Interview with Caleb Webb from Brainwave
introduce yourself and tell us what bands you have been a part of?
Kia ora, My name is Caleb I’m currently playing bass in the hardcore/thrash band from Poneke Brainwave. Before that I was part of a band called bite down in high school.
Tell us about your introduction to hardcore and what bands were around at that time?
I got into hardcore through Christian metalcore bands like underoath. I started going to shows from around 2009. Bands like Trapped under ice, expire, backtrack and soul search were my go to for hardcore but I was also really into basement, title fight, ceremony and stray from the path.
What is Existence productions and how did it form?
Existence productions is a name I use for the digital archiving project I’m running. The main goal is simple: Make NZHC more accessible to how people are listening to music today.
A lot of good NZ music has come out of this scene and I think it needed to be put in a place where it’s easier to access. Since most people don’t download and organise their music collection anymore.
We’re coming up close to a year of this project and we’ve already got over 30,000 listens on tracks. I think that shows that people want to listen to the music NZ has made.
Any future goals for Brainwave and will we see any international tours?
We’re currently writing music and just having fun. We’re down to play where you’ll have us. We’ve currently only had the chance to play in Poneke. So I would love to play in some other cities around NZ.
How does the d.i.y attitude help you as a musician?
Keeps things fun, and cheap. No need to rent out that fancy recording studio in the coromandel for months to record your album with a producer. Gives everyone the freedom to try what they want to do.
Describe the current Wellington hardcore scene?
Glowing. Everyone here is lovely and we’ve got some great bands around and in the works.
If there was one New Zealand band you wish you could have seen live, who would it have been?
Not a hardcore band but I wish I’d seen Coate. live they’re a sick emo band.
Top 5 albums that influence you musically?
Man that’s a tough question to choose 5. But I’ll give it a go.
Floral Green - Title Fight
S/T - Joyce Manor
Songs to Scream at the Sun - Have Heart
Colourmeinkindness - Basement
Define the great line - Underoath
What improvements would you like to see in nzhc and why?
Apart from the real lack of international acts coming to NZ over the past years. I would love to see more consistent shows and some more venues around. I would also love it if shows ended by 12am please and thank you.
Any shout outs, last words, or advice for up and coming youth doing bands in nz?
Have fun, write music, play shows and hit me up if you want help putting it up on streaming services.