Covering a wide range of topics, we highlight the robust and flourishing Australian scene with Trav from the band Defiant Ground in an insightful interview. We briefly address the serious issue of sexual assault and violence, as well as the importance of believing in oneself. You'll even get a little scoop on what's coming up for this new band.
1. You are from Australia, with bands like Speed, Guilt Trip, Wreckage, and many others like you, Defiant Ground. Your scene seems healthy?
The scene is so healthy and strong currently in Australia. It just keeps going from strength to strength. Most shows are having great numbers at them. There is so many great bands currently from here that are of a world standard. Just to scratch the surface, have a listen to All In, Crave Death, No Hope, Homesick, Entrapment, and Ocean Shores.
2. With the evolution of people, sometimes a new project means experimenting towards other horizons. What is different about your other projects, since you come from LostBoyFound, We Fly South, Lactococus, and other bands?
I guess all the other bands we’ve previously been in have all been a stepping stone to where we are with Defiant Ground. I think all bands have the growing stage when you first get together and then take some time to find the sound of the band. We are getting closer and a bit more coherent with each new song to what we think the Defiant Ground sound is.
For me personally this is definitely the heaviest band I’ve done.
3. An 2-step with Breakdown and a bit of fast Hardcore Punk defines your sound, is that correct?
Yep that’s pretty close to what we are. But to sum it up simply, we are a hope filled hardcore band. We all have different styles of what we listen to that goes into the blender and turns out as Defiant Ground.
4. Many artists find a sort of therapy in writing their often very personal lyrics. Is this also the case for you?
For the songs I’ve written, they tend to be more glimpses of time in my life. Not so much therapy but a outlet to put a issue, event or a moment of my life out there. The basis of all our songs is to always have a positive meaning and message.
5. The words focused on personal resistance and a desire for freedom in this chaotic constraint, in this song "Fight Mug," is that the sense in which you wrote it?
Yeah pretty much. It’s easy to get caught up in society’s expectations and constraints. The lyrics are more a call to do what you believe in and not what everyone else does. Think and believe in yourself. At the end or the day we only have ourselves to answer too.
6. Is it someone in your entourage who is at the heart of the piece "Her Design," which seems to be a tribute to their bravery, a recognition of the pains experienced?
"Her Design" is definitely reflective of a few people that are close to us. The thing is we all know someone that has been a victim of sexual assault or sexual violence. The fact that this is even the case is pretty horrific.
Even though it is such a brutal subject to sing about we also wanted to bring a positive light onto and how strong someone can be in some of the worse situations someone should ever go through.
7. Regarding the cover of your most recent demo, can you elaborate on the choice of a dog with a deflated basketball?
So the dog is Bronson who is Ed’s our bassist dog. We sent thru a heap of pictures and ideas to Brenno from Set The Fire Records and that was the one that came out on top. There’s no real reason and meaning behind it but it is a pretty cool picture.
8. We read in a recent interview with your band that you plan to enter the studio around November. Do you already have other written material, or are you still in the writing process?
I’m half way thru writing what will be the follow up. It’ll be 5-6 songs. The new songs are a lot more melodic but still us at the core. At this stage we are pushing to record in October now as we’ve got quite a few shows now booked for November.
9. And should this future record be released this year and once again under the Set The Fire Records label?
Yeah it will be coming out via Set The Fire records. More than likely it’ll be December/January release. It just gives us a bit more time to get things organized and not rush the process.
10. You also mentioned that you had a desire to tour. Do you have concrete plans in this regard in the short term in the coming months?
We have a couple of tours lined up. We head down to South Australia in September and we then have a run of shows in November thru NSW. January we are down in Victoria for a run of shows as well. Due to the distance between cities we tend to do one state at a time.
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In conclusion, the interview with Trav from Defiant Ground reveals a passionate and evolving band, rooted in a dynamic Australian music scene. Their hopeful sound, influenced by various styles, reflects their journey and personal experiences. Defiant Ground stands out for its authenticity and depth. The band is preparing new melodic tracks and planning tours, with exciting surprises ahead. Don't miss following this band to experience their inspiring and energetic performances. Their commitment to creating a positive impact through their art deserves all your attention and ours. We bet you'll love this promising little demo.
