Austria’s ASTPAI have a new album on the way titled ‘Burden Calls‘. Set for release through Jumpstart Records (US) & Ass Card Records (UK / Europe). The band recently released a video for the single ‘Careers‘ which you can check it out [Here]. The album is also streaming online in full ahead of release. This week in The Hotseat, we catch up with Zock from the band to answer our questions. Expand this post for his answers and that album stream. For more info on the band, check out their website [Here].
THE BASICS
Name : Zock
Band : ASTPAI
Job In Band : Lead Vocals & Guitar
Website Address : www.astpai.org
HOME
Hometown : Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Hometown is best known for : Triebwerk – one of the best venues to play in Austria!
Best venue in your hometown : see above
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : Death Is Not Glamorous at our practice base in 2009.
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : 15 Years of Triebwerk, Open Air
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? ASTPAI started as a two piece in 2001. Just drums, guitar and lead vocals. We both went to school together which I guess it’s the most classic start of a punk band.
How long has the band been going? We started booking shows in 2002 when our former bassist René joined the band. That makes it twelve years in total.
Any particular story behind the name? As our English skills were too poor to come up with even a half decent name in 2001, we simply went with the remains of a sticker that a school mate of ours had scribbled on. Not the most glamorous story, eh?
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… We’re putting out our fifth full length ‘Burden Calls’ on August 22nd and it’s by far our most intense and exciting output to date. It’s basically a concept album that tells one entire story from front to back. The record will be out on vinyl and cd through Ass Card Records (Europe) and Jump Start Records (North America). There will also be a tape version available through Laser Life Records.
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? Playing FEST in Gainesville, Florida for three years in a row, supporting our all time favourite punk band Kid Dynamite in 2013, playing main stage at Groezrock Festival in 2014 are definitely some of the many highlights along the way.
OFF THE STAGE
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? For me that was a Rolling Stones VHS my parents had bought me. Watching Keith Richards look cool as fuck on stage made me wanna pick up the guitar. I finally taught myself how to play while watching ACDC’s ‘Live At Donington’ on VHS every single day.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? You’ll find us all working as hard as we can to finance our life as mucisians.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… Getting all the gear ready to hit the road. I’m absolutely obsessed with finding new arrangements gear wise and loading wise.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… Having to say goodbye to our partners and knowing that the tour will eventually end again at some point.
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? We’re pretty basic with our rider. If there’s vegan food, beer, maybe some gin tonic and some vodka red bull we’re as happy as can be.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? There’s no favourite place I’m afraid. Between Russia and the US, the best of times are pretty spread out.
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Supporting Kid Dynamite in Belgium in 2013. It was hands down the most important show I’ve ever played, simply because Kid Dynamite had so much influence on our band.
Got a favourite song to play live? Spelling Friends off ‘Efforts And Means’
Any pre-show rituals? Loads of vocal warm ups, stretching, writing set lists – you know, the usual.
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Not knowing where to crash after a show or having to drive overnight when you’re feeling absolutely knackered.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? Mile Me Deaf – Third From The Sun
Last album you picked up? The Hold Steady – Heaven Is Whenever on vinyl
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? The Hold Steady – Teeth Dreams
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Deadends from Austria. Killer Band!
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? We’re gonna tour mainland Europe and the UK in support of our new album ‘Burden Calls’
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? The Bronx III – because the Bronx would be the most fun band to cover live. No Bullshit, just Rock’n’Roll.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? Unfortunately, There’s a couple of bands. Trial By Fire and Give Up The Ghost are definitely way up there.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? I’ve heard fun stuff about the Triple Rock in Minneapolis. Would love to play there.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. ANTS! From Austria and DESPITE EVERYTHING from Athens – simply because they both rule.
PLUG TIME
Got any final words? ASTPAI – ‘Burden Calls’, our fifth full length will be out in Europe/UK on Ass Card Records on August 22nd and in North America through Jump Start Records on September 22nd. We’ll be touring Europe/UK from September 16 – October 18 together with our soulmates in DESPITE EVERYTHING from Greece.
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ASTPAI – Burden Calls
Available September 23rd via Jumpstart Records
Pre-order now from Jumpstart Records [Here].
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