Brit surf punk artist, TOOTH GORE (aka Kobi Joe), will release his explosive sophomore album, ‘For Losers, By Losers’, on Friday, 6th June. Get to know TOOTH GORE, below:
What are the origins of Tooth Gore? Does anyone else play as part of the project?
Tooth Gore is a solo project at the minute however Ross Rothero-Bourge played the drums on the recorded tracks. It’s the name I picked for myself when I started writing songs at 16 years old, and although my style and skills have come on a lot I’m still happy with the name.
What should people expect when they check out Tooth Gore? How would you describe yourself?
I think Tooth Gore is catchy indie melodies over a chaotic mix of surf rock and punk. The contrast between the pretty melodies and fuzzed up, distorted guitars encapsulate our vibe.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
I started out playing acoustic cover gigs in pubs ever since I was 16 so I was fairly comfortable on stage. However my first gig as Tooth Gore I faced many technical difficulties – the PA we’d been given did not like my drum machine – but I still gave it my all and played with maximum energy, which is something I can always guarantee at my live shows.
What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
I’ve just released a new single, ‘Firebird,’ and my sophomore album, ‘For Losers, By Losers’, hits all platforms on June 6th! [Pre-order HERE]
Regarding a similar audience, which band or artist at the moment do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I would absolutely love to open for FIDLAR, they are one of my all-time favourite bands and I think the music would fit perfectly for the crowds I pull.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
It would be awesome to see my friends in Mutant Menace, who are local legends in my hometown of Newquay, break out massively, they’re super talented and already on their way to success.
What frustrates you about the music business?
I suppose the business aspect and having to advertise myself it’s not something that comes naturally to me, I just like making music.
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say, “I want to do that”?
Seeing Billie Joe Armstrong perform at the 2017 British Summertime Festival as part of Green Day’s Revolution Radio tour.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I saw Velvet Hands at Dingwalls in Camden, it was a really great night with a super fun crowd.
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
I am passionate about women’s rights, especially with the situation in America with Trump. I am also passionate about the environment and climate change.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
‘People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm’ by A Tribe Called Quest
Everybody is a fan of something. Who or what are you a fan of?
I am a fan of lots of things. Mostly music, especially punk and surf punk. My favourite bands include: PUP, FIDLAR, The Frights, Jeff Rosenstock and Beach Goons. I am also a fan of comic books – especially Moon Knight and Daredevil – as well as video games, dinosaurs and Sonic The Hedgehog.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
The new singles from PUP’s upcoming album ‘Who Will Look After The Dogs?’. ‘Hallways’ is my favourite thus far.
What does the rest of 2025 hold for you?
I have an album releasing on June 6th, and I’m going on a small UK tour with dates in May – you can find out more info on my Instagram.
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
I’m very active on social media, mainly instagram and this is where people can connect with me, I always respond to any comments!