Crimson Moon: How did the band get started?
Band: During a hiatus from their former band, which leaned more towards the metal sound, Victor and Kimmy started playing around with a more punk rock sound since that’s our main inspiration in music. Kimmy knew Pontus since high school and made the call asking if he’d join. After trying with a different drummer, Victor gave Thomas a call and the rest is history.
Crimson Moon: What kind of music do you play?
Band: We gravitate towards west coast punk rock, but we have some metal influences as well, that shine through on some songs.
Crimson Moon: How has the fan response been?
Band: It’s been great actually. People tend to like what we play, and we always have people coming up to us after a show to have a chat!
Crimson Moon: Where did the band name come from?
Band: It’s a tribute to West Coast Punk Rock, basically we just borrowed it from the Transplants song “Diamonds and Guns”.
Crimson Moon: Introduce the band members.
Band: Victor is on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. We like to joke around that he’s a carpet, but in reality he’s a great guy that no one walks over. Pontus plays the lead guitar and comes up with all these great licks and solos. The grit and blues vibe he brings to the sound is half the identity of most songs. Kimmy, on bass guitar, is the jester. He’s a rent-a-cop and never on time. Thomas is the rock solid drummer, who brings experience and calmness to the group.
Crimson Moon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Band: We just finished recording our first EP, it’s almost done mixing and then we ship it for mastering. We finished writing our second EP, so as soon as the first one is out we’ll hit the studio to record number 2.
Crimson Moon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Band: Mostly angsty punk rock songs about life and relationships and having fun. Relatable stuff for some, not for others I guess.
Crimson Moon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Band: That would be señor Victor, he writes the skeleton and melody along with the lyrics, the we get together and build it into what it is when you hear it! We all have our different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to composing a song, and we compliment each other really well.
Crimson Moon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Band: Some of it is from personal experience, and some of it is trying to tell a story. Sometimes we put things it because it sounds fun.
Crimson Moon: Has the Covid Pandemic impacted the band at all?
Band: Yes, it had the same impact on us as most other bands I’d say. We tried to write more, recording some demos and a live session. We wrote all the EP during that time pretty much and also started the recording of it.
Crimson Moon: Do you have any side projects?
Band: No, but we started as a side project! Unless you count Victor who likes to build things. He built a flowerpot for Kimmy!
Crimson Moon: What is the music scene like where you guys are from?
Band: It varies very much. We feel like the punk rock scene is starting to flourish again, but at the same time it’s so diverse!
Crimson Moon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Band: George Michael and Aqua! Victor and Kimmy are really fond of the band Chicago too, their songs are legendary and hard to beat! Also, fast paced rock/punk rock bands like Turbonegro, Social Distortion, Blink 182 etc.
Crimson Moon: What is the band like when you play live?
Band: We try to deliver a show and have fun at the same time. Usually those two go hand in hand. Energetic and fun, lots of jumping.
Crimson Moon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Band: We haven’t had the pleasure to do so yet, but we’re looking forward to it!
Crimson Moon: Do you do anything special warm-ups you do before you play live?
Band: Victor harmonizes to himself, Kimmy takes a shit, Pontus has a beer or two, Thomas is usually really restless (like drummers are). Then we high five and go on stage.
Crimson Moon: What made you want to be in this band?
Band: We started the band to have fun and play music that we all love. So far it’s not disappointing even though it can be a lot of work at times.
Crimson Moon: If you weren’t in this band would you still be involved in the music industry?
Band: Victor would probably live in a cabin in the deep Swedish forests, Pontus would be and archaeologist, Kimmy would be a pirate and Thomas would probably be a pro wrestler in the WWE, going head to head against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson!
Crimson Moon: As a musician what advice can you give to fellow musicians just starting out?
Band: Keep at it, and remember to have fun even when the times are tough. Stick by your band-mates and never forget why you started playing in the first place. Money can’t buy friends or band-mates.
Crimson Moon: What does the future hold for the band?
Band: The release of our upcoming EP “Making Cash For Heartless Crooks”, recording EP #2 and hopefully lots of live shows! The world is our oyster, and we’re heading full speed towards that seafood buffet! Hoping to see you all at a venue near you!
Contact them at:
https://www.facebook.com/diamondsandgunsband/
https://www.instagram.com/diamondsandguns.official/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGN_2TzssImEYA6gAxcfZ0RlF7zt8Nu
https://soundcloud.com/user-453369902
