Interview with Ivar & The Horde

Tell us about the new charity single ‘Arcade Paradise’. 

• KP – This is the title song from the soundtrack to the computer game ARCADE PARADISE, and because of the rebellious nature of the message, representing the backstory of the main character Ashley, it seemed fitting that we should use this track to promote the charity SAFE IN OUR WORLD. 

• STU - The themes of dysfunction, anxiety and inner struggles are common amongst those suffering from mental health issues and this charity in particular focuses on the need for support of people in the gaming community who may be affected.

What is the message behind ‘Arcade Paradise’?

• KP – Although it just seems like a rant at authority, the main message is to find your own path and trust your instincts. It’s a positive message of self-empowerment, Reap what you sow.

• STU - “Arcade Paradise” is an anthem. It is a very honest and pure expression of the desire to grow beyond the confines of your situation and to take back your destiny

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

• KP - I’m based in Brighton but originally from Essex, and I put the Arcade Paradise music together from my first-hand experiences and influences from the early 90s. I was a fan of Rage Against The Machine (saw their first UK show in 1992), Nine Inch Nails, and most energetic music mixing big beats and heavy guitars and synths. I was also a fan of strong yet dark female vocal tracks, bands/artists like Sneaker Pimps, Portishead, Tricky & Martina Topley-Bird and Björk were on heavy rotation in the 90s.

• STU - I was born in the UK but spent most my life in Texas. Hiphop and punk rock were the only things I cared about growing up. I identified greatly with underground music that seemed to have much more diversity and passion than any popular music. Denton TX had/has an extremely versatile mix of musicians and bands and the influence that comes with seeing live music all the time is hard to deny. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

• KP - Me personally, I’ve been spoilt rotten with top level gig experiences with The Prodigy – from Rock Am Ring to Fuji Rock to a gig set up on the Beirut ceasefire line. Other memorable gigs were with early transit van tours with my underground bands REALTV and later DEAD KIDS, punk, raw, chaotic and proper belly laughs.

• STU - Recently it was the Arcade Paradise gig. That was such a fun experience with the whole team. However I had a gig years ago in Texas for the Oaktopia music festival at Andy’s Bar. That gig was so over the top and so incredibly packed and that was when I knew that live music was always going to be in my life. Playing all my own Stu Brootal stuff has been a massive blessing and with all the new music coming up I’m very excited as the best gigs are yet to come!

•  KP  - I noticed that this interview is for myself, Stu and Ivar & The Horde. At this point I need to set the record straight, Ivar & The Horde are a fictious band, brought to life for the Arcade Paradise video and game launch by Stu (Ivar) and good friends of mine, Carmen Mellino (bass player for new Brighton band Belmondo), Maxine Cahill (guitarist for CrashFace & The Ramonas) & Camille Phillips (drummer for The Subways). At the game launch Io Kaloudi (bass player from Brighton) stepped in as Carmen was at home in France.

  Each track on the Arcade Paradise soundtrack is attributed to a fictitious band in 1993.

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

• KP - I’d love to do a show where I guest with a load of friends with their bands like WARGASM, STU BROOTAL, BAMBIE THUG & BELMONDO

• SB- I have to agree with Kieron.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music?

• KP - Have fun, find like-minded souls, persevere.

• STU - If it feels good do it. Ignore the big egos, they aren’t as cool as you think.
  If you need to soul search then do it and don’t feel bad but never let what you love slip through your fingers… be open and explore every opportunity! 

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

• KP - Stick to your guns, believe in yourself, raise your game.

• STU - I’m exactly where I wanna be at this time and wouldn’t change much. I probably wouldn’t listen to me even if I did go back in time haha.
  But… I’d tell myself to study more and loosen up my grip on who I think I am. Go with the flow and let your light shine unclouded by judgement.