Interview Moose Wrench

Welcome to our interview with the band Moose Wrench! Discover the quirky origin of their name, their unique blend of "existential dad-bod alt-metal," and the humorous yet profound themes in their music. Get ready to rock with Moose Wrench!

1. Can you tell us about the origin of the band name "Moose Wrench" and its significance to your music?
Once upon a time, there was an experimental music promoter called Moose Factory in London and Leeds. Also once upon a time, there was a Leeds and Manchester experimental promoter called Monkey Wrench. Moose Factory and Monkey Wrench got together and became Moose Wrench. The promotion side of things eventually ceased and has now been resurrected as the musical expression of Dr. Moose/Dr. Dan.
2Your band's description mentions being "lost souls from the dark places betwixt time and space." How does this concept influence your music and lyrical themes?
It doesn’t. I was just being a knob.
3. "Existential dad-bod alt-metal" is a unique genre description. Could you elaborate on how you blend these elements to create your distinctive sound?
It’s more alt-core now. This version of Moose Wrench is all about aging and how seeing your kids grow up and your parents die affects your outlook on life. Some people decide to find meaning for themselves by buying things they can’t afford, and some get divorces and some just get depressed. We decided to rock.
4.Your upcoming album is titled "Not Dead Yet." What's the story behind this intriguing name, and how does it relate to the themes of your music?
As above really. We’re not dead yet, so rock on.

5. Your latest single has generated a lot of interest. Can you provide some insight into the creative process behind this track and its connection to the upcoming album?
I just thought it would a be funny thing to do…covering The Ting Ting’s Not My Name. No one saw that coming. Which is a Moose Wrench trait.
6. Mid-life suffering seems to be a recurring theme in your music. How do you channel these experiences into your songs, and what message do you hope to convey to listeners?
It’s not really suffering, I suppose. I was being dramatic. It’s all about speeding up rather than slowing down, by doing more rather than less, and doing it loudly rather than quietly. Being older doesn’t need to be quiet exit stage left.
7. The band consists of Dr. Dan, Mr. Dan, and Dan Jr. Could you share a bit about how each member's unique contributions shape Moose Wrench's overall sound?
All pretty obvious, really. Everyone plays a different instrument really, really well, and together we kick some ass.
8. Leaving the Nevada desert and landing in Leeds is quite the journey. How has this change in environment influenced your musical style and creative approach?
All I can say is don’t believe everything you read.
9. Your music embraces humor and satire, evident in themes like "poor driving" and "man flu." How do you balance these lighthearted elements with the deeper, existential themes you explore?
The music, at its heart, is about existential midlife crises, but surely it’s better do deal with these laughing. So it’s a serious topic, but a funny way of dealing with it.

10. The fanbase for Moose Wrench is growing steadily. How do you connect with your listeners, and what do you think draws them to your music?
We’re not the best at social media…we’re old! If any youngster wants the job, it’s yours. We connect the best by performing, as it should be.
11. Your band bio mentions "carving out a distinctive niche." In a world of diverse musical styles, how do you ensure your sound remains fresh and stands out from the crowd?
Being true to our inner weirdness.
12.The combination of keytar, bass, and drums is intriguing. How did you settle on this particular lineup, and how does it contribute to your genre-blending approach?
Dr. Dan has a voracious musical appetite and has absorbed and played everything from Baroque organ to extreme noise terror. Mr. Dan has had a similarly weird trajectory. Dan Jr. still has his whole life ahead of him. Anyway, we have so many musical idioms that we love and are familiar with to mix and match in our music that the blending is natural. As for the line up, we wanted a power trio but Dr. Dan is much better at keyboard than guitar, and he wanted to jump around and terrorise audiences, hence the keytar.
13. Your music videos often feature visually striking and surreal elements. What role does visual art play in enhancing your listeners' experience of your music?
Our style is decidedly Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, so everything is informed by that. Hectic, surreal and quick.

14. As you continue to evolve as a band, how do you envision the trajectory of Moose Wrench's music and themes?
Our next focus will be on dance. This was what makes us shout. We want to find out what makes us dance. We will still most likely still be shouting, I imagine…
15. The band's journey has been quite unconventional, from fleeing flying monkeys to landing in Leeds. How has this adventurous backstory influenced your approach to creating and performing music?
If you were chased by flying monkeys and ended up in Leeds as a result, what else would you do?
16. Lastly, what can your fans look forward to in the near future, and is there anything else you'd like to share about Moose Wrench's upcoming projects or endeavors?
Moose Wrench is here to continue to blur the boundaries between sense and nonsense; awesome and ridiculous; old and young. That is our mission and long shall it continue.
We’re next playing at Spinning Top in Stockport on Sep 17 and the Parish in Huddersfield on Sep 28.
See you there!

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Not Dead Yet | Moose Wrench (bandcamp.com)