October and The Eyes

Name, where are you from? 
October, New Zealand.

What do you do?
Make sounds.

Describe your style in three words?
Rockstar Mode Initiated.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I went to see Bauhaus a few years ago back in NZ. They’re one of those bands that I never expected to ever see live because they were so before my time. They opened with 'Bela Lugosi’s Dead' and played the intro for what felt like a lifetime and I screamed so hard. I still remember the moment Peter Murphy sang directly into my eyes and it felt like I was going to throw up. Peter Murphy Heartbreaker Forever.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oof, it would have to be David Bowie and Yves Tumor - although in saying that I feel like Yves Tumor is the new Bowie for sure, and actually the latter came true! I feel like half of the reason for choosing Bowie is because a lot of promiscuous fun would occur for sure. And to me, Yves Tumor is one of the most exciting, shape-shifting artists of today. I think they’re really re-defining the cultural zeitgeist.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I find myself looking back to the past a lot for inspiration because the future looks so bleak. The Psych-rock movement of the ’60s has influenced me hugely both musically and style-wise. But I’m also hugely influenced by the post-punk era of the late '70s - I feel like this is when things started to get really interesting and experimental with the introduction of electronic elements in rock music. There was a certain darkness that permitted the era which I’ve always been drawn to.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’m quite shy and easily star-struck so this question is terrifying, to say the least. But I think even sitting in the presence of Lou Reed in amongst the chaos of The Factory would be enough. I like people watching and that whole circus of musicians, artists, models, wannabes and hangers-on would be totally fascinating.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Actually, the first show I ever played was at The Sebright Arms, and despite the fact things were pretty rough around the edges, the raw energy and adrenaline of that first performance in that tiny, rammed basement was too fun. The stage is merely centre metres off the ground, so you’re just about eye-level with the audience. I really enjoy the intimacy of being close, making eye contact and touching the audience which The Sebright Arms offers. 

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
The often overlooked in favour of her husband, Alice Coltrane! Some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard has come from her. It takes a lot for a song to really make me feel something physical, but her stuff does it to me over and over. There’s something almost spiritual or intergalactic about her compositions that seem otherworldly.

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