Interviews: Start Your Own Cult

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Start Your Own Cult from Australia. 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 came out just like that?

Sarah: When we were originally thinking of a band name, we were in a weird stage where we didn’t feel like we fit in with the indie or metal/rock scenes. Over time we questioned why we were battling to fit into these scenes. So we started working on music that we truly cared about, versus what we thought people would like. Around the same time, we were naming the band, the BMTH 'Amo' album was just released. And their opening line of Mantra: ‘Do you want to start a cult with me’, heavily influenced our band name and direction.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We used to play more pop-rock style. But after a while, with all our influences combined, we knew the heavier and metalcore vibe was going to happen. We just craved to play something a bit heavier and in-your-face charisma, but still, retain some pop-rock/pop-punk elements that keep the crowd singing and involved.

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

Evan: After finishing up in a previous band. I was hungry to form a female-fronted pop-punk band. So I just put an ad out on a bunch of those Facebook forums, and that is where I met Sarah and we started writing together. Then after a few interviews, we met Josh, who was the final puzzle piece to what we have today.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Josh: Due to nostalgia, still a Fall Out Boy kid. Recently I have been listening to a lot of Polyphia, Windwaker and A Day to Remember.

Sarah: My Chemical Romance & Bring Me The Horizon

Evan: Blink 182, Falling In Reverse and Angels & Airwaves

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Sarah: I always get inspired by personal experiences or situations I see happen with my friends. The fastest songs I write are when I’m upset to be completely honest.

Josh: Inspiration for me comes a bit randomly. It usually is sparked from hearing something new or playing a new piece of gear.

Evan: I get inspired most when watching live bands or hearing new music from my favourite artists.

6. Where was your last gig?

We played a double show in Melbourne at 'Sonic Gravy Fest' at The Bendigo Hotel & Sound System Studios in Sunbury.

7. Where would you like to act?

Our goals for 2023 and beyond are venues like The Metro and hopefully, get an opportunity to support a band at The Roundhouse in Sydney.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Sarah: Ollie Sykes 😱

Evan: Kellin Quinn would be an epic dynamic to feature on a future track

9. Whom not?

SYOC: Probably not John Howard …

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Josh: First couple of gigs all I did was stare at my guitar. The fear of playing a bum note would eat me alive. I think just experience and getting on stage again and again and realizing no one knows if you play a bum note, own it and just have fun. Now I feel most alive when I am on stage.

Sarah: Back in the day, I used to cry after gigs. I would be so upset if I ever messed up. I don’t really get stage fright anymore. I always put myself into a different performance mode and just let go of any cares I have to deliver the show.

Evan: I used to get quite nervous. Especially when we were playing a new track live and experimenting. For me now, I know that if i prepare well leading up to the show. I'm usually pretty calm and more excited and keen to get on stage and put on an epic show.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Josh: I grew up listening to Green Day which led me to pick up the guitar. Smashing Pumpkins was my sister's favourite band back in the day and she taught me how to play my first few songs.

Sarah: Bring Me The Horizon and My Chemical Romance.

Evan: Everything Tom Delonge and Ronnie Radke related.

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

Sarah: I don’t think we’ve ever been asked for anything weird, we have had some lovely fans over the years who drive us to keep doing this.

13. What do you think of your fans?

SYOC: They are amazing. There are too many of them to name who consistently drive out to all of our shows and support us, no matter what venue we are at. Over the last year, we have really been humbled by all the new fans from interstate and overseas as well.

14. What do you think of our site?

SYOC: Love the layout and easy to navigate.

15. Something to add?

SYOC: The music industry is still rebuilding and doing it tough. Not just the venues, but the artists as well. Please, get out there, support your local scene, buy some merch and get involved in some new bands!