5 Questions in 5 Minutes: Heathen Skulls, 666 Entertainment and Tenzenmen

In edition #2 of this series we get a reading of the state of Australian music from;

• Rob of Melbourne-based touring company and label Heathen Skulls, who have brought us countless incredible international stoner and doom acts (most recently Russian Circles). Rob also acts as the skinsmen of Monarch and Grey Daturas (RIP).
• Nathan of the Sydney-based touring company and label 666 Entertainment. Nath is responsible for the incredible Doomsday Festivals that helps bring attention to worthy stoner, doom, sludge and psychedelic bands every year. Nathan also plays drums in Summonus and Van.
• Shaun of specialist DIY label and distro Tenzenmen, which sources incredible music from all over the Australiasia.

5 questions with Rob of Heathen Skulls / Monarch! (Melbourne)

1. Favourite releases in 2011 so far?

   Being I'm a serious fan of sounds from an era long forgotten by modern music enthusiasts, one release I'm insanely looking forward to is the long over due release of the Beach Boys 1966 epic album Smile. It's coming out as a deluxe vinyl release with liner notes and all the extras. The same can be said for deluxe reissue of Nirvana's Nevermind. I can't bloody wait. As for new releases, Russian Circles epic new 4th album is definitely up there, Wolves in the Throne Rooms new album is up there also.

2. Most anticipated upcoming release?

   The Beach Boys Smile, and Nirvana's Nevermind take the cake for me, that's what i'm holding out for, sorry.

3. Best live show of 2011?

   The Boredoms 10 drummer exhibition at The Forum Theatre, no wait, that was last year. Um, The Swans, with out a doubt!

4. Is the outlook for underground Australian music dandy or doomed? Why?

   I don't think underground Australian music is doomed, I also don't think it's all that dandy either, to be honest. It is what it is, and that's mainly due to musical trends and their relevance flowing like waves in the sea, sometimes their up, sometimes their down, it's all circumstantial. It's like anything in life. With that said the Australian scene seems to be fairly healthy at the moment, from what I can gather, anyway, there's a few decent bands kicking around, some of which are the best i've seen in a long time.

5. Complete this sentence: _______ will save the Australian underground music scene.

   Record buyers and truly passionate music fans will save the Australian underground music scene.

   Check out Heathen Skulls.

5 questions with Nathan of 666 Entertainment / Summonus (Sydney)

1. Favourite releases in 2011 so far?

   I Exist - II : The Broken Passage and Hydromedusa - Self Titled CD.

2. Most anticipated upcoming release?

   The new Blood Duster, Clagg and Looking Glass albums should be interesting.

3. Best live show of 2011?

   High on Fire at Soundwave.

4. Is the outlook for underground Australian music dandy or doomed? Why?

   Dandy. A strong base of sick bands is already present with more evolving each year to strengthen the pile. If you want to play a gig or see bands, look around, there are gigs happening - get involved!

5. Complete this sentence: _______ will save the Australian underground music scene.

   Loyal punters who don't just attend gigs featuring international bands will save the Australian underground music scene.

   Check out Doomsday Festival 2011.

5 questions with Shaun of Tenzenmen (Sydney)

1. Favourite releases in 2011 so far?

   Duck Fight Goose - Flow EP - mathy electronic rock from Shanghai. Domestic release coming soon!

2. Most anticipated upcoming release?

   Duck Fight Goose full album - new style promised and the players in this band always seem to deliver something unique and interesting. Features members of 33 Island, Boojii, Lava Ox Sea and Muscle Snog.

3. Best live show of 2011?

   Bone, Michael Crafter, Do Not Resuscitate, Thorax, Thylacine, We Caught the Kraken at Shamhaus.

4. Is the outlook for underground Australian music dandy or doomed? Why?

   Everything could always be better and things can always be improved. I'd like to see much more cross over genre wise as there are many people doing similar things that fail to support each other. I'm always excited to find new bands making great music and this year has been no exception. The outlook is always good as far as I'm concerned.

5. Complete this sentence: _______ will save the Australian underground music scene.

   Save it from what? It's not going away, it's not in danger.

   Check out the Tenzenmen store.

Running count: 1 doomed, 3 dandy, 2 meh.