With just over a year as a group together, Bovine proves that if there’s passion & love for the music then you can do the things your way and also do them well! We wanted to learn more about this new band and see what they have on their minds as well. Marcus VVulfgang, the guitarist of the band talks frankly and reveals things about Bovine that weren’t known till today. Thus, read below.
Hi Marcus… “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire” was the one of freshest and most creative debut albums I have heard this year so far. Way to go dude…
M: Thanks dude! It’s nice to hear so many positive things about our record!
What has the story of the band been so far? When and how did it all start?
M: Well we’ve only been a full unit for just over a year but me and Damon were jamming different songs for about 6 months before with various different dudes. Chris joined in March 2012 which completed our lineup for 9 months, then Tom came in as a much needed wingman!
We have done a lot in just over a year, but we’re not stopping anytime soon. The year has flown by and it couldn’t have been better. We’re a very active band and we’re constantly either booking, playing shows or writing new songs.
You describe your style of music as Birmingham ghetto Rock. How would you describe that sound and how did you come up with that name?
M: In all honesty, it was a name we branded ourselves in the early days, a name we wanted to sound like. Old school, dirty, honest, no bullshit, riff heavy, great rock songs. I think being such a young band considering we’re just over a year old, our sound and style has only just set in for us. We can really tell what we’re all about with our new songs. Very direct and to the point, with a bit of prog thrown in.
Why does “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”?
M: I am proud to be English. However, apart from the original meaning of course, my interpretation of the old saying is simple. We, the English, have a lot to fucking answer for.
Is this how humans have become … as we see on the cover artwork? Too busy and in a tearing hurry to understand that a total destruction is on the way?
M: That’s the exact point and it’s great that a lot of people understand. There was one review I saw where they thought we were being patriotic, when it’s the complete opposite. People are forgetting the basic principles of life by ‘living life’. It’s not often you come across someone without a first world problem… I won’t go into it too much or you’ll think I’m David Icke’s gay lover, haha. (i.n.: hehehe...)
What’s the story behind each song?
M: “Barium”: Poison…
“Ghost Chair”: There was a haunted creaking chair in the room where this was written. The lyrics were written by me a few years ago but the song evolved when the band formed.
“Thank Fuck I Ain’t You”: I have a lot of respect for anyone who fights for a good cause. I don’t think anything our soldiers fight for is a good cause. “Our fathers now think twice, what they made has been drained and the shit covers your eyes, I hope you stay blind”.
“Heroes are What?”: What is a hero? Who deserves to be crowned a hero? “Release all your pressure on other doorsteps, release all your anger on other soil, blood on your clean hands of god”. Blow the shit out of somewhere, come home a hero.
“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”: Just like the cover, this song is about the ignorance of our dying culture. The lack of community compared to the 1950’s.
“The Battle of the Sinkhole”: This song was originally meant to be the album opener. The thought of a happy small child playing with toys in a room, then through the window, tanks appear on the horizon and without warning, blow the shit out of the house. Graphic but, happens everyday somewhere in the world.
“Aneugenic”: This song is to be continued, it’s a teaser for something bigger…
“I Will Make You Real”: This is about the average day to day gentleman.
“Military Wife”: This is about a killer who receives justice in the form of the ghost of his victim, which drives his to suicide… all our songs are Disney friendly, haha.
“Not Another Name”: Just another number, gunned down, forgotten about, worthless.
You released the video for “Military Wife” in late 2012. Are you planning to release any video anytime soon?
M: We’ve got a few videos in the pipeline including a documentary which a friend has been following us to shows, filming our rehearsals, interviews etc. Not sure of the release date of this yet but it’s looking great!
What are your expectations from this album?
M: We didn’t have any expectations from the album. We’ve had one hell of a year which has completely taken us by surprise. We didn’t realize it would be such a hit. Since the word go, our foot hasn’t left the gas, so we are expecting big things in the near future and we will hopefully see some fruits from all our hard work!
How do you feel about your collaboration with FDA Rekotz and how did it come about?
M: FDA is a great label! They spotted us on Bandcamp and got in touch. We had at the time, already self-released our album, which caught their attention. At first, knowing the sort of music which they specialized in, we were wary but they explained they couldn’t leave us to somebody else so we struck up a deal and here we are! They are our first label and I have to say, our experience with them has been fantastic!
Do you have any future touring plans?
M: Very near in the pipeline, we are working with an agent to sort out some amazing tours which will hopefully see us crossing the channel to Europe.
M: Thanks dude! It’s nice to hear so many positive things about our record!
What has the story of the band been so far? When and how did it all start?
M: Well we’ve only been a full unit for just over a year but me and Damon were jamming different songs for about 6 months before with various different dudes. Chris joined in March 2012 which completed our lineup for 9 months, then Tom came in as a much needed wingman!
We have done a lot in just over a year, but we’re not stopping anytime soon. The year has flown by and it couldn’t have been better. We’re a very active band and we’re constantly either booking, playing shows or writing new songs.
You describe your style of music as Birmingham ghetto Rock. How would you describe that sound and how did you come up with that name?
