Interviews: Dust Mice

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Space Rock band Dust Mice from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

We spent a long time arguing about the name. It was difficult to find something that worked without trying too hard. There are A LOT of great bands out there in the underground with rad names. In the end, Dust Mice felt right. Weird little creatures surviving in the fringes. of course, there will be vermin in space, they've always been fellow passengers with humanity.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Robbie (guitar) and Patrick (vocals) have played classic metal with each other for a while and we always wanted to explore the more psych/space-rock side of things but never found the time.

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

Nathan (sax) and Patrick were in an indie band that broke up and suddenly we had an electric guitar, fuzzed-out sax, and synth ready to go! Lewis (bass) knew us from going to shows around the Pacific Northwest and when he tried out it locked right in. Drummers Zane and Glendon were also both recommended by friends in other bands.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Black Sabbath, The Fall, High on Fire, Butthole Surfers, The Beatles.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We all have wide-ranging interests read a lot, and watch a lot of movies. Usually, there are multiple writers/lyricists and we try to incorporate real shit with the fantastic. So a song inspired by a famously shitty Sega CD game turns into a cosmic journey through the dreamland, and a song about building our practice space turns into a cosmic journey through death and re-birth. HA! Well, it seems like most of the song ends up being about cosmic journeys. But they all start somewhere specific to our real lives.

6. Where was your last gig?

Just this last weekend we played an all-ages venue with 2 great Portland bands, both punk, but wildly different styles of punk. Kids are allowed in certain parts of the venue which is mostly a bar.

7. Where would you like to act?

We'd really like to play in the EU and for an extended tour. Throw England in there too if they want us back!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Touring with a group of bands that had a connection would be great. Bring 2-3 bands over and deliver the goods.

9. Whom not?

For us, this question is more about the venue. Great sound really matters, especially with so many digital amp options. We want to make sure it's still loud.

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

The more you play and the more you practice the easier it gets. But the best advice is to adjust your expectations. People who are just starting out think that each gig is the most important event in history. In reality, you're playing a great show for 20 people and if 10 of them love it you did your job. Also, this is hard advice to follow, but drink after you play!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Hawkwind, Hawkwind, and Hawkwind... Specifically, Dave Brock and Huw Lloyd-Langton and that mid-period are really influential to Dust Mice.

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

We made a bunch of DIY bleach-dyed shirts for a festival and a couple of the shirts sat too long in the bleach, leaving holes in the fabric. We didn't know until after we played these fans came up to complain, showing us the holes. We gave them new shirts but they wanted to keep the shirts with holes too- collector's items.

13. What do you think of your fans?

It's embarrassing to call people fans, honestly. Most of our fans are also amazing musicians and artists. Let's say co-pilots, fellow travelers.

14. What do you think of our site?

Looks awesome! There are so many amazing bands out there. It's a real privilege that you reached out to us. It's cool that you cover a wide range of heavy bands. 

15. Something to add?

Not right now, but please reach out if you have any follow-up questions!