Push to Fire: Darko Interview

Push to Fire Interview: Darko
by Suzy Harrison
Darko
Darko are a UK punk rock band who have recently been seen supporting bands such as Sonic Boom Six, The Skints and Mike TV. Guitarists and backing vocalists Rob Piper and Chris Brown answered some of Push To Fire's questions about their recent EP release and life in the band.
Where are Darko from and how did the band form?
Rob: We are from all over really. Dan the vocalist is from Australia, Chris and I are from Hampshire, and Karl and Andy are from south London/Surrey area. We all met at college in Guildford and shared a passion for the late 90’s skate punk and bands like A Wilhelm Scream.
How long has the band been together and are the members the original ones?
Rob: Probably about 3 years now and we’ve hoared through a few drummers and bassists but myself Chris and Dan are original members.
Were any of you in any other bands before Darko?
Chris: Yea, we’ve all been in a few bands when growing up. Rob and I were in a punk band called Knock on Effect, Karl (bass) recently played in a metal band called three fates, and Dan was in the Australian band Both Hands Broken.
OK. This is probably a question you are asked a lot, but does your band name have any connection to the movie Donnie Darko...?
Chris: Sort of, Dan suggested it and we all felt the word depicted our sound.
Describe your sound in three words.
Rob: Darko. Nah, um thrash, punk, andenergy.
Which bands do you look up to and which ones have influenced your music most?
Rob: Definitely Strung Out and Rise Against and all the 90’s/early 00’s fat wreck bands but the biggest influence would have to be A Wilhelm Scream.
What's the best thing about being in band?
Chris: Getting hectic live!
And the worst?
Rob: Waiting for the next gig.
If you could go on tour with any band past or present, who would you choose?
A Wilhelm Scream.
Which do you enjoy more... live performances, writing music or recording material?
Live shows, its so much fun playing and jumping around.
Does the band have any pre-show rituals?
Rob: Other than a few Pints… writing a set ha, I dunno not really.
You recently released your debut EP... any plans for a full length album? Have you been working on new material and if so when can we expect to hear this?
Chris: Ideally a full length would be wicked but we are working on new material and might go for another EP as soon as we can to get some more tunage out there.
Plans for the summer? Playing or going to any festivals?
Rob: I’m going to Glastonbury and Reading. I don’t think the others are. I kinda wish I went to Groezrock. It looked sooo good. Playing-wise, we're still up for a festival if you're offering!

Thanks to both Rob and Chris from Darko for speaking to Suzy. Photo supplied by PR. Find more info and music clips on their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darko_band.

Push to Fire Interview: Darko by Suzy Harrison Darko are a UK punk rock band who have recently been seen supporting bands such as Sonic Boom Six, The Skints and Mike TV. Guitarists and backing vocalists Rob Piper and Chris Brown answered some of Push To Fire's questions about their recent EP release and life in the band. Where are Darko from and how did the band form? Rob: We are from all over really. Dan the vocalist is from Australia, Chris and I are from Hampshire, and Karl and Andy are from south London/Surrey area. We all met at college in Guildford and shared a passion for the late 90’s skate punk and bands like A Wilhelm Scream. How long has the band been together and are the members the original ones? Rob: Probably about 3 years now and we’ve hoared through a few drummers and bassists but myself Chris and Dan are original members. Were any of you in any other bands before Darko? Chris: Yea, we’ve all been in a few bands when growing up. Rob and I were in a punk band called Knock on Effect, Karl (bass) recently played in a metal band called three fates, and Dan was in the Australian band Both Hands Broken. OK. This is probably a question you are asked a lot, but does your band name have any connection to the movie Donnie Darko...? Chris: Sort of, Dan suggested it and we all felt the word depicted our sound. Describe your sound in three words. Rob: Darko. Nah, um thrash, punk, andenergy. Which bands do you look up to and which ones have influenced your music most? Rob: Definitely Strung Out and Rise Against and all the 90’s/early 00’s fat wreck bands but the biggest influence would have to be A Wilhelm Scream. What's the best thing about being in band? Chris: Getting hectic live! And the worst? Rob: Waiting for the next gig. If you could go on tour with any band past or present, who would you choose? A Wilhelm Scream. Which do you enjoy more... live performances, writing music or recording material? Live shows, its so much fun playing and jumping around. Does the band have any pre-show rituals? Rob: Other than a few Pints… writing a set ha, I dunno not really. You recently released your debut EP... any plans for a full length album? Have you been working on new material and if so when can we expect to hear this? Chris: Ideally a full length would be wicked but we are working on new material and might go for another EP as soon as we can to get some more tunage out there. Plans for the summer? Playing or going to any festivals? Rob: I’m going to Glastonbury and Reading. I don’t think the others are. I kinda wish I went to Groezrock. It looked sooo good. Playing-wise, we're still up for a festival if you're offering!
Thanks to both Rob and Chris from Darko for speaking to Suzy. Photo supplied by PR. Find more info and music clips on their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darko_band.