M: In all honesty, it was a name we branded ourselves in the early days, a name we wanted to sound like. Old school, dirty, honest, no bullshit, riff heavy, great rock songs. I think being such a young band considering we’re just over a year old, our sound and style has only just set in for us. We can really tell what we’re all about with our new songs. Very direct and to the point, with a bit of prog thrown in.
Why does “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”?
M: I am proud to be English. However, apart from the original meaning of course, my interpretation of the old saying is simple. We, the English, have a lot to fucking answer for.
Is this how humans have become … as we see on the cover artwork? Too busy and in a tearing hurry to understand that a total destruction is on the way?
M: That’s the exact point and it’s great that a lot of people understand. There was one review I saw where they thought we were being patriotic, when it’s the complete opposite. People are forgetting the basic principles of life by ‘living life’. It’s not often you come across someone without a first world problem… I won’t go into it too much or you’ll think I’m David Icke’s gay lover, haha. (i.n.: hehehe...)
What’s the story behind each song?
M: “Barium”: Poison…
“Ghost Chair”: There was a haunted creaking chair in the room where this was written. The lyrics were written by me a few years ago but the song evolved when the band formed.
“Thank Fuck I Ain’t You”: I have a lot of respect for anyone who fights for a good cause. I don’t think anything our soldiers fight for is a good cause. “Our fathers now think twice, what they made has been drained and the shit covers your eyes, I hope you stay blind”.
“Heroes are What?”: What is a hero? Who deserves to be crowned a hero? “Release all your pressure on other doorsteps, release all your anger on other soil, blood on your clean hands of god”. Blow the shit out of somewhere, come home a hero.
“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”: Just like the cover, this song is about the ignorance of our dying culture. The lack of community compared to the 1950’s.
“The Battle of the Sinkhole”: This song was originally meant to be the album opener. The thought of a happy small child playing with toys in a room, then through the window, tanks appear on the horizon and without warning, blow the shit out of the house. Graphic but, happens everyday somewhere in the world.
“Aneugenic”: This song is to be continued, it’s a teaser for something bigger…
“I Will Make You Real”: This is about the average day to day gentleman.
“Military Wife”: This is about a killer who receives justice in the form of the ghost of his victim, which drives his to suicide… all our songs are Disney friendly, haha.
“Not Another Name”: Just another number, gunned down, forgotten about, worthless.
You released the video for “Military Wife” in late 2012. Are you planning to release any video anytime soon?
M: We’ve got a few videos in the pipeline including a documentary which a friend has been following us to shows, filming our rehearsals, interviews etc. Not sure of the release date of this yet but it’s looking great!
What are your expectations from this album?
M: We didn’t have any expectations from the album. We’ve had one hell of a year which has completely taken us by surprise. We didn’t realize it would be such a hit. Since the word go, our foot hasn’t left the gas, so we are expecting big things in the near future and we will hopefully see some fruits from all our hard work!
How do you feel about your collaboration with FDA Rekotz and how did it come about?
M: FDA is a great label! They spotted us on Bandcamp and got in touch. We had at the time, already self-released our album, which caught their attention. At first, knowing the sort of music which they specialized in, we were wary but they explained they couldn’t leave us to somebody else so we struck up a deal and here we are! They are our first label and I have to say, our experience with them has been fantastic!
Do you have any future touring plans?
M: Very near in the pipeline, we are working with an agent to sort out some amazing tours which will hopefully see us crossing the channel to Europe.
Music sites and magazines have described your music as sludge and Alex Baker from Kerrang! Radio described you as “Clutch on steroids”. Do you agree with that? How do you see yourselves?
M: I can’t disagree with what anybody has said about us. It’s their own opinion, I just didn’t realize we fell into so many categories. As soon as I heard the Chris Cornell reference I thought, “no chance”, but then loads of other reviewers were hitting up on it. I still don’t believe it but, they obviously have ears…
You list bands like Kuyss, Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden and Baroness as some of your musical influences. What exactly do you like in their music and which “part” of each of those bands would you say that you have borrowed?
M: QOTSA is an obvious one. I guess we love the directness of the “Songs for the Deaf” album and how great the songs are. I wouldn’t say they’re my favorite band, but there are certain albums in history which stick out, that being one. Pink Floyd, “Dark side of the Moon”, absolute fucking masterpiece, but I’m not their biggest fan. Baroness have some great guitar work and are an awesome bunch of dudes (played with ‘em J) but again, not the biggest fan. I love Mahavishnu Orchestra, Al Di Meola, Frank Zappa, so I have a massive variety which I listen to and take influence from and that’s only a quarter of the band. The other guys are all massive music lovers, some we agree on, some we completely laugh at. Mix it all together = Bovine.
How do you answer to the people who say that rock is dead and everything has been said or done before?
M: People who say that are so 1998, who the fuck says that now? Give them an iPhone and tell them to walk east. (i.n.: I’m sooo with you!)
Why do you describe your approach to songwriting as “tuneful and, at times, space-proggish”? Could you please walk us through your songwriting process?
