Interviews: Quickstrike

We have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Quickstrike from Latvia. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or come out just like that?

It was not a planned thing, Quickstrike just came to us, and we stuck with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all come from different musical backgrounds and influences, but rock n’ roll was the common denominator for all of us, the 70’s and 80’s scene in particular, as we’re mostly inspired by the artists and the sound of that time, so it brought us all together. While we all went through different musical journeys, for instance, rhythm guitarist Ritchskies dabbled a lot in metalcore and modern metal, singer Piggy was really into old-school thrash and fast stuff, along with drummer Fourleaf Graves and bassist Armyfox. Lead guitar Martins was into metal as well, while starting out mostly playing melodic pieces on the acoustic guitar. While we still do listen to and appreciate those genres, we discovered that together we can write pretty good old school rock n’ roll pieces, and that’s what we love to do.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Fourleaf Graves, Armyfox and Martins were friends for a long time already, as they were friends and lived in the same town - Valmiera. Interestingly enough, Ritchskies is also from Valmiera, but was only an acquaintance, as they hadn’t properly met before. Piggy met Fourleaf Graves about ten years ago, who was visiting his hometown Liepāja, where both played a gig together with their respective bands. In turn, they became friends, and started hanging out, going to each other’s places, and in one of these visits Armyfox and Martins were introduced as well. After a few years in and out of bands, Ritchskies joined the picture, who knew Fourleaf Graves and wanted to start a band together. In turn, he was introduced to Armyfox and Martins, who became part of the lineup. Piggy, who was a close friend, had jammed with them before and was looking to join something new, was the last addition, and that in turn solidified the band you know today.

4. Each band members favorite band?

We couldn’t probably just list one each, but two that would pop up for all of us would be Guns n’ Roses and Aerosmtih for sure.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our songs share a lot of personal experiences, details and emotions. Expressing these things genuinely in a song was the best way to deal with it all. We never try to be something that we aren’t onstage, and it’s the same with songwriting – what you read is real and honest, as that’s what comes natural to us.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in Pāvilosta, a town in our home country, Latvia, we were a part of "Līvu Dziesmu Svētki" which was a smaller version of the Latvian song and dance festival, which happens every 4 years, but was cancelled due to the current situation in the country.

7. Where would you like to act?

Our goals are big, and we could start naming arenas like Wembley, but that’s a bit cheesy. For us a run of the L.A. Sunset Strip, where some of our favorite bands cut their teeth would be a priceless experience. “Whisky a Go Go”; “The Troubadour”; “Rainbow” or “The Ritz” in New York, to name a few, and we’re gonna leave our mark there as well, just to deliver some damage to the stages where the big guns started out as well. And you know what they said about “The Ritz” in the 80’s - "if you played The Ritz, you've made it." Other than that, no venue is too small or too big for us, bookings are always open, let us know when and where we'll be there.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We’re pretty much open to projects and new ideas, and if we think it can work, we’ll make it work, so don’t be a stranger and let us know if you have anything in mind. But, of course, we’d be honored to work with the acts that inspired us, like Aerosmith, Guns n’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, and a feature in the future would be one thing we’d love to accomplish.

9. Whom not?

From collaborations, we exclude any bands that seem way too edgy for the sake of being edgy, as the way we do things and our general philosophy don’t line up. We don’t see ourselves making any djent and black-metal collaborations either, or any of the over-the-top extreme metal acts, as it just would not work whatsoever.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

It’s a thing that most artists experience, and some of them do even after decades of performing. In some ways it’s an integral part of performing, as there’s always that excitement before a show, where the adrenaline kicks in, and it just adds to the uniqueness of the experience. It shows that you genuinely care about playing a great show, so you just gotta embrace it, overcome it, and use it to your advantage. Don’t overdo it with the drink though, you’ll just sabotage your performance.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Guns n’ Roses and Aerosmith would probably be the biggest influences on us, as they’ve got everything we love about rock n’ roll. Namely, the album “Appetite for Destruction” had a significant impact – the vocals, sweet guitar tone and overall sound of the album is what got us right away. They could straight up rip through a song, and then take it gently in the next one, and that versatility is what we strive for as well. Their attitude and image were a huge selling point for us as well, definitely a band we look up to. Aerosmith as well, as we’re incorporating more blues into our music, and they had that, combined with the tonal prowess of their instruments, groovy backbone and the screechy, funky vocals of Steven Tyler. No denying we love to play fast now and then, letting it all out, so Motörhead would be another honorable mention.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Ritchskies remembers a fan kissing his hands after a show, and one massaging his feet after finding out he had traumatized his knee.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re amazing people with good taste and admiration for what we do. And they’re always back for more, we love them all!

14. What do you think of our site?

A nice outlet for bands to go in-depth about the album and its artwork.

15. Something to add?

If you like sweet guitar tones, raw vocals and the best old-school sound in 21'st century that you won’t find anywhere else, check out “Quickstrike”, satisfaction guaranteed. No refunds, complaints or insurance claims accepted.