RouteNote Interviews: Tundras
Artist credit: Cory Wicklund
Tundras are a psychedelic metal band from Rockford, Illinois. Made up by members Cory, Chris, Brian and Josh, they came together to form Tundras as the end result of two bands prior.
Fresh off the recording of their debut full length album we decided to ask Tundras some questions about themselves and the band.
How did you come together and form a band?
Prior to Tundras – Brian, Josh and Cory (myself) played in a psych/blues band called The Rough Tracks and Chris played in an experimental/metal outfit Indomitable Ancients. Chris was losing his drummer and the three of us were having issues with a rotating cast of 4th members. Both of our bands played a show together and decided to form Tundras.
What’s your favourite part of playing and creating music?
Playing and creating music!
If you could choose anyone, past or present, to collaborate with – who would you choose?
Chris: Charles Mingus
Josh: David Gilmour
Brian: Tony Iommi
Cory: Adam Granduciel
What do you imagine you would all be doing if you weren’t playing music?
Chris: I’d be touring as an instrument tech or back at home repairing guitars.
Josh: Out trucking across the grand ol’ USA!
Brian: I love breakfast food (as everyone should). I would run and own a morning breakfast spot from 6am-2pm. Northern Illinois does breakfast and pizza like no other!
Cory: I would be washing dishes in Brian’s diner. Playing guitar on my breaks.
If you were stuck on a desert island and could take one track each what would they be?
Chris: Bandage for an Iris by Poison the Well
Josh: Sycamore by Caspian
Brian: Lore by Elder
Cory: Sweet & Dandy by Toots and the Maytals – because I’m on an island all by myself!!!
If you had to choose just one of your own tracks that you are most proud of, which would it be?
Chris: Wonder
Josh: Wonder
Brian: Wonder
Cory: Maze
What have you got planned for the next year as a band?
We just finished recording our first full length album, which is a ton of work in it’s own right. 2016 holds the release and playing as many cities and towns as possible!
What advice would you give for other aspiring musicians?
You want to play music? Do it! Teach yourself how to play, form a band, play everywhere, realize that success is only measured by your standards, pay no mind to band image or making money, just do you, and never let the mainstream shove their values down your throat ✌
Photography credit: Kevin Mandell
Listen to Tundra’s track ‘Prospect’:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq3P-UDVQSc&w=640&h=360]
Tundras
Bandcamp – tundrasil.bandcamp.com
Facebook – facebook.com/tundrasillinois