Paul Matthews From 'I Am Giant'
I Am Giant are about to embark on their largest New Zealand tour ever. The four piece consisting of Shelton Woolwright (drums), Paul Matthews (bass), Ed Martin (vocals) and Aja Timu (guitars), released their debut album The Horrifying Truth last year which went straight in at the Number 2 spot on the New Zealand album charts.
We had a chance to catch up with bassist Paul Matthews last week for a quick chat ahead of their tour
Is I Am Giant still based in the UK?
Yeah, still pretty much based in the UK. We have been back here a fair bit, promoting the album and stuff.
What's the main difference being based in a band in London as opposed to Auckland?
When I first got to the UK, someone told me at any one time in London you've got 30,000 bands trying to get signed. Obviously they come and they go, but there are a lot of bands and a lot of venues.
Your lead singer Ed is an English lad, does he fit in well with the Kiwi boys?
Yeah, he does. He's a great guy. He enjoys his time out here in New Zealand too. He's been out here for Christmas, although I think he would have liked to have spent it with his family. But you can't complain being out in such a nice place for summer.
Yeah, is a bit different from the winter Christmas's...
I remember two Christmas's ago when I was in the UK, I got out of my car and slipped on the ice straight away and landed on my arse. That's Christmas in the UK for you (laughs).
And while you're back here you've got your largest New Zealand tour lined up.
Yeah that's right. It's starting on February 28th up in Russell. Our summer starts then really, it's been a pretty miserable summer so far with the rain and all that, but I think it's about to get better.
But yeah, we're pretty much going everywhere we can. It's our most comprehensive tour yet and it's on the back of giving the album time to do its thing and get out there.
And of course Big Day Out...
Yep, Big Day Out, I can't wait. A bit sad though it's the last one, but I can't wait to see Soundgarden again. The last time I saw them was at the last Big Day Out they played at which was 1997.
For someone who hasn't seen you play live before, what could you expect from am I Am Giant show?
Well there will be a lot of raw energy and enthusiasm. Nice and tight live renditions from our album and a good time to be had.
I Am Giant are the Quicksilver Ambassadors in Europe. How did that come about?
At the time they were using one of our tracks for a surfing video they had produced. We got introduced to them and played one of their events in the French Alps. They loved us, we loved them and they said "We'll make you the rock soundtrack of our extreme sports scene".
You released your debut album 'The Horrifying Truth' in August last year. Are you already planning for the follow up?
Yeah, we already have a load of ideas for the next album and have worked on some demos. There is still a lot of work to do and make wure we write and record the best possible songs.
I Am Giant New Zealand Tour
January 28th: The Duke, Russell - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
February 4th: Mangawhai Tavern, Mangawhai - With Cobra Khan and Special Guests
February 9th: Brewers Bar, Tauranga - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
February 10th: The Shed, Rotorua - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
February 11th: Sideline Bar, Napier - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 1st: Basement, New Plymouth - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 2nd: Colleseum, Palmeston North - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 3rd: San Francisco Bath House, Wellington - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 7th: Saint and Sinners, Invercargill - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 8th: Refuel, Dunedin - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 9th: The Bedford, Christchurch - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 10th: Riwaka Hotel, Nelson - With Cairo Knife Fight and Special Guests
March 15th: Ballroom, Whangarei - With Special Guests
March 16th: Kings Arms, Auckland - With Special Guests
Tickets from NZtix.co.nz and selected venues
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