Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
The band is just myself (Brian) handling vocals/ guitars/ synths, and Ken on drums/ background vocals. We’ve made 3 albums under this band name, and have been playing together for more than 20 years. The band name itself comes from the contrazoom film technique, which represent a kind of rude awakening or horrible realization. The “Mixtapes” part is all about trying to be musically unpredictable and varied, like a mixtape.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
We’re both from Texas, and we met like many bandmates: by working in a restaurant. That restaurant was TGI Fridays.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
For drums, Ken loves guys like John Dolmayan (SOAD), Stewart Copeland from The Police, Phil Collins. We love David Bowie, Faith No More, modern pop music, John Williams, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Radiohead, Prince, Elvis Costello, Kimbra. There’s so much good music; we don’t know how to ignore it.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
We both actually have careers outside of music. We do this because we love it, and can’t stop making more.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
Wish You Were Here, new Afghan Whigs, Elder’s album Omens, new Demi Lovato.
Do you sing in the shower?
Not that much, but definitely in the car.
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
We’re hoping we get the attention of an influential dj or playlist maker who falls in love with album, and doesn’t stop playing it until the world embraces it. Our story will then be made into a movie.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
We just released our new album, OVAL, in June. We’re very proud of it.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Wembley. That’s the peak.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
There are so many good ones, but the one that opened up my mind to what you could get away with in heavy music was King For A Day, Fool For a Lifetime by Faith No More. It just had everything I could imagine, somehow packaged as a consistent product. Most fans tend to declare Angel Dust as the best FNM album, and I understand, but this one just speaks to me.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
All the in your face, girl-led pop of today is some of my favourite music ever recorded. I can’t even say I feel guilty about any of this stuff anymore. All music is a little silly if you get down to it. That’s why musicians tend to be on the funny side. Because they’re usually dorks. I would know.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Faith No More, Radiohead, David Bowie, Kimbra, Weyes Blood, Queen, Prince, The Smiths, Metric, Genesis, The Police, System of a Down, and The Crash Test Dummies.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
Probably Love at First Sting, by The Scorpions. I definitely still own the album, because you never know when you’re just going to need to hear Big City Nights in your car.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Thanks for listening, and keep trying new things. And then tell people about the good new things you tried.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
https://www.facebook.com/contrazoommixtapes
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Thanks very much for speaking with us, and keep taking metal to new and unexplored places!
This interview is purely the property of The Metal Asylum