Bullethead Interview

Bullethead are not a cool band. They don't give a damn about sporting faux-rebellious clothing or hairstyles. And while their take on rock 'n' roll shows that they have an astute sense of their roots in music - it's not the retro take that every band and his dog seems to be doing in this current wave of heard it all before.

But Bullethead must be doing something right, because they have increasingly built their audience. Over four short years the band has played sold-out shows at the Metro Theatre, and yes the Annandale, culminating in their packing them in at the Gaelic. Not bad for a fiercely independent band hey?

Interview:

1. How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?
Well the first time I ever heard our songs on the radio, I was like," hey this sounds better than the actual recording" I was feeling quite proud of myself!

2. Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
When I first started out I was just as naive as every beginner, really didn't have much of a clue about the industry at all, I though It was about knocking on doors, Its not about that at all, Its about getting a sellable product, Then you can open your own doors!

3. Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?
Yes I write 95% of the music, but the band has a huge influence on structure etc! I can't really pin where I get my inspiration, it comes from all over. I love music, it touches my soul! And I really like listening to other styles of music, even though BulletHead is Hard Rock, I really appreciate music that has hard work behind it.

4. What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Well I have been listening to COG lately, and the album is just wicked, I also have the awesome blues band "The Fumes" on high rotation; I really love seeing Australian Acts do well. It makes me proud to be an Aussie!

5. What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Well, we are doing a tour real soon, it will be across Australia, so I'm looking forward to that, but its going to be tiring, I don't have the energy to party in every town, Touring can be very exhausting. After the tour we are going to California to record an EP, so I'm looking forward to that, and it looks like we will do some shows in the US as well.

6. Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
That's a funny question, I probably think about it every day, but what will I end doing if I don't have music, I love music, and my whole life is music, but it's the hardest profession, because the light at the end of the tunnel flickers like a candle on a windy day.

7. Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Definitely performing live, I love recording too. Recordings finalise your efforts.

8. What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Well this is a long storey, when I was a teenager I had no money at all, but I had this really hot girlfriend. She knew I was dying to get a guitar so I could start learning to play. One day she came over and said, since you're so pathetic and you can't stop dribbling about a getting a guitar, I'm going to buy you a guitar for a present! Well 2 weeks later I was learning "Money for Nothing" on my new Mex Fender Stratocaster, I would take the guitar everywhere I went just in case someone wanted to see it! If Jacqui never got that electric guitar at my early age, I wouldn't be where I am at now.

9. What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
The biggest challenge is to truly focus on your genre, and find variations within your style without becoming too eclectic! Other challenges have been pulling major theatre shows, you know a lot of money has been invested in just one show, so instead of getting on that stage and having a good time, I'm more worried about the finances or the longevity of our relationship with the promoter or establishment

10. What's a typical day like?
Easy going. Many phone calls, hundreds of emails that can result in not much at all

11. What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Freedom, doing what I'm meant to be doing is the best result anyone could ever hope for!

12. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
That's a hard one, because if I say someone great, people will think I think I'm in the league!

13. Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?
Yes I'm single, I think what I find most attractive are go getters, girls who are always busy but wont trample over you to get what they want. I like to see girls enjoying there own lives, you only have one life, so live it up! Creative girls are great too, I love seeing chicks that paint, or play music or make there own clothes.

14. Do you have a website fans can visit?
Yes I have a few, www.bullethead.com.au www.myspace.com/bulletheadbandwww.myspace.com/originalbullethead

15. Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?
No not really, my guess is eat well, and potato chips ain't exactly in the vegetable food group.

16. What message would you like to say to your fans?
Keep supporting Australian Rock!! Its important to industry growth

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Alexander Stephen Hermescec
Nickname(s): Skuey
Star Sign: Aries
Favorite Food: whatever's in the fridge
Favorite Film: Cinderella man
Favorite Actor: Russell Crowe
Pet: German Shepard's
Describe yourself in 3 words: Funny,
Best Feature: Life of the Party
Worst Feature: Life of the Party
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Hang with the Russ, he is the greatest actor in the world, I reckon me and Russ would clean up a dirty Bar with those Cinderella man skills
Hobbies/Interests: Guitar & Guitar collecting,
First Job: don't wanna talk about it
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Pub then Bar after I get booted out
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Mobile phone
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Damn!! Did I do that!!