Interview by Kris Peters
Breed them young, I have always said, which is exactly what the good folks in the education system have done with high school band Roach Toaster.
Originally formed at the urging of their music teacher, Roach Toaster have gradually traversed the usual school rising band routine from being a band with potential to a band that is realising that potential and now the young rockers are preparing for their first ever performance on a big stage when they open for Infectious Rogues' album launch at The Paddington Tavern in Brisbane on April 23.
Joining them on that bill will be seasoned campaigners Dreamkillers, PistonFist and Palladone, with all five band members trading school uniforms for rock attire to chat with HEAVY earlier this week.
"We're very, very excited," the whole band answered as one before drummer Jack took the reins.
"It's the first real gig that we've had," he offered. "We've played at the Noosa busking competition around the end of last year but this is the first real gig that we've had. It's a good way for us to get out I guess."
Being a young, fresh band playing their first show, HEAVY presses the group as to how they are going to approach things and what they will be hoping to learn from the other more seasoned bands.
"Just stage presence," shrugged rhythm guitarist Angus. "Not standing like a statue and getting comfortable playing in front of an audience."
In the full interview the band talks about forming at High School, their sound, taking influence from old school rock and metal, the addition of keyboards and what it brought to the sound, branching into originals and what they hope the songs will sound like, future plans and more.