What inspired you to become a musician?
Terrance: My dad is a muso so there was a lot of gigs and music at home growing up. We started gigging together when I was quite young.
Ben: I always took piano lessons from kindergarten. Then, in year 6, my grade needed a bass player for their farewell piece. I was chucked on the bass with zero knowledge and loved it. My brother plays guitar and convinced me to get a bass starter kit that Christmas. All throughout high school I was surrounded by music, like-minded people and playing in various bands.
Who is your favourite/inspiring artist and why?
Terrance: Luther Vandross is a fav. And I’m a bit Mariah obsessed.
Ben: Local legend Justin Ngariki. He can play anything and is a great human.
Who is your go-to artist or what is your go-to playlist on spotify?
Terrance: Ministry of sound have some cool 80’s soul playlists
Ben: I like a lot of hip-hop and neo soul so probably J Dilla is my go to artist. I like a playlist called “butter”. “Yacht Rock” is another good playlist.
First concert that made the biggest impression?
Terrance: I was so excited for Disney on ice as a kid that I ran straight into the glass sliding doors and split my head open. Definitely left an impression.
Ben: Tie between John Fogerty at Bimbadgen & Bruce Springsteen at Hanging Rock
Most amazing gig moment you’ve had?
Terrance: some of my most fun performance moments was performing at Starstruck in high school.
Ben: Back in my marching band days getting to tour US & Canada performing at Disney world, Calgary Stampede & Rose Bowl Parade… The rose parade march was about 12km long through Pasadena L.A, and I was wearing a bass drum haha!
Most embarrassing gig moment you’ve had?
Terrance: vomiting on stage after a bug flew in my mouth. Fun times.
Ben: Tie between ripping my pants doing a big rockin’ stage jump/ninja kick and donating my underwear to a hens party scavenger hunt. Both at Harrigans Irish Pub. Separate nights thank god.
What are you working on at the moment?
Terrance: adding more bangers to our rep
Ben: Amy Vee 90’s show, Grace Aberhart’s new band, a funk band called “motherfunk” with some friends, and a punky original band called Dirty Marshall with Murph and Duncan Brown… I’m always learning songs for weddings etc. Teaching music. Also running the Newcastle gig guide group on FB “Let’s Talk Gigs”
What is the career milestone you have reached so far that got you really excited?
Ben: Making a living from music! Also doing the Speers Point Carols last year was a fantastic experience.
Terrance: I second Ben, the carols was really fun to do again. I would perform at Christmas Carols all year round if I could.
What other milestones are you aiming to reach?
Terrance: improving my average guitar skills
Ben: Further tertiary education, becoming a marriage celebrant and learning how to DJ