Time To Chill With AZ & JON From GUTTERFIRE!

Interview by Kris Peters
In a world obsessed with technology and the quick fix band aid
mentality it is refreshing to see bands that still adhere primarily
to the old school formulas.
When an album cycle meant getting out on the road and taking your
music far and wide, engaging with old fans and connecting with
new.
The simplistic approach made possible in the modern age can often
lessen the appeal and/or viability of such public displays of
affection but I, for one, still love that vibe put off by a band
who just wants to get down and dirty with their fans.
Brisbane rock machine Gutterfire! have been touring relentlessly
since the release of their debut album Chill some two years ago,
traversing the East Coast of this great land on countless occasions
and often more or less forcing people to give their music a
listen.
Not that that is such a bad thing because Gutterfire! are damn fine
at what they do.
With only a handful of shows left before the band settles in to
complete their hotly anticipated follow up effort, Gutterfire!
guitarist Az Stonely and frontman Photon Jon sat down with HEAVY to
discuss their final few shows of the album cycle and what they have
planned next.
We start off by talking about their upcoming gig as part of Rock
Beats Depression at the Mansfield Tavern on September 16.
"We've done it every year since very early on," Jon offered. "We
love Caity, the organiser, and it's for a good cause. Everyone who
plays the show really gets behind it for that reason."
We ask what Gutterfire! get personally out of playing shows such as
this.
"Personally, I'm autistic and ADHD," Jon revealed. "So it's close
to my heart and I work in that field as well. Mental health in
general... it's really cool how since I was a kid I've seen the
conversation change and become more open. I remember when I was a
kid people were questioning whether or not depression even existed,
so seeing a nice big festival like that and raising money towards
awareness is pretty awesome. Very different from when I was a
kid."
In the full interview, Az and Jon discuss the importance of
festivals supporting depression and mental health issues, the fact
these things can affect anyone, any time, the other bands on the
line-up and who they are looking forward to playing with, next
weekend's shows with Cairns outfit Forest, the High Kicks Forever
Cancer Research Fundraiser they are playing on September 30,
supporting charities, how it feels to be nearly finished a long and
successful tour, new material and what direction it is heading and
more.