Vocalist. Percussionist. High jumper!? Ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to bring you this interview with STARCRAZY frontman Marcus Fraser.
What is your full name?
Marcus Ian Fraser
What bands are you actively involved with?
Starcrazy, Buffalo Revisited
What was the first instrument that you played?
Drums
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I was young enough to be in a child seat, my father was singing along to the song, Tattva by Kula Shaker in the front seat of the car, making me laugh with his over accentuated baritone voice…
What was the name of the first band you were in?
Problem Child
Tell me about the genesis of Starcrazy.
Myself and guitarist, Odin had been friends for a very long time, we were both in separate bands that were on their way out and we decided to start a band inspired by our mutual influences (which included Jane’s Addiction, Van Halen and Cheap Trick)
What inspired the name Starcrazy?
We consider it a glam rock version of the phrase ‘stir crazy’, but it had to be one word like Aerosmith etc
How long did it take you to write and record your debut full-length album?
The songs were written over the course of a year or so, the recording process only took 9 days in the studio but we were very well rehearsed and prepared, money’s tight and we didn’t waste a second of studio time
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
I’d like to play the occasional theremin in NY band Geese because I love them and would love to hear some theremin in their music
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
Sure, Porpoise Song by The Monkees
Do you have any non-metal/rock musical inspirations?
I’m listening to a lot of 60’s Psych at the moment, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Tomorrow, Electric Prunes stuff like that, I also like hip hop, particularly Leaders Of The New School and PM Dawn
What’s a non-metal/rock song that you'd like to do a cover of?
Jackie Blue by Ozark Mountain Daredevils
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
Hard Ons, WELL?, Black Aces, Pollyman, Wesley Fuller
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
The Tote in Melbourne
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Plenty of booze
Spending time with the boys, meeting people, performing to new people, selling merch to new fans
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
The necessity of fast food on the road, I try to pack as much food as possible otherwise you’re spending money on food you don’t even want, driving to Brisbane is not too bad though cause there’s many Guzman Y Gomez on the way and they’re yum yum.
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
Melbourne and Dubbo
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?
Being filmed for national TV performing Waltzing Matilda with Jimeoin, one of us had a busted up face too
The year is 2014. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
Is it?! I better change my underwear! I’m sitting at a table in my rental house in Newtown NSW listening to 70s South African band, Rabbitt.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
Do it for the love because the chances of making money are very slim
What is an absolute band killer?
Probably drugs judging by the many rock docos I’ve seen
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?
Yep, a song on our first EP called ‘Gimme Back My Stereo’, our drummer Jack is fond of it but I am not…
Hhmmmm maybe ‘Let’s Go Crazy Festival’ featuring Starcrazy, The Darkness and Turnstile
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
Probably about 4 days
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
That I can jump really high
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
This podcast looks right up my alley but alas, I don’t listen to any podcasts
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
No, you idiot!
Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.
AC/DC - Highway To Hell
Big Star - #1 Record
Led Zeppelin - III
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Thin Lizzy - Live and Dangerous
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
‘Never Push A Door Marked Pull’
What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?
I can’t think of one
Slipknot or Rammstein (if you had to choose)?
Rammstein
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Boobies!
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Pancakes
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
Fishbone (From 1989)
Favorite meal?
Anything Mexican
Favorite book?
Crackpot by John Waters
Favorite movie?
Suburbia by Richard Linklater
Favorite album?
Jane’s Addiction - Ritual De Lo Habitual
Favorite video game?
Sly Racoon
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
Macho Man Randy Savage
Massive thanks to Marcus for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate you doing so. As for the rest of you, please click on the link so generously provided below and suckle at the teet of Starcrazy’s shimmering glam rock. You’ll be glad that you did!
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
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