Interviews: The Crotals

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Sludge Rock band The Crotals from Switzerland. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Oh, first it came out as a joke; then, it became reality: "crotal" is the French name for "rattlesnake", and we found that really mature. We learned afterward the word "scrotal".

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We didn't really intellectualize it; we played together and that is what came out. We had to do this.

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

Hell yeah, we have known each other since the 1990s! Fabrice and Maude met at 16, then played together in a postrock band; then Fabrice played with Guy in a rock band called Favez, a band that Maude joined several years later, in 2007. And then, we met Randy!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Guy: Kvelertak; Breach

Fabrice: Iron Maiden; The Divine Comedy

Maude: Sonic Youth; New Orleans brass bands such as Hot 8 brass band (oh, and Dr John)

Randy: Korn; Lamb of God

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

A mix between something instinctive and shit we meet in our lives...

6. Where was your last gig?

In Assens, Switzerland, a "summer session" from a great local festival, Croc' the Rock.

7. Where would you like to act?

Any indie club with nice people, anywhere.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We already have the best and nicest guests on our album to come, Conjure!

9. Whom not?

Huuum... fascist bands (and homophobic, antifeminist, neonazi, etc.).

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

Oooooooh YEEEEEES. No tip included here, we're still trying not to puke before going on stage (and we've been playing since the 1990s...).

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Some are the same as those from question 4: Nirvana, Iron Maiden, Sonic Youth, Breach, Unsane, Yob, Motörhead, Caliban, Soulfly.

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

Which fan?

13. What do you think of your fans?

Which fan?

14. What do you think of our site?

Very well built, with many interesting references!

15. Something to add?

Thank you very much for helping unknown bands to somehow grow and get more visibility!