EMQ’s with MEDUSA TOUCH
EMQ’s with MEDUSA TOUCH
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Edinburgh based Heavy Metal/Rock band Medusa Touch! Huge thanks to Vocalist/Guitarist Gordon Sinclair 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?
My name is Gordon Sinclair, although everybody calls me Gogsy. I’m the lead singer and guitarist in Medusa Touch; we’re an 80’s metal rock band from the 80’s. The band was formed in 1982, we lasted till 1991 (ish), then reformed in 2019. We’re are all from in and around Edinburgh, Scotland and love 80’s metal with a passion.
How did you come up with your band name?
The band was named after the film ‘The Medusa Touch’. It starred Richard Burton and Lee Remick. It’s about a writer who has the power of telekinesis who makes disasters happen just by thinking about them. This wasn’t the first choice; all the band members had two choices for a name. We all chose different names as a first choice, but we all chose Medusa Touch as the second choice and that was it.
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
We are from Scotland, metal scene seems to be in good health, but there is a lot of nu-metal, we’re the odd ones because of the 80’s metal vibe we bring.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
It’s called “Terror Eyes the Anthology”, available from all digital outlets and we have some CD’s left too. These are just available from the band. You can get one from our website (medusatouchofficial.com). 13 tracks of first-pumping, sing-a-long rock epics hehehehe.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Mine? First up would be Slade who got me interested in rock music. Then as picking up a guitar goes it was Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols. I started as a drummer. Then, I blame Iron Maiden for kicking the whole thing off for me in the metal genre. After that there have been so many, too many to name! They all have their own little bit of influence in how I write, play and record.
What first got you into music?
I come from a very musical family. Lots of singers and musicians! My grandfather was a drummer in the Black Watch during the First World War, and he kicked me off as the drummer. I started playing in a pipe band then moved onto a kit. There were guitars lying around so you pick them up and play them. I never looked back.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Good question. Two options! One would be Angus Young from AC/DC. Just to see how he goes about song writing and coming up with great songs time after time. Then it would have to be Iron Maiden, just because they got me started off in the first place.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken, it’s the pinnacle for me. The bands that play there every year are massive and that lets you know how important it is.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Never been given a gift, usually a Bourbon and coke does hehehehe. Although my mate Ian Davidson did turn round after one gig in 2019 and just say “I have a cassette of you guys playing in 1987”. WHAT? GIMME IT hehehehe
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Keep enjoying the music and rock hard. There’s only one life, never regret anything. If it makes you sad fix it. If it makes you happy and healthy, load up on it.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Gary Moore!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The music I play makes me happy, contented and always makes me want more. I don’t have any hates really although my wife says I have a guitar fetish hehehehe!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Make it easier for bands to make a living. It is really difficult now unless you get massive.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Best for what!? Vinyl is the king for something you own and can hold in your hands. I remember buying albums, going home on the bus and reading every single word on the sleeve time and again. It’s big and gives you joy not just for the music that’s on it but it’s yours and you have it in your hands. However, Digital, whether it be downloads or streaming, is just so convenient, it doesn’t scratch or wear out. You can listen to it anywhere.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Personally, I have played in CBGB’s in New York and have a live Album from the gig. But that was with my other band.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
No idea, genuinely no idea!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Ade Edmondson, Bruce Dickinson, David Attenborough, Dara Ó Briain, Professor Brian Cox!
What’s next for the band?
Small Tour in Scotland to finish the year, some festivals in 2020 and recording a new album!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://www.facebook.com/medusatouch
https://twitter.com/MedusaTouch1
https://www.instagram.com/medusatouchrocks
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Biscuit, but I don’t like chocolate so no problem!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Look out for us in Scotland in the last part of 2019, hopefully see you soon in 2020. Oh, and buy the album and enjoy singing along at the gigs!
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