26th March, 2023
Your last release, “The Bones That Grew From Pain”, was produced by the band. How did that decision come about?
At the time it was during Covid and everywhere was locked down. So we couldn’t travel far. We didn’t have many options but to do it ourselves.
Are you against using an external producer?
Not at all! It’s definitely something we have planned for future releases.
How was the album received by the metal community?
It’s been great! A lot of good reviews and feedback. It’s definitely opened up the door to more touring and international interest.
How would you personally describe NCF’s sound?
I think it’s a good combination of hardcore, death metal and some thrash thrown in. We all come from different musical backgrounds and blend it all together.
How did you first discover and get into metal?
My dad got me into heavy music from a very young age and it was something we bonded over. So my love for it grew over the years and made want to explore it. It’s been a big part of my life for a long time.
Who were/ are your music heroes? Who inspired you to want to play metal?
Growing up, I’d probably have to go with Max Cavalera (Sepultura), and Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman (Slayer) for musical heroes. I fell in love with bands like Kiss, Pantera and even Slipknot. They inspired me to want to start a band from a young age.
Was there a defining moment that made you decide to play guitar? How did you learn to play?
It was something I was always interested in, but at first I really wanted to play drums. When I was 15 I had a bad bike crash and smashed my leg up real bad, so my dad bought me guitar to keep me occupied while I was at home mending. It all started from there and I taught myself. I think my love for heavy music from a young age definitely helped me learn to write music.
Were your parents supportive of your choice to play an instrument, and play in a band?
Absolutely, they’ve always been my biggest supporters and to this day will come to any shows we play close to them.
How often do you get to practice as a band?
We try and practice once a week. Usually more leading into a tour.
Do you write/ record your own music at all?
Yeah I write all the riffs and myself and our drummer Matt will put together all the tracks.
Your favourite songs to play live?
It always changes, but in a live setting Black Jackal, and Shrine of Wire always crush skulls.
How often do you practice your instrument?
I try to practice as much as I can! At least a few times a week. Usually a mixture of songs in the set and new stuff I’m working on.
How are your songs conceived? From jamming ideas at practice, working individually, music first then words, etc…?
I usually write a new song, film it and send it to the other guys.
What artists, old or new, are you listening to currently?
Currently, I’ve been enjoying Frozen Soul, and Judiciary. Both great bands.
What have been some of your most memorable shows to date?
The last few have been incredible. Our first hometown show in 3 years was huge! Never seen so many stage dives in one set. The energy was crazy. Our set at Froth and Fury festival was amazing. Playing to a few thousand people was so much fun.
What jobs do you have when you aren’t playing with NCF?
I’m a body piercer, and have my own studio.
Is it hard to juggle work and a touring schedule? Are your employers ok with you taking leave to tour?
It was definitely hard when we first started out. No one had much money to do anything. But I’ve worked now to a point where I run my own business and it means I can take time off to tour and there’s no dramas.
Worst touring experience?
Every tour has its up and downs! Long drives, not much sleep. Shitty hotels. But you always make the most of it and remember that not everyone will get that experience so don’t take it for granted, and always look at the positives. If the worst part of my day was sitting in a van for 10 hours with my friends. I’ve had a pretty good day!
What’s the last show you saw that you weren’t playing at?
I just saw Gatecreeper, and Undeath last weekend! Incredible bands.
What do you do in your free time? Hobbies outside of music?
I’m a father of two boys. My spare time means time with them. I love to draw, and enjoy horror movies as well.
Specifically, what gear do you play? Guitars, amps, pedals, strings/ gauges, picks? Any endorsements?
I’m a lefty guitarist. So my choices in guitars has always been slim. But I’ve been using ESP guitars the last 5 years and I love their stuff. I use a Peavey 6505+ and an orange cab. 12-60 D’Addario guitar strings. Very simple setup but crushing live. I’m endorsed by InTune guitar picks.
Cats – lovable family members or Satan’s spawn?
We had a cat growing up that acted like a dog. That was the only cat I liked.
Who’s your bucket list artist to tour with?
Way too many, but definitely Hatebreed, or Sepultura.
Who designs your artwork for releases, shirts, tour posters? Do you use the same designer each time? Do you dabble in the design aspect yourselves?
It definitely varies depending who put together the tour, but for merch designs we’ve used Thrashwolf a fair bit. He’s a good friend from Melbourne. I have ideas, but usually get someone else to do them.
What does 2023 have in store for Nicolas Cage Fighter, and Justin Ellis?
More touring! Hit some places we’ve never been, and get stuck into recording the new album!
