Jarrod Medwin – Massive

Massive are one of those bands who seemingly could slip beneath the radar for many (and I’m not going to lie, I was included in this for a little while), but on that same point, behind the scenes, this Melbourne-based four-piece have been at it strong since 2012; earning a fine reputation. Within six months of their inception, Massive were playing showcase events in Los Angeles, and from there, went on to sign with music management company, Third Verse. It wasn’t long before Massive signed with and became a part of the roster with legendary UK label, Earache Records. Massive further secured the cover of Classic Rock Magazine in 2014 for their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Full Throttle’, and have since performed a number of times in both the US and Europe.

In Massive’s own words, “The idea with this band from day one was always to push as hard as we could and not waste any time.” Further stating, “We’ve been in bands where you play the shitty Tuesday night gig at the local bar. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that and it’s an important part of learning and growing as a musician, but this band was about touring, releasing albums, getting our music heard all around the world. I think so far we’ve stuck to our guns and have earned a reputation as a pretty hard working band. And we’re only just getting started!”

Metal Obsession recently caught up with Massive’s drummer, Jarrod Medwin, to discuss the band’s new album, ‘Destination Somewhere’, their influences and the roller coaster that has been their career so far, and touring Australia this year in promotion of the record. Starting first with ‘Destination Somewhere’, Massive explained the initial drive behind the album for them: “Well, we didn’t really think too much about what this album ‘should’ sound like or whether we needed to take the band in a slightly new direction. These are just the songs we’d been writing over the past 12 months or so. From hostels in Nuremberg to the back of the van driving across outback Australia, this is what and who we are right now. Destination Somewhere, as an album title, reflects that perfectly I think.”

I noted how Massive’s music brings a fresh sensibility to the genre of rock, while still clearly honouring those bands that have come before them. With the likes of bluesy tones, the occasional cowbell, chant-worthy choruses, and just all-out pounding rock, there are a number of influences and sounds that pepper the ‘Destination Somewhere’ record. I was curious to know if each member of the band contributed something of themselves to this record, creating this sense of musical diversity; or whether it was a more organic process that occurred? “I would say it’s a combination of the two. It really depends on the song. Some of the songs were written pretty much entirely by one person (then the other guys kinda come in and add their parts and their flavour). Other songs were like big group jams where we were all in the room and just mucking around on riffs and all collaborated on the whole arrangement of a song.”

Talking of their influences next, “We all have really wide ranges of tastes in our music,” Medwin said. “As a band I’d say the likes of Led Zeppelin, GnR, Aerosmith, the Stones are huge influences. But from there we have our own unique influences as musicians so when we bring all that in it turns out sounding like Massive.”

Massive have just begun their Australian tour, last Saturday launching ‘Destination Somewhere’ at the Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne. Now out on the road supporting prime Australian rock act, The Screaming Jets, I asked what the band are most looking forward to with these shows? “We did a big tour with the Jets last year and it was great getting out on the road and playing to a lot of new people that hadn’t seen us before. So we’re looking forward to catching up with all of our friends on the road and no doubt meeting plenty of new ones! And of course the Jets are absolute Aussie rock legends so it’ll be great hanging out with those boys again and having a drink with them. They’re one of the best live acts in the country!”

‘Destination Somewhere’, out now via Third Verse / Earache Records

Where does Massive see themselves going next, both in terms of their music and the band in general? “Europe is happening later in the year, we have a few shows booked with plenty more in the works. Then after that I’d say back to the States, then after that who the hell knows! Wherever there’s a pub with beer, we’ll be there! As for the music, we’re just gonna keep writing music and songs about what we’re doing and who we are. Could go heavier, could go acoustic, could write a folk-rnb-blues-jazz-soul-metal album. Who the hell knows!”

Before we wrapped, I asked if Medwin had any last words he and the band would to offer their fans? “Keep coming to shows! Keep buying records, not just ours, but all the bands you love. We all need your support now more than ever before! If you like a band, pay your money and go see them, and tell all your friends to come with you. And let’s all get drunk together afterwards!”

Massive are heading out on tour soon with The Screaming Jets. Don’t miss out! Tickets available through the venues.

You can also purchase your copy of ‘Destination Somewhere’ now via Massive’s official website.

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