GIITTV’s Seb White spoke to a band from Barnsley who are about to make some noise…a lot of noise at that!
Who’ makes up ‘Toba Caldera’?
Gilroy provides the Vox, Clatyon on guitar and Nevyn on Guitars + vox, Tom on Bass + vox, Bryce on Drums
How did the band come together?
The four of us were in a band previously, but split up due to childish shite. We were all in our venue The Cedar Room, and we met Bryce, had a talk and realised he wanted to do something as much as we did. Had a bit of a jam together the next day and everything just clicked really well.
You mentioned your night ‘The Cedar Room’ – what’s the idea behind that?
The idea behind running the venue was to get bands on that we are into as well as making good contacts for gigs in the future. One of those bands was The Lucid Dream, we got to watch a band we’re all into, got to meet them and have a good laugh. We’re not out to make any money, in fact we have lost a lot – were not business men – far from it!
Why did a bunch of lads from Barnsley decide to name themselves after group of volcanoes in Indonesia?
Gilroy was reading into it and it just seemed very fitting, it’s a supervolcano that erupted and brought the worlds population down to 5000 people. It’s interesting because it crosses science and religion, like a scientifical Noah’s Ark. It’s hard to explain really, it’s like a fresh start, could make up a load of reasons for it if we’re honest.
What are the musical roots of the ‘Toba Caldera’ sound?
It’s difficult to answer without being instantly associated with a certain scene as we listen to a wide range of music. Some bands can be heard more than others in our music. It may sound cliché but the music we play just feels natural. We all have different influences, Tom is really into Led Zeppelin, Clayton likes The Dead Meadow and Bryce doesn’t like music, just banging things with a stick.
Tell us about the demo.
We went in to the studio with three songs and tried the whole recording process by tracking them; sadly it just didn’t feel right. So in the end after not getting what we wanted we decided to just plug in and play live. The four that got recorded were all fairly new as we had only wrote them a few nights before going into the studio. After wasting three days trying to
get something recorded we ended up doing the record and mix in three hours! The reaction has been mainly positive. Obviously there are the few that try to put you down but you get that anywhere. We have the backing of a few people who actually give a fuck and that is the important thing.
The demo is important but we aren’t a band that people can get just by listening to us on some shitty laptop speakers. We’re a loud live band and to get it you have to see it. .
Done any gigs?
We’ve only done a few to test the water with the new band. We played down in Coventry with Jesus Deluxe, and done a handful in Sheffield and Leeds. We’ve got a Tour set up in August with dates already booked in Carlisle, Leeds and Southampton. We’ll start gigging and the plan is not to stop – unless the van breaks down.
Talking of gigs name your dream headline gig, venue, your support bands and of course your rider?
Gilroy – T4 on the beach with support from Atomic Kitten, Jedward and maybe The Nolan Sisters. Rider would be plenty of Rubicon (Mango only) and Cheesy Chips, keeping it real.
Is it important for you as a band to look good as well sound good?
Back in the 60’s it looked like music set fashion, now its fashion setting music. We don’t think looks are that important, if a band sounds cool as fuck people will find a reason for them to look good. One word. Bonehead.
When you getting some more material out?
At the start of August we are looking to have another demo to give out to people, but we stress it’s not an EP! There is nothing worse than bands at our stage having EP launches at their local pub selling the CDs to family and friends. We’ve got to get out there and just do it.
You looking forward to playing in London?
We’re really looking forward to it as we do with all our gigs. It’s going to be good to play live to people that don’t know your face, people that will say anything because they are not your friends or family. It’s a long way from home but we’re going to make sure we do it right.
Anything else you want to get off your chest?
COME AND SEE US LIVE!
Toba Caldera are playing in The Strawberry Fields: An Evening of Contempory Noise at the George Tavern, 373 Commercial Rd, London E1 0LA on Friday 1st July. Check http://www.reverbnation.com/tobacaldera for dates of the August tour.
