work in the community.
  This year we released a 7” and have another one already recorded and good to put out as soon as the finance is in place. After that we will record a new full album which is about half written.
• 2.A few months back you had put out a new release, how would you describe the musical sound of the newer music and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
  The main difference that I think people would notice is the drumming style- our old drummer Marzena returned home to the Czech Rep. Shortly after we recorded our album 'Never Work'. Karl then joined and he just has a slightly different approach and overall feel. It's still mostly blasting though. I think we are a bit more confident as a band and go for a rawer sound that is closer to our live sound nowadays.
  
  
• 3.Over the years what have been some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored with their music?
  We tend to make comments about what is going on around us, both in the music scene and politically. 'Never Work' was all about how badly the City of Newport had been effected by the financial collapse, and how the government made matters much worse.
  One of the main themes for our recent ep 'Whitewashed' was bands covering up their questionable politics in order to court with popularity- we see a lot of musicians coming from the heavy metal scene who have racist or sexist lyrics. Usually it is intended for humour but just not acceptable as far as we are concerned.
  
  
• 4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Atomck'/

Linus heard the name on a cartoon and liked the sound of it. I like that nobody pronounces it correctly.

• 5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We have been going a long time (nearly 10 years) so have played with a lot of great bands in that time. Stand out gigs for me have been playing with INSECT WARFARE and several gigs with WORMROT. Next year we will do CHIMPYFEST in London alongside GRIDE who are a long-term influence and one of the best. A while ago we got to perform at OEF which was amazing, DROPDEAD and BRUTAL TRUTH!

• 6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We are going to do a small tour at the end of November, some punk gigs with our friends FETUS CHRIST, just playing with friends around the UK. We'd like to return to Europe soon as well, everybody treated us very well last time.

• 7.Over the years you have worked with plenty of many different record labels, out off all  the labels you have worked with, which one do you feel did the best to support the band and get the music out there heard?

In terms of pure numbers it has to be J. Randall's GRINDCORE KARAOKE netlabel, the amount of people that downloaded our stuff from him is way beyond anything else. Having said that, for physical releases we like to work with small underground labels- usually people we trust – and I'm 100% grateful for every single one that has helped us release music over the years. Recently WOOAAARGH and RIP ROARING SHIT STORM have been especially good to us.

• 8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of grindcore?

I don't think we have had a massive amount of attention or feedback, but what we have got has been very positive and is always appreciated. We have always chosen to make the music we want to hear which means sometimes not supplying what everybody wants. I'm fine with that.

• 9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I have no idea! We write music in a very democratic way and everybody gets a say and has input which means things can change rapidly and we often produce quite experimental songs. I imagine we will always be a DIY band trying to play fast and heavy.

• 10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Well firstly there are the obvious ones: great grind, punk, hardcore and metal from the past. It just goes without saying haha. Our individual music tastes are very diverse and probably little elements of all those influences creep in- we recently recorded an outro for a song using an old synthesiser and it gave a psychedelic sort of 70s vibe to the end of it.

• 11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I'm an artist so I like painting and drawing. Linus is really into films and Karl likes to read. Of course those are just snippets ;)

• 12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
  Thanks very much for contacting us!, anyone can do so at atomck@googlemail.com