With a string of successful releases under their belts, Newcastle’s psychedelic punks TV Death are back with their much anticipated EP ‘The God, The One and The Devil’.
Addressing contemporary challenges ranging from the cost-of-living crisis to the specter of nuclear war, TV Death boldly confront modern societal issues and weave them into a powerful tapestry of garage rock, horror pop, and post-punk. In addition to the EP, they unveil the focus track and a ‘straight to DVD B-Horror-Movie’ style video titled ‘Dr Bloodmoney.‘ This video serves as the conclusive chapter in the overarching storyline woven together from all the EP’s videos (Available Here)
Following the release of ‘The God, The One and The Devil’, we sat down with Jack (Singer/ Guitarist), Rob (Bassist) and Andy (Drums), to find out more about their background and influences over the years.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Jack: My first electric guitar I got for Christmas, one of those Argos combo deals with a little practice amp with a distortion button. I think I probably spent most of my time creating a load of horrific feedback thinking I was emulating some Rock N Roll icons. I had many fond memories with that guitar, but my earliest introduction to an ‘instrument’ was probably the kitchen pots and pans.
Rob: Probably the piano. It’s a key instrument for both sides of my family, my Mam and Gran on that side both played and my Grandma and Grandad on the other were both experts -could play any tune by ear. My Mam was a big classic rock fan and I always had dreams of smashing out November Rain by Guns n Roses on the piano but never quite got there, it’s one of my biggest regrets not learning from them so hopefully I give myself the time to get there one day.
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
Jack: My dad used to photograph gigs and take me along when I was younger. So my first introduction to live music was all the touring indie rock bands of the noughties like Babyshambles, The Rapture, British Sea Power, Bloc Party & Maximo Park which is what got me into live music.
Rob: I had loads of influence from the family growing up in terms of music. As I said earlier my mam was big into classic rock, Guns N Roses, Rainbow, Free, she was also a huge Boston fan. My dad was more into the 70s/80s mod/new wave/pop stuff, lots of The Jam, The Cure, REM, Phil Collins, a proper mix. Then my cousin used to send me CDs every so often with loads of 90s/00s American punk and skate punk, Millencolin, Gold Finger, Rise Against, so I had a plethora of stuff to choose from. The short and uncool truth is the first album I asked for Christmas was S Club 7.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jack: I have a feeling the first record I actually owned was the Ghostbusters soundtrack from a car boot sale.
Andy: The first album I remember always listening to was my mams The Very Best of The Jam CD, that was where my love of music probably started and was very influential for me from such a young age. However, the first album I bought with my own money was Limp Bizkit’s Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavoured Water. Not as fashionable today but I still have it in my car to this day.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Jack: Another Girl, Another Planet – The Only Ones, it was one of the first songs I really fell in love and the roaring guitar solo still gives me goosebumps.
Andy: Once In A Lifetime by Talking Heads. One of my all-time favourite songs. Pure art.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jack: Many bands we’ve had the pleasure of playing with: Femur, Opus kink, Pigsx7 & band of Holy joy to name a few.
Andy: My two favourites at the moment are probably The Mary Wallopers and Opus Kink, the latter of which we were lucky enough to play with earlier in the year.
If there was any moment in your musical career you could relive, what would it be?
Jack: Our last headline show for the release of our new EP The God, The One and The Devil, was our biggest headline show to date and was pretty special.
Rob: Probably the first TV Death gig. We’d been on for ages and kept getting held up with lockdowns and cancelled gigs during the pandemic. It was such a stop start existence when we kicked off, but we finally got going in July 2021 at The Engine Rooms in North Shields, sold out our first gig and it was just electric, such a release of all this built-up frustration and energy. We probably sounded cr*p but the crowd was class and we had a blast!
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Jack: Iggy pop, luckily we’re supporting the Lust For Life tour with some of his fellow musicians on the 7th March in North Shields!
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Jack: It would have to be Nick Cave for me, I’d love to do a little haunting ballad rowing through a murky marsh.
Andy: Opus Kink as previously mentioned, The Murder Capital I would love as well. On a more local level Pink Poison, love their dirty blues sound I think it would be an interesting mix.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Jack: For me it’s when a song really comes into fruition, working them out as a band and hearing the first mixes back from the studio to seeing how the audience engages with the songs.
And what is the best piece of advice you’ve received as a musician?
Jack: Make good use of your soundcheck and check everything’s working before you start your first song.
Rob: ‘just get out there and f*ck*ng go for it, it’ll be lush.’ I think our manager Mark says something along those lines almost every gig we play, and he’s bang on the money. Throw yourself in, get the nerves out the way and leather it. It’s the only advice I’d ever give to another band as well.
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‘The God, The One and The Devil’ is available on all streaming platforms now. Watch the video for the focus track ‘Dr Bloodmoney’ below or the full length short film here.
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