INTERVIEWS

17 September 2003: X-Rock interviewed Antiplacid drummer Josh Barker

X-Rock:
Hello Josh and welcome to X-Rock!

Josh:
Hey!

X-Rock:
Josh. Firstly what made you first decide to start a band?

Josh:
Well, Ive played guitar since I was about 11 or something, but Id always wanted to play drums and the month I got them (last Christmas), Johnny and Milner needed a drummer and Antiplacid were born.

X-Rock:
So when did Joe come into the equation?

Josh:
Well we had this other guitarist but he wasnt really arsed and didnt show up for practice etc, so in our search for a singer we eventually found Joe and out went other guy.

X-Rock:
What sort of songs were you playing at the beginning?

Josh:
When Joe joined we pretty much went straight into writing our own songs, but we did some of our old covers bullion for example.

X-Rock:
When was Antiplacid's first gig?

Josh:
We did our first gig at the good old community centre in Chorley, like so many other young bands. We went down really well, probably a combination of quality and the fact we have a lot of friends in charley. (laughs)

X-Rock:
How do Antiplacid prepare mentally and physically before a gig?

Josh:
It depends really. If it's a night gig it'll be any kind of alcohol but at a place like Chorleyfest in the day, especially after Joe's party piss-up, a load of red bull/tea/coffee is usually the best bet, keeps you alert. Other than that, just doing rolls and stuff with my sticks and feet to warm up a bit. I dont need to worry about the mental aspect. You dont really have to try to look cool behind a drum kit.

X-Rock:
Speaking of Chorleyfest, how did it go?

Josh:
Oh it was great thanks, the fans loved us.

X-Rock:
Do you feel that your performances are improving each time you play?

Josh:
Oh yes definitely. None of us have been playing our instruments for a long time, but we were all rapidly improving. Now our songs get better riffs, beats, fills etc added to them, and Joe is such a good singer but an even better frontman he really gets the crowd going.

X-Rock:
Which song do the fans enjoy hearing the most and for that matter which song do you enjoy playing the most?

Josh:
Erm, we get the best reactions from I Know, Lose Control, and Mentally Insane. I Know is probably my favorite out of our songs, but I really like playing Bullion at the beginning of our gigs, its such a fun lively song.

X-Rock:
Will all of these songs appear on your upcoming E.P?

Josh:
Well yeah when we get round to recording. As were recording and producing it ourselves it'll just be a case of how many songs we can and want to fit on a C.D.

X-Rock:
When will the record be out?

Josh:
Hopefully within the next month.

X-Rock:
Have you been in any other bands before Antiplacid and if so were they any good?

Josh:
Ive not drummed for any, but I've guitared for a few. It wasnt really intended for us to be doing gigs and stuff, just regular jams and stuff if you see what Im saying.

X-Rock:
Is it true that Antiplacid are too call it a day next year as yourself and Johnny the bassist are both leaving the country?

Josh:
Well, I dont think they'll split because they can still be a good band if they find replacements which I bet they could if they wanted to.

X-Rock:
But you've got to admit that they would find it very difficult replacing half of the band without them sounding too different?

Josh:
Yeah thats a good point I suppose they'd have to re-learn all the material and stuff. Yeah it'd be a difficult task but it's do-able. But still, me and Johnny are here for another year so no need to worry yet (laughs)

X-Rock:
Thank You Josh and on behalf of X-Rock I would like to say good luck and good bye!