What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

I’ve always loved music, but watching Angus Young for AC/DC during their Black Ice tour in Tampa inspired me to start learning the guitar. That was when I was 12, and since then my music taste has varied, and I’ve also learnt the piano and I’ve developed as a musician. Add the input of the other three lads from the band with different influences, who’ve followed their own unique musical journeys and voila, you’ve got Crux.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

“Living in Dystopia” is a fast paced, manic, prog rock interpretation of modern life. It’s probably our favourite release to date, and we feel like it captures the identity of the band. The lyrics navigate political and social issues the world is currently facing, from poverty to homelessness, and society’s collective apathy towards these issues. I wrote the lyrics at the end of 2018/start of 2019, but with covid and numerous lockdowns, they feel more relevant now than ever with lyrics such as “A million people trapped inside one home”.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

Whenever we’re asked about our main influence, our immediate answer is always Muse, as I suppose our love for them is what brought us together. But our music taste varies massively, from Hallam’s love of country music and prog rock, Jake’s love of classic and indie rock bands, Joe’s love of metal, contemporary prog rock and jazz, and my love of punk and grunge. Our lyrics are also massively influenced by dystopian novels from the likes of Orwell and Huxley, and films such as Blade Runner. The current state of politics in the world is another constant source of inspiration.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

We’re not scared of writing unconventional music, adding weird noises, and singing about topical issues that really bother us. It’s easy to be safe in music and stick to conventional approaches with nice melodic chorus’ that sing about relationships or other meaningless jargon. Hopefully, our sound shocks everyone into waking up, to reflect on their values, and leaves the listener wondering where the song is heading, whilst also providing some head banging guitar riffs.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

Oooh, this is a very tough question. I’d have to go for the following:
Albums:
Muse – Origin of Symmetry
Radiohead – OK Computer
De Staat – I_CON

Movies:
Interstellar
Parasite
Fight Club

Books:
George Orwell – 1984
Aldous Huxley – Brave New World
Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting

Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

I’d have to say I prefer the studio; it’s less stressful, and without sounding like a hippy, there’s something really magical about creating music and going through the recording process. It’s hard work, as the days are long and a lot of concentration is required, but it’s so rewarding, especially hearing the final product.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

We were very fortunate to record our second single, “Slaving Away”, with producer Jim Lowe at RAK Studios, and it was crazy as Biffy Clyro were recording in the room next to us. At the end of the first day we bumped into them outside, and we just tried to play it cool like we were not fazed. I nonchalantly said, “Alright lads?” as if we’ve known them since we were bairns. We think they were recording their hit single “Space” at the time.

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

Probably our latest release, “Living in Dystopia”. Max Heyes, the producer, did an incredible job on the track and added some insane effects which you can hear during the main guitar riff. The effects really add to the manic sound we were after. We experimented a bit during production too where I would shout and scream jargon down the microphone and Max and the engineer/programmer, Paul Knight-Malciak, would then manipulate that sound, creating some really interesting sounds which you can hear in the mix.

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

We’re currently recording our debut EP. We’re really excited with how it’s sounding! One song is the fastest paced song we’ve ever written, and another is my attempt at a space symphony. With the “road map out of lockdown” recently announced, we’re also starting to book potential gigs, festivals, etc. We can’t wait to get gigging again!

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

I’d just like to say a massive thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak about our latest release!

Photo Credits: Chris Ord

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

Recommended listening:

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Connect with Crux:

https://www.facebook.com/CruxNewcastle

https://twitter.com/cruxnewcastle

https://www.instagram.com/cruxnewcastle/

https://www.crux.band/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPQjRg3eUDukaa-DTHftQig