EMQ’s with KURSK
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Suffolk, UK based Heavy Metal band Kursk. Huge thanks to drummer Zoran 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?
Hi, I’m Zoran the drummer for Kursk. The current line-up has been playing together since 2015 but we’ve been mates for years. Me and Luke (Bassist) have known each other since we were 5 years old. I met Jack (Singer and guitarist) when I was about 8 and we started a little covers band together playing the likes of ZZ Top and The Who. I met Tom (Guitarist) in high school when we were 13/14 years old and he joined the band. So, we have known each other for a while. We formed Kursk out of the ashes of that band because we wanted something to create something heavier and give songwriting a go.
How did you come up with your band name?
It was a group decision and comes from the name of a Russian submarine that exploded in a training accident in the year 2000, also it’s a name of a Russian town and where the most infamous tank battle took place in World War 2 (The battle of Kursk).
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We hail from the county of Suffolk in England. The Music Scene is really good, there are lots of opportunities for small and big bands- lots of venue choices in the area.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest release is our debut self-titled album, released digitally through Wormholedeath back in November 2019.
‘Reaper Of The Night’ Lyric Video
Who have been your greatest influences?
Our biggest influences are Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Witchfinder General, Motörhead and Iron Maiden. A lot of NWOBHM is present in our sound, as well as a sprinkling of old-school doom elements found in bands like Trouble, Pentagram and St Vitus.
What first got you into music?
My Dad raised me on Heavy Metal. He took me to see Iron Maiden when I was 7 which was my first concert, I loved it. And that was it for me.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Working on a track with Tony Iommi or any of the Judas Priest guys would be insane!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I would love to play either Bloodstock festival or Download festival either of them would be awesome.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
We really appreciate your support and we can’t wait to get back out there gigging, writing and releasing more music for you. Support local bands and small venues, they are the backbone of the music scene, especially in these strange times.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
That’s a hard one, there are too many. If I was to choose one, probably John Bonham, I would love to see him play live.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Seeing people in the crowd having fun listening to our music. The thing I hate most is moving my kit about.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Smaller bands getting more opportunities, and ending pay-to-play gigs.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
There’s so many again; “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son” by Iron Maiden. I can keep listening to that over and over.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Physical copies I’d say are better for supporting bands. But for ease, definitely downloads. I prefer CD’s and vinyl over anything.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We put on a show at a local venue at home with a couple bands we are friends with. It got off to a terrible start, with PA problems meaning we had to hire some speakers last minute, delaying the gig. It was a cellar venue at the top of a pub, and we played in the middle of summer. The place was completely packed, and the crowd were so up for it after waiting for ages. Due to the volume, we had to keep the windows shut throughout. Have never felt heat like It. That one stands out a lot for me.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Woodworking probably as I love making things.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Rob Halford, Nicko McBrain, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Steve Harris.
What’s next for the band?
Gigging, writing, jamming. Getting ourselves out there as much as we can, promoting the album and getting up and down the country.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
We are on most of the online streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music. We also use Facebook and Instagram to let people know about gigs and up and coming news.
www.instagram.com/kursk.band/
www.facebook.com/Kurskmusic/
www.spotify.com/album/0EKVKXBeoqTJxfXCZaIpeu
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Cake because it’s not hard like a biscuit and also it has cake in the name.
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