Interview Just One Fix

In this exclusive interview, we dive into the creative process behind Just One Fix's upcoming EP, "Submit or Death." The band reflects on their evolution, live performances, and the impact of iconic collaborations, offering a glimpse into their unique sound and global resonance.

1. Congratulations on the upcoming release of your EP, 'Submit or Death.' Can you share some insights into the creative process and inspiration behind this new record?
Sure! We recorded with Dave Rhodes at his studio in Whitianga which is a beach town, we had a great time recording with Dave. Great location and he really makes you think differently about your songs. We wrote this EP over a few years and interupted by Covid, in terms inspiration Gods & Devils, the first single is based on a tenet of Denis Diderot ( French Philosipher) which is Man will never be free until the last King is strangled with the entrails of the last Priest.

2. With three full-length albums under your belt, how would you describe the evolution of Just One Fix's sound from your groove/thrash roots to the incorporation of death and doom metal elements?
I think the first album was straight ahead thrash and going back it was quite formulaic, our rhythm section changed for the 2nd record and there was more of a Lamb of God vibe bought by those guys and now with Ross on drums from a Death Metal background and with tastes changing things have got more progressive, you can hear the Doom/Death elements.

3. The band has had the opportunity to share the stage with iconic acts like Sepultura, Megadeth, Korn, and many more. How have these experiences influenced Just One Fix's musical journey and live performances?
It's great watching real Pro's do their job and we've learnt a lot aboput performance and preparation.

4. Your first single from the upcoming EP, 'Gods & Devils,' is set to release soon. What can fans expect from this track, and how does it represent the overall theme or direction of 'Submit or Death'?
It's about rejecting old thinking and control and I guess that's an over arching theme for the record. We don't need a Sky Daddy to give us a moral code, Religon is just a control tactic so it's about that.

5. Can you delve into the significance of the EP's title, 'Submit or Death,' and how it ties into the themes explored in the music?
It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees - that's an old saying and pretty much says everything about this record.

6. Just One Fix has been featured on various radio stations, TV, and compilation albums globally. How do you think your music resonates with audiences around the world, and what sets your sound apart from other metal bands?
Great question, I think we are equally inspired by the European and US Thrash scenes plus you add in Death metal bands like Entombed and Obituary as well as stuff like Danzing/Misfits - it's a great soup and has it's own flavour.

7. The band has been described as a "thrash metal god in New Zealand" by www.cultmongerszine.com. How do you feel about this recognition, and how has the local scene in New Zealand influenced your music?
Hahaha yeah what a quote! Loved that review. Subtract were a great band who are no longer together but they are still my favourite NZ band ever and I think the fact that they kind of defied description was important and we have taken some of that. Are we Groove metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal - not one of those things but all of them to some extent.

8. You've played numerous live shows, building a reputation for crushing performances. What do you believe sets a Just One Fix live show apart, and how do you connect with your audience during performances?
You just have to pour your soul into shows - everything you have put it out there. I like to look people in the eye as we are playing and when I come off stage be completey fucked.

9. The promotional videos for your music play a significant role in reaching a broader audience. Can you discuss the creative process behind producing these videos and how they contribute to the overall storytelling of your music?
The Proxy God video was the brainchild of our old drummer but he really followed the lyrics to an extent but in a more literal sense. The artwork used in Gods & Devils was designed by Indium Design. They did a great job taking a Roman god statue and covering it with a Japanese devil mask - very clever.

10. How has the band's dynamic changed or evolved over the years, both in terms of musical collaboration and personal growth within the group?

Sharne and I (Riccardo vocalist) have been in the band together since 2003 I think and Ant our bass player was with use til 2007 but then left and came back into the fold around 2015 so we kind of have a intuition about what the others expect when writing and Ross who has been with us for 3 years or so clicked really quickly.

11. The quote from www.stefmetal.com mentions the crowd's enthusiastic response to your shows. How does the energy of the audience impact your performance, and do you have any memorable moments from live shows that stand out?
Probably opening for Hellyeah in 2007, the place was packed and inbetween each song I would start a chant of "Hellyeah" and the crowd loved it - it was fucking loud! As a support band you have to think about your job, get the crowd up for the main band while still delivering your best show. The Hellyeah boys appreciated it and we ended up partying with them til sun up.

12. In the current metal landscape, what challenges and opportunities do you see for emerging bands like Just One Fix, and how do you navigate them?

Touring is more expensive and being in New Zealand we are about as far away from the rest of the world as we can be so that is tough so we have explored live online shows and things like that. Covid taught us that was doable so it was good for something!

13. As a band with a strong live presence, how have you adapted to changes in the music industry, especially considering the impact of technology on both recording and live performances?

We haven't really, no backing tracks, minimal effects outside of pedal boards - we are old school in that way - what you hear me scream/roar/sing on stage is all me.

14. Looking back at your musical journey, what are some pivotal moments or decisions that have shaped Just One Fix into the band it is today?

 I hate to say it but kicking out our old bass player who at the time was battling a few demons propelled us forward and allowed us to tighten up, write and record.

15. With the new EP on the horizon, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of Just One Fix, both musically and in terms of reaching a wider audience?

We are already writing for the next EP but we want to play to as many people as possible and have as many as possible have Just One Fix t shirts in their closet and in their ears.

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