Interview with Astro Lizard

Hello there, nice to have you on Volatile Weekly! What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music, what would you be doing today?

I never learned music growing up, however I was always fascinated by the 90s music, the beats, the melodies, and the visuals. That interest grew to the point I had to pick up a guitar and see if I could be any good at it, and let me tell you, it was magical!!!!

Music is a core part of who I am, but if I have to replace it and do something else, i'll probably go into writing as an alternate creativity and creation channel.

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

Whenever I am not playing or writing music, I try not to engage in anything creative. Cool down so to speak. I continue to listen to music however, specifically 60 and 70s music of all genres. It's there that I find my inspiration both thematically and musically.

How long has your band been around?

Astro Lizard is a young project. It started in 2022.

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

I am based out of Saudi Arabia. Coming from a middle eastern background, artistically speaking, that left me craving more old western music that I felt I had missed out on. I continue to immerse myself in "classics' ' and am super inspired by how artists were able to make great music , such a long time ago.

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

This project was meant to be light hearted, playful and fun. I wanted to make music but not have to conform to any expectations, such as solos on every track, or complex arrangements and technical playing. I also like interesting names, that's how all my projects and tracks start. With something that feels a bit random, possibly ambiguous but at the same time can have depth if you look closer at it.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Coming from the middle east, I played shows in countries with very small and unexpected rock and metal scenes. In spite of the risk that nobody shows up, I am continuously surprised at how many rockers are out there.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

With few shows under our belts regionally , i can't really say which venue is best. I do hope to be able to play in Europe and the US.

If you could play any show with any line-up, who would be on the ticket?

That's a hard question... I'd probably go with Rival sons, and Dirty honey. That would be amazing!!

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

Consistency is key. Little progress everyday goes a very long way. Waiting for the right time to come will get you nowhere.

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

Never doubt yourself. Never let other people's choices impact what you want to do. Some things in music look like they have very high walls from afar. Never be afraid to look at them from a closer distance to see that those walls were not high after all.

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

It's a hard pick. I feel that Thick Skin is the most applicable most of the time. Having the thick skin to go through the hardships of life without backing off or giving up on what you want, no matter what!

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

Seems like “light the wick” is the most requested. The bluesy aspect of the song seems to hit a chord with people around me. As for the favorite to play, id probably go with “Bad Karma”. Its just a kick ass tune!

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

I start off by setting the title of the album or song I want to write. That then becomes my north star and dictates what kind of lyrical theme, or vibe that song has. The rest becomes easy from that point on.

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

It's music for everybody. Its about love ,loss, and triumph. Something everybody can take and make their own.

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

Thankfully that doesn't happen, I am the main creative power behind the project. I do take feedback from the band members tho.

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

We plan on taking the project to the road and play regional shows. Then use that momentum to go beyond the middle east hopefully.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

All of the connections are here :https://linktr.ee/astrolizard