Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Shotgun Mistress are a Melbourne-based four-piece Rock band formed in 2018. With their debut album set to arrive sometime soon, now seemed like a good time to check in with guitarist Matt Wilcock about all things Shotgun Mistress-related.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
We’ve been playing since 2018 I think? I lose track of things but it’s been a couple of years now. We’re a bunch of friends from many years ago and there was a point when the planets aligned and we all wound up wanting to play some rock n roll together!
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
A bit nervous I guess, I’ve played hundreds of gigs over the years, always heavy metal though. I guess just the fact that it was something a little different with a “new” collection of people playing together made it a bit of an event. It’s always a bit strange when you’re actually on stage with different people for the first time as well, just seeing how everyone interacts.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
High octane rock n roll, there’s a bit of heavy metal in there and also maybe a bit of a pop music vibe in there, but to keep it simple: we’re a rock band, and when there’s an opportunity to stand on the bar instead of the stage to do a guitar solo, that’s where we’ll be.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Well, number one is you gotta have good songs, number two is an entertaining show and number three, you gotta work hard constantly. I think following those rules you can’t help but succeed to some level, there’s also a bit of luck involved I’d say!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We’ve just released our third single “Collide” and we should have a film clip for that out any day now which is a bit different given the restrictions we’ve been under at the moment, but it’s very cool.
We’re also planning the release of our album early next year as well. Fingers crossed live music will start to make a return and we can get out there and start playing shows.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I’m gonna have to say, Slash, I love Slash and Glenn (Glenn Patrick, SM vocalist) loves Myles Kennedy and our music ain’t too far removed from what those guys play, except Slash is a hundred times better on the guitar than I am!!!
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
Y’know that’s hard to say at the moment, bands aren’t really releasing much music now, and obviously, I haven’t seen any live bands for the majority of this year. I think next year will be the time to see. There’s gonna be a lot of albums coming out as everyone’s been locked down writing music.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I was maybe 10 years old and I heard the guitar intro to Iron Maiden’s “Number of The Beast” and Metallica’s “The Four Horsemen” I don’t know which I heard first, but hearing that guitar sound was absolute magic and there was no turning back.
We have recently had the tragic passing of Eddie Van Halen, do you have a particular favourite Van Halen track?
Running with the Devil.
AC/DC – Brian or Bon? Or both?!
Bon, but huge respect to Brian for Filling such massive shoes.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Tool, one week before Australia went into lockdown.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
I’m pretty devoid of interest in most social issues, to be honest. But one thing that I find pretty disheartening is the Cancel culture that seems to be affecting music and art. I’m kinda old school, if you don’t like something then don’t listen to it or support it. But don’t ruin it for the artist and everyone else involved.
There is great debate at the minute about whether or not musicians should use their platform to talk about political issues, some for and some against. Music has always been a form of protest, surely an artist has just as much right as the next person to offer an opinion? Or should they “just stick to the music”?
Similarly to the previous question, Anyone can and should be able to “sing” about whatever they want. Dave Mustaine from Megadeth has been doing so about politics for the majority of his career, so has Al Jourgensen with Ministry, whatever, if you don’t like it then don’t listen to it.
However, there’s a big difference between creating art and spouting off on social media. Unless you’ve got a Doctorate in geo-political science, then your “Twitter posts” are just as worthless as everyone else’s.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Earth Wind and Fire “All ‘n’ All”
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
Well, I can’t think of any “up and comers” and by no means would this band be classed as underrated anyway, but I’ve been listening to Heart a lot lately, and I tell ya, those first 2 albums are absolutely incredible from a songwriting and performance standpoint.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
Write songs and hopefully start jamming again.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Yeah pretty damn active! Always up for a yarn and a virtual beer that’s for sure!
Jump on and create havoc on our socials:
www.facebook.com/shotgunmistress
www.instagram.com/shotgunmistress
www.twitter.com/shotgunmistress
Thanks Legends!!
