Pianist. Trumpeter. Guitarist. Vocalist. This edition of Fistful of Questions goes out to We Kill Cowboys frontwoman Alex.
What is your full name?
Alexia Hazel Muller
What bands are you actively involved with?
We Kill Cowboys
What was the first instrument that you played?
Piano and trumpet
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
My first vivid memory I have is passing 2 Gutter Punk buskers jamming at the train station in London. I was 10 years old. It was my first time overseas and I was mesmerized. They were tattooed and singing their hearts out. That was my first introduction into punk rock, much to my parents dismay.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
Just Jack. I fronted the band and played trumpet. Political Ska Punk. 15 year Olds writing about fucking the System… it was a lot of fun. Played a lot of skateparks and all ages Punk shows. It was a good time!
Tell me about the genesis of We Kill Cowboys.
After leaving my last band, I went through a couple years of guesting with a lot of bands. I had the old writers block syndrome during that time, but I really missed having my own band, performing my own shit. Covid happened, started writing again during lockdown. Dark country sort of stuff. Solo vibes. I ended up tracking those first 5 songs with my good mates and decided to drop it as a solo EP. I still craved playing loud shit, being a part of a band.
One day I called up an old friend and asked if he wanted to start this project with me and he was immediately in. From there we got our bassist and Drummer, started writing with no expectations of a particular genre. We just wanted to play loud, heavy music. That’s where it started and that’s who we are today. Really good mates playing music that we love.
What inspired the name We Kill Cowboys?
I’ve always loved old country music. Always been fascinated by the Wild West, Cowboys, cowgirls, Native American culture. That period of time. The Cowboys also represent the patriarchy. They were also oppressors in many instances. I write about drugs, relationships and my views on world systems. So the name is kind of saying, fuck that. Fuck the system that relates to toxic worldly and personal situations. Also, it does sound cool.
How long did it take you to write and record Dirty Business, and is there a full-length in the works?
I had actually written those tracks awhile back. Once the band was happening, I brought the songs to the boys and we wrote them in about 6 months. Things flowed really organically, which was awesome.
We’ve already dropped 2 singles since then. We’re focusing more on dropping a lot of singles next year, versus dropping a full album. That will come in time, for sure!
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
That’s a tough one. I would say, currently, All Them Witches. Their music is insane. It’s heavy. Hits my core. They also seem like super nice dudes. The list could go on.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
Damn.. there’s a couple. I also love a lot of different bands so that’s another tough one. Also we’re talking which era in time, haha. I’ll go with The Siren by Graveyard.
Do you have any non-metal/rock musical inspirations?
Johnny Cash, Nina Simone, Beethoven
What’s a pop song that you’d like to do a cover of?
I honestly don’t have one. I personally don’t like performing covers. I like performing my own stuff.
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
There’s a good few…Ruff Majik, Springbok Nude Girls and Hokum.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
The Armchair Theatre, Daisy Jones and Smoking Kills in Joburg.
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Not really, I’m generally having a beer and hanging out with the homies. I do vocal warm ups on my drive to sound check. I’m a bit of a social butterfly when I’m at the gig.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
Being away with the band. Spending time together out of our home town. Meeting awesome people, playing with bands we don’t get to see often. Honestly, I love it all. Even with all the waiting around. I always feel super grateful to be able to perform music with people I love. It’s fucking awesome. Touring bonds you as band members and shows you what you need to work on too. Of Course the shows are the peak, it's why we do it.
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
I would say probably the waiting around. There is a lot of waiting around in-between sound checks and performing. Traveling to the best location. It gets pretty exhausting but it comes with the job!
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
We love Johannesburg. We got a great fan base, the shows are well supported and some of our favorite bands are from there.
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?
The year is 2000. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I’m probably sitting in my room listening to Anti-flag or Fleetwood Mac. Depends on the day and mood
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
Write music that you love. That comes from the heart. Have fun with it. It’s super important. Don’t take yourself so seriously but take what you do seriously. You only get out what you put in. Watch what other seasoned musicians and bands do. Ask for advice if you feel lost. Support your fellow musicians and venues too. Passion first, the rest will follow.
Practice your shit and then practice some more. Then, again, have all the fun. If you’re not having fun, find something else to do.
What is an absolute band killer?
Arrogance and bad attitudes. Lack of communication. Got no time for that shit. A band is a family. Respect each other.
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?
Not really.. it’s more of a mixing thing. There have been tracks that I wasn’t super proud to release purely from a tracking and mixing standpoint . But that’s another part of the learning.
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
That’s a gross question! Probably 2 days. I had wet wipes and there was no running water. haha.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
That I have a bit of a thing for rocks. And no , not the drugs, pieces of the earth. I’m also mildly obsessed with birds of prey.
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music Podcasts?
For sure!
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
Unicorns don’t sleep. Everyone knows that.
Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.
All Them Witches – Nothing As The Ideal
Violent Soho – Hungry Ghost
The Distillers – sing sing death house
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
All Them Witches – Nothing As The Ideal
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
I’m still alive. Haha
What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?
No thanks.
Slipknot or Rammstein (if you had to choose)?
Slipknot
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Boobies
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Waffles hands down.
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
WITCH
Favorite meal?
Ramen
Neil Gaiman – The Ocean at the end of the Lane
Favorite movie?
No Country for Old Men, Nacho Libre
Favorite video game?
Mario Brothers
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
Ray Mysterio
Big thanks to Alex for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate you doing so. The rest of you should click on the link so generously provided below, and wrap your ears around the latest single from We Kill Cowboys. You will be glad that you did!
~El Pedo Caliente
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Pm64aOAGvY23k51TRB258?si=2vg_ogHKQ3a3kcwK7XpQ5w
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