Published: September 27, 2009 8:10 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Review/Interview October 2009 Edition
Juniors Cave - Smokus Pocus
Smokus Pocus
I remembered the rawness, unrelentless energy, and forever youth that bands from the 1980s grunge period presented to the music industry. What made these bands like Alice in Chains, Pearl jam, and Nirvana to name a few so special were their unapologetic lyrics, commanding male vocals, electrifying guitars, pulsating bass, and insane drums. Moving to present time, it is nice to see that that sound I enjoyed when I was growing up and discovering rock music is not gone. In fact, Smokus Pocus has many of the same elements in their music that I found entertaining in band such as Alice in Chains and others.
Brandon Maguire and Andy are the perfect male lead vocal team as they present a versatile style of signing. Maguire can carry his voice from one moment of sure quiet tranquility to the next moment of raw-throated fury. One of the best tracks that can illustrate this skill is titled "Dark Matter" - a song full of rage, angry, and dark harmonious vides. Another track titled "Empty V" is perhaps one of my favorite from the band since it is a sharp departure from the other music of the band. This track has a lighter mood and happier tone but all the electrifying guitars, pulsating bass, and insane drums are still found in this song which gives the track the right enough of the rock edge. If you are looking for something from a band that is full of raw energy, then Smokus Pocus' music is going to be a great place to start. Make sure to check them out. In the meantime, check out this quick Q&A I completed with Brandon a few weeks ago. Enjoy!
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
Brandon: We are three musicians named Smokus Pocus who have lived in Arizona our whole lives; we want to break out into the national scene. Smokus Pocus originated from all our friends that like to smoke weed. There is a mystery and magic behind marijuana just like there is magic and mystery behind creating music or art; I a guess part of the idea behind the band was its simplicity.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Brandon: Rock and Post Punk. Too many to name in this format.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet? When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Brandon: We have been in so many bands over the past ten years I couldn't even begin to start.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Brandon: We are currently unsigned.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Brandon: no response.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Brandon: no response.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Brandon: no response.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Brandon: A lot of our lyrics are about the dual nature of life.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Brandon: There is an element of humor that I like to convey also in the name of the band and some of the lyrics because I think that life is just one big joke.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Brandon: no response.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Brandon: We have been trying to simplify our lives by cutting out drama and arguing; hence less members.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Brandon: We are really feeling the weight of the world and some lyrics like "if you call this place home, I must stay inside this box alone"; speak of the feeling of boredom and depression/recession (off data planet exist-not recorded yet). We have tried to bring a positive attitude to the table as well with our more rocking songs but I always walk the line between negative and positive.
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Brandon: We write together and have no dreams of fame or fortune; we just would like to be considered professional musicians who could make a modest living by touring and making records.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Brandon: no response.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
