Staff Party take on the A-Z challenge

Our A-Z challenge is a fun way to get to know the many bands and artists out there. Here its the turn of Staff Party to tell us all about themselves!

A song that made you want to make music?

Honey Bucket by Melvins

Best rider you’ve had?

A fridge stacked full of Sushi from Moshimo, a very nice Japanese restaurant in Brighton.

Craziest moment you’ve experienced in the band?

Almost dying on the drive back from a show, in the most insane storm any of us have ever driven in. 0 visibility.

Deepest lyric one of your songs features?

“Got this psyche that I love to hate,

So I make the time to disassociate,

Lay back into the TV static” Ego Death

Easiest song you wrote?

I wrote Rock Bottom, which came out in 2021, in an afternoon at my living room table during lockdown. Guitar/bass/vocals were all written in a couple of hours. Absolutely nothing changed from the original demo.

Favourite song in your set?

The End is Nigh always goes hard as gets us so hyped. Rock Bottom is a close second, but it’s exhausting!

Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?

Chino from Deftones, just so I can get him to do one of those weird high pitched screams he does.

Hardest thing about being in a band?

Finding the time outside of our daily lives to actually do band stuff.

Interesting fact about one of your members?

Chazz was once in the top % in the world for American Dad trivia.

Jokes you have in the band?

JP and Chazz keep trying to convince me (Ed) to agree on  changing the band’s name to Fugu Deathwish. I’m not sure it’s a joke anymore.

Key to writing a song?

If it’s not working, don’t try to force it. Be prepared to let go of ideas if they don’t work out. Try not to take your ideas not working out personally.

Longest distance you’ve traveled to play a song?

JP has played a handful of European shows with another band, and the furthest Ed has travelled is to Northern Ireland; but as Staff Party, probably about 3 hours. Hoping to get some shows in the calendar in Scotland at some point. That’ll be a fun drive!

Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?

Seeing Swans live, and watching Michel Gira control and conduct this huge wall of sound, is an experience like no other.

New band you’d recommend?

They’re not that new, but Brighton locals DITZ are the best band in the UK right now.

Opening for this band would be ideal?

METZ. They’re big influence on our sound. JP and I saw them live on their last UK tour (I’ve seen them 3 times before that), and they blew us away, and made us feel much more motivated to pursue this kind of music. Seem like nice dudes, too.

Place you’d most like to tour?

I’d love to see more of the US!

Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?

“Yesterday, you made note of my—the lack of my talent when it came to dancing. But nevertheless, I want you to know I danced with joy. And no question Liberia has gone through very difficult times” – George Bush

Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?

Dread is a powerful feeling, which brings forth potent emotions. It invades all of our lives in some way or another, and can control our thoughts and decisions. As such, it’s an ideal topic to write music about, and form visual imagery around, especially darker/heavier music.

See us live at?

H8 Escape Street Party, Detour Vintage, Brighton – 13/5/23

The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?

Music has never been easier to find and listen to. I don’t have to buy and then put a record on to figure out if it’s bad, it just takes me a couple of seconds on Spotify, but has that cheapened the experience and commodified the art? Music isn’t as exciting or fresh as it must have felt decades ago, but at the same time, it’s never been easier to discover and experience new music. Having said all that – any time period before TikTok is probably better.

Unusual merchandise?

We haven’t sorted out much merch yet, but our first drop will be ‘Puff Starty’ lighters

Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?

I love hearing music slowed down to half speed. It can turn anything into a brutal sludge song. Ego Death slowed down would be ridiculous.

What do your fans mean to you?

A new Lamborghini.

In all seriousness, it means a lot to have people enjoy our music and come to shows. There’s not much better of a feeling than seeing other people be as excited about your music as you are.

X-rays or any treatments needed for band-related injuries?

Ed once dropped a Peavey bass speaker cab on his foot, and had a very painful visit to A&E.

You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?

Always JP. Example: when we played Ramsgate last year, he was supposed to get the train and meet us mid-way. He got the wrong train, and we had to figure out a diversion to pick him up in some random place. Still got there with enough time to spare, though!

Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?”

Whichever one farts the most. Zebra?

 

Elizabeth Birt

May 24, 2023

Band management assistant. Goth princess and lover of all things music and sport.

@lbirt1993

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