EMQ’s with FREIGHTER
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Madison, WI. Metal/Rock band Freighter! Huge thanks to bassist Jason Braatz for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Jason and I play bass in Freighter. Travis (guitar) and I have known each other since we were little kids. We grew up together, played in bands together, and then started this band while we were in another band. Moved from Madison, WI to SF one at a time, picked up Guggy (drums), and here we are!
How did you come up with your band name?
Travis and I were sitting next to Lake Superior while we were talking about the new band and one of those giant ore ships went past, we thought it looked appropriately heavy.
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
The US, and the metal scene here is pretty large and varied!
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)?
Our new album “The Den” came out on digital and vinyl July 12th!
Who have been your greatest influences?
Dillinger Escape Plan, Meshuggah, Converge, Weather Report, Prince
What first got you into music?
I joined the elementary school orchestra in 5th grade and got an electric bass that Christmas.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I’d love for Adam Neely to write us something weird.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken Open Air would be amazing!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Their attention!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Tell your friends!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Prince!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love rehearsal, weirdly enough. The building process is really enjoyable.
I don’t like the notion that it is noble to starve in service of art. That’s something put on artists by those who want to exploit them.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Liveable salaries for musicians!
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Queens of the Stone Age – “Songs For The Deaf”
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Digital is great obviously for convenience and being able to pull up every song ever made instantly, but vinyl is the “best”. Being able to hold that big platter in your hands is unmatched. I typically get all the albums that I really love on vinyl.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Freighter’s best gig? Probably opening up for Dub Trio in Madison, WI!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Probably something dumb like healthcare IT
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
If it’s dead or alive? Duke Ellington, Barbara Lee, Aaron Rodgers, @dril, and Prince
What’s next for the band?
Get the album out and play some shows!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Facebook is probably the thing we operate best through;
https://www.facebook.com/freighterband/
We have Instagram and Twitter but don’t post there as much;
https://twitter.com/freighterband
https://www.instagram.com/freighterband/
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
No idea what that is!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
RIP Prince.
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