Interviews: No Murder No Moustache

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Celtic Punk project, No Murder No Moustache, from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Although the inspiration for the name is somewhat private, it was one of those “that would be a cool name for a band” moments that came along just as I was trying to figure out whether to use my own name or a band name, and it really fitted with the mix of serious and not serious songs.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I’ve always really liked folk and Celtic melodies and the rhythm that goes with them, especially protest folk songs where the lyrics really hit home. But musically, I find that traditional folk / Celtic music doesn’t give me enough of a punch to go alongside the lyrics, so when I first heard bands like the Dropkick Murphys and Rumjacks, it was a real eye opener that you could have that power in the music and the lyrics. Playing Celtic Punk lets me bring in some of my punk, rock and metal influences, alongside the intricate instrumentation and bouncy-ness of the Celtic side, and gives me space to write lyrics about a wide range of topics.

3. Do you have band members?

No Murder No Moustache is mainly a solo project, but I do draw in other musicians for studio and live as needed. Sometimes this is for an instrument that I don’t play, sometimes to build up the gang vocals, and sometimes just to see what creativity they can bring to a part that I wouldn’t have thought of, which is always super fun.

4. Who is your favourite band?

No way can I answer this with just one band. It really depends on what mood I’m in, and I think I’ve probably got more of a top 5 or 10 bands that switch around who is my #1 favourite at different times. But consistently in that top 10 list are Bad Religion, NOFX, Against Me! and Sonata Arctica.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I like to tell stories of Wales that people don’t really know in detail, highlighting specific injustices. For example, in 9:13, which is a track about Aberfan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UozXlnidNnI), people know about the disaster, but they don’t always know about how awful and unfair the government response was to the people affected. A Trace Of Blood And Tears is about the flooding of the village of Capel Celyn, which was forced through government by non-Welsh MPs. From the new album, Dic Penderyn is about a wrongful conviction that was fabricated by the (then) home secretary, and Sending The Soldiers In is about all the times when governments have massively disproportionate military responses to civil protest. One of my favourite ways to write is to take a mix of different events where lots of similar things happened (such as the army shooting unarmed protestors) and then write a song that kind of amalgamates them all together into one fictional story. I also get inspired by drinking beer with friends and the ridiculous antics of politicians.

6. Where was your last gig?

As I’m writing this, it was 3 days ago in the PIT in Newport, South Wales. But by the time this goes online, it might have been at Green Rooms in Treforest, where I’m playing in a couple of days. Both venues have been a core part of my journey with this band and previous bands, and I cannot recommend them enough for supporting the grassroots music scene in South Wales and beyond.

7. Where would you like to play?

Every summer, they put on live music in Cardiff Castle – it would be amazing to play a show in there and sing about all the Welsh history whilst being surrounded by it. It’s definitely not somewhere I’d end up playing, so on a more realistic note, I’d love to get on Manchester Punk Festival or Rebellion.

8. Who would you like to support?

I’ve supported a few decent-sized Celtic Punk bands like The Rumpled, Mr Irish Bastard, and The Cloverhearts. I’d love to open for the Rumjacks and several others, though, it’s always such a good vibe in the Celtic Punk shows, everyone is always really up for a great time and bouncing around. Outside of that scene, Meryl Streek would be an amazing artist to support, with the same sort of energy and lyrical content to me, just with a more post-punk style.

9. Who not?

You’re not catching me in this trap! But I will say that I won’t play with bands that NEVER watch the other bands on the lineup. I know that sometimes we all have to leave shows early or arrive late because of life, and I have different expectations from bands who are on a monstrously long tour or have travelled a long way. But I’ve got a (short) list of serial offenders to avoid, too. And no racists obviously (I’ve got a list of them too).

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

Usually, I’m OK before I perform, and being a solo artist with a big live show, I think people usually expect a bit less, so that puts less pressure on me. The times when I get nervous are when someone has performed before me and absolutely smashed it. I’m not talking about putting on a great show, but rather one of those shows where everything goes perfectly for them, and the crowd love it, and it feels like nothing you could do to follow that would be as good. I do have one tip, though, which has always helped me feel confident on the stage: Rehearse and perform the ENTIRE show, not just the songs. Practice how you’re going to transition between songs, practice what you are going to say to the crowd (it feels so cringe, but it makes a huge difference). Plan and prepare for issues and have backup plans. Have a song ready to go that you can play if your guitar player breaks a string or your drummer has to adjust something. Saying “It’s really hot up here” doesn’t cut it.

11. What bands or artists have inspired you the most?

It’s a real mix, there’s some 60s / 70s pop and folk from when I was growing up learning guitar, which mixes well with the Celtic Punk of Dropkick Murphys, and the more authentic, sometimes stripped back punk of Against Me! The modern punk side comes from Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX and Blink 182, while the need for guitar solos comes from an 18-year-old's obsession with Iron Maiden, alongside melody, songwriting and love of a big chorus from power metal bands like Sonata Arctica.

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

Someone once tried to get me to wear their shoes while I played my set. I don’t even think they were his shoes. I probably wouldn’t have worn them because I like to jump around and need a decent grip, but they were too small anyway. I don’t know what happened afterwards, as he had vanished, so I just left the shoes on the stage at the end.

13. What do you think of your fans?

As a grassroots artist, I am so grateful for every single person who takes the time to listen to my music or come to a show. For every person who likes / shares things on social media, or takes the chance at putting me on their radio show/podcast or line up. I’m not super social straight after a show until I’ve packed down all my gear and got a Guinness on the go, but after that, I like to chat with people who enjoyed the show and hear about the other shows they are going to and all about what the music scene means to them.

14. What do you think of our site?

The site is cool – I love the description of all the different Metal and Core genres, and the logo you’ve got for your shirts is absolutely great.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for reading and keep in touch - https://linktr.ee/nomurnomo