iRock: TORCH LE MONDE
posted in: By Genres • Features • Rock
Every week I search for an artist within the Rock Channels that show enough ambition and promise to break into the national market. However, this week I found a band looking to impact the global rock ‘n’ roll market. The Australian group TORCH LE MONDE is stirring up some buzz and show no indication of slowing down. Having one of their songs used at the Nightmare Wrestling “Death Match” as well as guitarist Joel McDonald’s feature in Australian Guitar Magazine, TLM lands publicity that few young bands are able to secure. With the their new single “You,” showcasing a strong hook with a solid solo in the bridge, TLM is embarking on a tour to prepare for their upcoming debut album release. Check out their music below and be sure to stop by their OurStage page to see if they’re playing a show near you. My fellow iRockers, this is a band you should keep an eye on.
I was able to catch up with TORCH LE MONDE for a Q&A.
Enjoy!
IW First off, how did you guys come up with your name, TORCH LE MONDE?
TLM We wanted something original and exotic sounding. It was the first title that really stuck with us when we were throwing around band names.
IW How would you describe Sydney’s music scene?
TLM Pretty lame to be honest. More and more venues have closed down, and there seems to be far more trendy indie bands than real rock n roll bands.
IW With Twitter, Myspace, and other sites, you guys manage to maintain an international fan base. How does social networking aid in your progression as a band?
TLM It plays a massive role in staying connected with fans we have made overseas. America is still very Myspace oriented, whereas Australia is pretty much all Facebook now. Social networking keeps people aware of a bands existence, but doesn’t mean they are going to like you. That depends purely on the songs and the live shows.
IW I’ve heard your live performances are amazingly chaotic. How do you prepare for shows?
TLM Rehearse live and loud for a couple of weeks leading up. Then on the night of the shows, it’s all about red-bull and beers and leaving all our inhibitions at the door for an hour or so!
IW Since your last EP, you’ve been through a lot. What all went into your upcoming debut album? How is it reconnecting with Anton Hagop who produced your ˜Eat The Words’ EP?
TLM Getting back with Anton has been the best. We went with someone else not to long ago, and got burned pretty badly by that experience. Reconnecting with Anton got us excited again, because we are all completely on the same page musically and personally.
IW What can fans expect on the upcoming release?
TLM We’ve got the single “You”, which we are very happy with, and an acoustic version of a song we have been doing live for about 6mths called “God only knows” which we recorded live. It was done after two takes. It came out killer.
IW I saw Joel was featured in February’s issue of Australian Guitar Magazine, first off congratulations! How were you able to land such a great spot for yourself? How has it impacted TLM thus far?
TLM The guys (editor/contributors) had been to a few of our shows after they heard about the band, when we met afterwards, they asked to do a feature on me. Anyone who has been to a TLM show knows that the guitars can get pretty ridiculous (ha-ha), so the feature was great in spreading awareness of the band.
IW You guys are definitely getting many great opportunities like being the theme song for the Nightmare Wrestling Death Match. How was it playing at a wrestling match? Did you get a chance to partake at all? (You know, use a metal chair, throw some elbows?)
TLM That was a hilarious night, we were asked to participate in the wrestling part funnily enough, and ironically I went “too far” when I spat on the announcer, in what I thought would be great for the story line!
IW The upcoming release of your single ˜You’ is approaching quite quickly. Have you guys been working hard preparing for the tour to support this? How has that been going?
TLM Yeah, it’s been great. We’ve been rehearsing hard and looking forward to the shows. We can’t wait!
IW You guys are a great example of a DIY band that is really making waves. What are some tips you can give to young aspiring musicians?
TLM Play live a lot wherever you can. That’s really the only way to develop as a band. Keep writing and playing new material, even if it sounds crappy – eventually you’ll come up with something good.
TLM Can’t wait to see everyone at the shows. Peace!