Max Raptor

With our esteemed writer claiming they’re one of the best bands he’s heard, how could we not grab a few words with Midlands rockers Max Raptor to find out what makes them tick.

Planet Loud – Can you introduce yourselves please?

Hello, we’re Max Raptor… JB WILLCOX – GUITAR, WIL RAY – VOCALS, MATT STEVENSON – DRUMS, TOM GARRETT – BASS.

Planet Loud – Can you give us a quick background to the band? When you formed, any CDs out?

I’ll work in reverse. Our first single – THE GREAT AND THE GOOD is OUT NOW on Itunes, Amazon, 7Digital, go and get it. A reviewer described it as like listening to Dexy and the Midnight Runners but then being run over by a tank. I’ve just listened to DMR and some tank noises and it’s pretty close. We formed in 2005 to jam and played a gig here and there…first gig being a Christian BBQ which was really bad. Then 2007 we started taking it more seriously playing around the UK on the toilet circuit then progressed up to large venues and big tours… We wont be doing any more Christian BBQ’s and ps, we’re not religiously aligned to any faith, so if you’re from the Baptist Church it’s a no goer..sorry lads.

Planet Loud – Why did you form a band?

Playing by yourself is lonely and humiliating. Needed to release the anger as a four piece. Touring’s fun as a group of mates aswell. Good way to spend time, writing songs, drinking beer then playing some shows and watch it all progress.

Planet Loud – Which band or musicians have had the biggest impact on your life?

Michael Hutchence and Jeff Buckley for me (wil) and Hendrix for JB.

Planet Loud – Can you describe your sound to our readers?

The visceral claws of Great British rock n’ roll frantically disembowelling American alt-rock with a partisan punk attitude.

Planet Loud – Describe your live show to us..

Devastating and upbeat, sweaty limbs, mosh pits. We have some insane fans.

Planet Loud – Tell us about your first gig together?

So the first gig…that Christian BBQ…

Another band holding tarpaulin over us and our equipment whilst we attempted to smash our first set out to the parishioners on the vale……Then, then the rain came, despite the farmer being adamant that it wouldn’t rain. Absolute joke, it also turns out that there is a mental home on site, and the residents began to come out, some complaining others jumping. It was a fucking circus..never again.

Planet Loud – Any funny gig stories you can tell us about?

That one…but we went on UK tour with The Stranglers and the decided to come on stage on our last show…it’s on youtube..

Planet Loud – What are your goals with the band?

This year…write, write and write but the grand picture is to release the album. Play our headline tour in July and pick up more fans to make these gigs unmissable…Hopefully going over to LA to play some shows there and Europe would be good towards the end of the year. We’ve got a pretty handy team building around us. Just want to do it and have as much fun as possible.

Planet Loud – What do you think about the rock scene at the moment?

The Music Scene? Generally no money is pouring in like in the 70′s/80′s/90′s but that could be a good thing?? Means that people are taking up music for the right reasons and only the best bands and artists will break through. Guitar bands will hopefully break through again, fed up of the same old indie scene kids and electro shite at the moment. I mean, I like that kind of music but I don’t like it all the time. It’s all the same, faux London accents and irratating scrawny boys singing about last summer when they ran out of beer at a picnic..fuck me…we need to bring the balls back.

Planet Loud – What are your upcoming plans?

Get in to the studio and record these new songs with our producer SAM BELL. We have Download Festival on Sunday 13th – RedBull Stage 19:55….so be there for that if you can…and to actually go to Download on Thursday to watch ACDC on their very own mainstage…that is rock n roll….”one main stage please”

Planet Loud – Which member of the band has the most annoying habit?

Matt plays drums all the time, even if he doesn’t have his kit. All the time, sometimes accompanied by throat vocals.

Planet Loud – If you had a question for any musician out there alive or dead, who would it be for and what would the question

Jeff Buckley….why did you go for a swim in your clothes? Why?

Planet Loud – What advice would you give someone thinking of forming a band?

Make sure you do it for fun, always stay close to your roots…play the local shows..your fans will appreciate it and don’t write for anybody else.

Planet Loud – Thanks for your time. Anything else to say, plug, complain about, promote?

Summer tour – July – details go to Myspace and buy merch from here. I’m done complaining.

Interview by Graham Finney

Myspace Page – http://www.myspace.com/maxraptor