October and The Eyes

Musician — London

01Profile

A October and The Eyes Photo

03Interview

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.


linktr.ee/octoberandtheeyes

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?

'Light My Fire' by The Doors. My Dad introduced me to The Doors when I was eleven, and I remember sneaking into his car so I could play his CD over and over. Jim Morrison was my first ever crush and unfortunately has ruined the trajectory of my preference in men ever since.

A song that defines the teenage you?

'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths. Look, we all had an emo The Smiths phase ok. Let me off the hook.

One record you would keep forever?

'The Idiot!' by Iggy Pop. One of the greatest albums ever made. 'Mass Production' still sounds so futuristic to me.

A song lyric that has inspired you?

“And all the while it feels as if the light of the moon is following me / Like a spotlight in some bizarre theatre of loneliness / Fist-f****d by destiny, I'm positioned like a beggar / At the heart of life”

From 'Heart Of Life' by Marching Church.

A song you wished you had written?

'Joy' by PJ Harvey. More so than writing it, I also wish I produced this track. Absolute industrial madness.

Best song to turn up loud?

'John Cooper Clarke' by Working Men's Club.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?

'Gimme More' by Britney Spears. Definitely my totally-unguilty-guilty-pleasure.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?

'Psychotic Reaction' by The Count Five.

Best song to end an all-nighter?

'100' by Dean Blunt. The party is ending, people are falling asleep on the floor, and this is playing in the background.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?

My favourite bands at the moment are Dry Cleaning and Pretty Sick!

03Interview

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.


linktr.ee/octoberandtheeyes

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?

'Light My Fire' by The Doors. My Dad introduced me to The Doors when I was eleven, and I remember sneaking into his car so I could play his CD over and over. Jim Morrison was my first ever crush and unfortunately has ruined the trajectory of my preference in men ever since.

A song that defines the teenage you?

'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths. Look, we all had an emo The Smiths phase ok. Let me off the hook.

One record you would keep forever?

'The Idiot!' by Iggy Pop. One of the greatest albums ever made. 'Mass Production' still sounds so futuristic to me.

A song lyric that has inspired you?

“And all the while it feels as if the light of the moon is following me / Like a spotlight in some bizarre theatre of loneliness / Fist-f****d by destiny, I'm positioned like a beggar / At the heart of life”

From 'Heart Of Life' by Marching Church.

A song you wished you had written?

'Joy' by PJ Harvey. More so than writing it, I also wish I produced this track. Absolute industrial madness.

Best song to turn up loud?

'John Cooper Clarke' by Working Men's Club.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?

'Gimme More' by Britney Spears. Definitely my totally-unguilty-guilty-pleasure.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?

'Psychotic Reaction' by The Count Five.

Best song to end an all-nighter?

'100' by Dean Blunt. The party is ending, people are falling asleep on the floor, and this is playing in the background.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?

My favourite bands at the moment are Dry Cleaning and Pretty Sick!

 

05Videos

October and The Eyes | Spiral (2022)