M: Now, our press release wasn’t written directly from the horse’s mouth. But it’s not far wrong. I generally make a riff, we jam it, make it sound badass and take it on the road so it’s well oiled ready for our next record! Lyrics usually come last, we have two new songs in our current set, which me and Tom sing on. I don’t think either of us has finished all the lyrics yet and I’m certain I don’t know what he sings, haha.
You say that your music is targeted to “fans of heavy drums, heavy riffs and heavy boobs” on your facebook page. So, do you think that your music caters only to a male audience?
M: Of course not! Our music is for everyone, we’re all still in our twenties so we also like to have a laugh. Our music gets serious but as individuals we’re all still a little childish. The slogan “heavy drums, heavy riffs and heavy boobs” made me laugh and think of huge udders. Life is far too serious…
If you could share the stage with any person or band (alive or dead/ still together or broken up), who would it be and why?
M: Frank Zappa, ‘cause it’s fucking Frank Zappa. The Doors, ‘cause it’s the fucking Doors (RIP Ray, Jim), QOTSA, ‘cause they would teach us a thing or two… and Axl Rose, so I could throw up on his face. (i.n.: That could cause some major problems!)
People say that today’s technology makes it a lot easier for bands around the world to record and promote their work using the internet. Do you agree with that?
M: I do, although it has flooded the market which seems like a complete mess, there are charts such as bandcamp, where bands still get the chance to be heard from a certain genre. There are so many bands I have discovered through the internet which I wouldn’t or couldn’t have even heard of if there was no internet. It’s just another tool to get out there, we wouldn’t be having this conversation if it wasn’t for the web.
Thx Marcus for this interview… Please close this interview in your own way… Keep rockin’ dude!
M: Thanks for having me, keep listening, buying, supporting and we will keep rocking! Thanks for everything so far people, it means the world to us!!! Marcus x
M: I can’t disagree with what anybody has said about us. It’s their own opinion, I just didn’t realize we fell into so many categories. As soon as I heard the Chris Cornell reference I thought, “no chance”, but then loads of other reviewers were hitting up on it. I still don’t believe it but, they obviously have ears…
You list bands like Kuyss, Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden and Baroness as some of your musical influences. What exactly do you like in their music and which “part” of each of those bands would you say that you have borrowed?
M: QOTSA is an obvious one. I guess we love the directness of the “Songs for the Deaf” album and how great the songs are. I wouldn’t say they’re my favorite band, but there are certain albums in history which stick out, that being one. Pink Floyd, “Dark side of the Moon”, absolute fucking masterpiece, but I’m not their biggest fan. Baroness have some great guitar work and are an awesome bunch of dudes (played with ‘em J) but again, not the biggest fan. I love Mahavishnu Orchestra, Al Di Meola, Frank Zappa, so I have a massive variety which I listen to and take influence from and that’s only a quarter of the band. The other guys are all massive music lovers, some we agree on, some we completely laugh at. Mix it all together = Bovine.
How do you answer to the people who say that rock is dead and everything has been said or done before?
M: People who say that are so 1998, who the fuck says that now? Give them an iPhone and tell them to walk east. (i.n.: I’m sooo with you!)
Why do you describe your approach to songwriting as “tuneful and, at times, space-proggish”? Could you please walk us through your songwriting process?
M: Now, our press release wasn’t written directly from the horse’s mouth. But it’s not far wrong. I generally make a riff, we jam it, make it sound badass and take it on the road so it’s well oiled ready for our next record! Lyrics usually come last, we have two new songs in our current set, which me and Tom sing on. I don’t think either of us has finished all the lyrics yet and I’m certain I don’t know what he sings, haha.
You say that your music is targeted to “fans of heavy drums, heavy riffs and heavy boobs” on your facebook page. So, do you think that your music caters only to a male audience?
M: Of course not! Our music is for everyone, we’re all still in our twenties so we also like to have a laugh. Our music gets serious but as individuals we’re all still a little childish. The slogan “heavy drums, heavy riffs and heavy boobs” made me laugh and think of huge udders. Life is far too serious…
If you could share the stage with any person or band (alive or dead/ still together or broken up), who would it be and why?
M: Frank Zappa, ‘cause it’s fucking Frank Zappa. The Doors, ‘cause it’s the fucking Doors (RIP Ray, Jim), QOTSA, ‘cause they would teach us a thing or two… and Axl Rose, so I could throw up on his face. (i.n.: That could cause some major problems!)
People say that today’s technology makes it a lot easier for bands around the world to record and promote their work using the internet. Do you agree with that?
M: I do, although it has flooded the market which seems like a complete mess, there are charts such as bandcamp, where bands still get the chance to be heard from a certain genre. There are so many bands I have discovered through the internet which I wouldn’t or couldn’t have even heard of if there was no internet. It’s just another tool to get out there, we wouldn’t be having this conversation if it wasn’t for the web.
Thx Marcus for this interview… Please close this interview in your own way… Keep rockin’ dude!
M: Thanks for having me, keep listening, buying, supporting and we will keep rocking! Thanks for everything so far people, it means the world to us!!! Marcus x