Interview: Medusa Touch

Interview completed by Gogsy, Medusa Touch

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

My family is really musical. It was very natural to join in. I’m from a very large family too so lots of singers and musicians. Especially around Xmas and New Year, our house was always bouncing. As far as what I would have done if I didn’t have music, No Idea, genuinely No Idea :-)

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

If I’m not at work, I am always doing something related to the band or setting up a guitar. Creativity comes from playing guitar and the topics explored in the songs generally come from what's on the news.

How long has your band been around?

We started in 1982, played till about 1991 then got back together again in 2019.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Based in Edinburgh Scotland. I used to be a snare drummer in a Pipeband (you know what a pipe band is right). Now some people say that there bits and pieces in the music that sound like the tunes pipe bands play. It wasn’t intentional but I do see it.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

Back in 1982 we were searching for a name, all 5 of the band had a different first choice and we all had Medusa Touch as a second choice. So ht was it. The name was one of our first songs based on the film.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

Best Show – had to be one of the gigs at Preservation Hall in Edinburgh, we had loads of gigs there. Worst one  can't really recall anyone being that bad really.

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?

In another band, I played with I was fortunate enough to play at CBGB’s in New York. That has to be at the top of the list. In terms of still to play, Id love to do the traditional rock venues, Whiskey in LA, Trillians – Newcastle, there are hundreds hehehehe

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

Easy one – Iron Maiden, Anthrax and Accept.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Enjoy it. They are already in a band, they wanted that, so enjoy it. Do it for what you love. Don’t go for the glory, that will come, just embrace the whole experience, when you look back there will be loads and loads of excellent memories and friends.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

I don't think I would change a thing. I think I have enjoyed the past till now, don’t change it.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Probably Terror Eyes, because of the subject matter. The topic holds true to this day

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

To play I enjoy Man In Black, but the one called for was usually Chokin’ on Blood

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Jamming always produced the basic riffs that the song is written around. Once that has been kicked around for a while I usually add the vocal melody just singing any old jibberish. Then I’ll go home read the news and form the song around something meaningful. That's the process.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

That’s not the kind of band we are. There are no messages really. We don’t preach

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Because of our age, we are adult enough to chat through issues without ever falling out. We all like the same thing so these disagreements don't really feature that often.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

Keep gigging, record a new album. Material is all ready to go. We are just about to tour Scotland on November 19 and we have a few festivals lined up for 2020.