Geist Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

(A) We've all been involved in music for years now. Collectively we've probably played in about 15-20 bands over the last 10 years. Some of which have done more than others, this one has definitely stuck for the long run.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?

(A) I suppose it is what you take from it. While being reviewed we've been called anything from grindcore (?!) to "thrash metal" in your very review. If someone asks we tend to say its kind of crusty hardcore/punk. I suppose it has elements of everything though.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

(A) With every release the lyrics seem to have a fairly consistent "direction" throughout respectively. Our first was based around expectation and exploitation by means of religion. Each song was a stage of a journey through this, from the maker who creates the con, round circle to the healer. Our split deals with more social matters such as people's attitudes when they have money, and how their self worth changes. Also, a nod to George Orwell and conspiracy theories with checking in constantly with various social media platforms. Our newest material, that will appear on our 7" eventually, covers a more introspective view on things but from an extroverted angle, where other people can also relate.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Geist'?

(A) I honestly can't remember how it came about. Naming bands is one of the most awkward parts for me. I never like the sound of anything really! It was a toss up between Geist and another and i think we just started referring to it as Geist before we'd settled properly and it stuck.

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?

(A) Well in terms of playing shows i think the band is still relatively fresh. We tend to book runs of shows rather than play one offs which doesn't allow us to get out maybe as often as we'd like to but for longer spells when we do. Temples Festival would have been the biggest we'd done but that obviously didn't happen for obvious reasons. As for performance, we go into every show with as much energy as possible. We could be playing to 10 people or 500, we try and approach it the same.

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

(A) We're away for 8 days early September. Hoping to get to Europe maybe early next year. We haven't done Europe with this band so we're all dying to get it sorted.

7.You have a split coming out with Sunlight's Bane, what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

(A) Myself and Nick have been in touch for a few years now. They were looking for a band to do a split with and we were pondering our next release with 2 songs ready to either start our own 7" or go on a split so the time was just right for both parties.

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

(A) i'd say we've certainly gone down better on crust shows. I personally don't get the grindcore link with Geist to be honest.

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

(A) we're already pretty much finished writing our own 7" so we'll be working out when we're going to record once we're done with the tour in September.


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?

(A) Between the 5 of us we listen to a lot of different music. Geist definitely takes influence from hardcore punk and crust. As cliched as that sounds i think its probably the best way i can describe it.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

(A) We're all very different people. Between us all our non musical interests range from football, through various forms of art, all the way through to spending hours playing computer games haha!

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

(A) If you haven't picked up the split 7" go grab one! Oh and come see us on tour!
2/9 - Leeds / Santiago
3/9 - Manchester / Star and Garter
4/9 - London / The Unicorn
5/9 - Brighton / SCNS
6/9 - Plymouth / The Junction
7/9 - Bristol / The Red Lion
8/9 - Hull / Gorilla Studios
9/9 - Newcastle / Northumberland Arms