Wellington’s psych-pop outfit Draghound performed to a packed-out crowd at last week’s Eyegum Wednesday show along with local opening act Mr Amish and DJ Snake Legs. After a night of top notch entertainment, Eyegum contributor Sophie Scott-Maunder caught up with Draghound frontwoman Emerald Rose to ask a few quick questions. Check out the band's brand new single 'Flange in the Bedroom', while you read the interview with Emerald below...
1. First off, who is Draghound!?
Draghound is John Wilson on drums, Helen O’Rourke on keys, Stenn Francis-Deare on bass and myself Emerald Rose on guitar and vocals.
2. For people who haven’t heard you before, how would you describe your sound?
Psychedelic grunge funk might come close?
3. What other artists have influenced Draghound?
I shamefully love the classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Bowie, T Rex, Hendrix... I love old school psych like Strawberry Alarm Clock and Ultimate Spinach. And a mention has to go to Connan Mockasin, he’s wonderful.
4. As well as shredding guitar in Draghound you also play drums in Fuzz Queen. Is there anything you can’t do?!
Haha there’s plenty I can’t do.. I can’t play any brass or woodwind?! I’ve been admiring trumpet and sax lately, I ended up asking a couple of guys to play some on our EP.
5. How do you perceive being a female musician in the New Zealand music scene?
Well, I can only comment on my own experiences. I’ve met some really lovely and supportive people who have come to shows, organised shows, been sound engineers... I’ve made some of my best friends through the New Zealand music scene. There’s a lot of discussion around sexism at the moment, and sure, some people have ignored me or not taken me ‘seriously’ as a female musician, but I don’t take that personally. If someone thinks I don’t know anything or I can’t play because I’m female then that’s their issue. I have a great time playing music live and I really enjoy the New Zealand music scene.
6. You've just released 'Flange in the Bedroom' off your upcoming EP. When can we expect to get our hands on it?
Soon! Just a few vocal takes left ! We don’t have a set date but it’s getting close. We are currently also making a video for 'Flange In The Bedroom' which has been such a great time. I even made a weird pink dress for it.
7. I love the album artwork for the EP [the design is showcased on their sick new tee-shirts!] Can you tell me a bit about it?
Yeah! Our friend Tom (who is now the bassist for Fuzz Queen) designed it. I told him to do whatever he liked so it came from his wonderful imagination. Collaborating on an art and music project has been really cool... Hanging with Tom, screen printing tee-shirts... Except I burnt a giant hole in one of our screens, so sorry Tom!
