Primacy are a 5-piece alternative metal band from West Auckland. They incorporate a groove-metal base with other elements of hard rock, progressive metal and a twist of blues flavour.
In 2018 Primacy underwent a line-up change, which naturally resulted in a stylistic shift in the sound of the band. The songs, along with production took on more of a natural, raw sound, and dropped the death metal hints in favour of a more hardcore tinged sound – whilst still retaining the progressive and blues elements as foundations in the music.
The band consists of Rhys Saran (vocals), Adrian Brausch (guitar), Jared Tobin (guitar), Sadeer Kattan (bass) and Will Stairmand (drums).
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CHECK OUT OUR CATCH-UP WITH JARED BELOW:
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1. Happy NZ Music Month! How did you initially get into creating music?
I started playing guitar really young which eventually led to experimenting with writing music as a teenager, and joining bands playing originals. That led to wanting to record it, so I went to SAE straight after school. A few bands and 10 years later here I am! It’s something that will always be part of my life no matter what.
2. Tell us about your inspirations & motivations?
Music for me is genre-less, I’ll listen to and love anything that makes me feel something. In particular I like music with “teeth” that hits me harder than the norm and challenges me to expand my taste. I write music primarily for myself as an expression of thoughts and feelings, but hope that it’ll move someone that same way that my favourite music moves me.
3. What have you been up to in this lockdown and how has it affected you?
I’ve been pretty busy organising Primacy’s album release so it’s been great having some extra time at home to focus on that. Creatively it’s been very tough fighting off the distractions. I’m looking forward to being able to have band practice again and making some noise.
4. What do you think of the NZ music scene?
There are so many talented artists making great music. Unfortunately a lot of them don’t get the notice they deserve. The underground scene is built on the direct support of those involved. Artists, listeners, venues and media all play a pivotal role. It’s so important to be a positive part of the community and actively help to build each other up. There’s very little support in the commercial area of NZ music except for a few chosen artists, so growth of the underground scene has to come from a grassroots approach. Buy local music and merch! There’s going to be a drought of international gigs for a while so when the gates reopen for local shows, head out there and get amongst it.
5. Goal board time – where would you like to see yourself in a years time?
Back to regular gigging and a few more records under my belt for sure!
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Seeds of Change comprises 7 songs that explore the pressures we face as humans and as custodians of an overburdened planet. Dark technical basslines blend with a heavy rhythmic groove, while aggressive guitar and raw moody vocals complete a dense and detailed soundscape.
Produced and mixed by guitarist Jared Tobin and mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, Sepultura amongst others), Seeds of Change is the culmination of two years of hard work and growth. The bones of the music were already laid down when newly introduced vocalist Rhys Saran arrived home from overseas, allowing him to add and explore his own vocal style as the songs evolved over time. Between gigs, the band released singles Ten Years, Hell Bent and Bottleneck, with accompanying music videos.
Seeds of Change is available now from Primacy’s Bandcamp page, as well as all major streaming platforms. A limited run of CD’s will also be available.
https://primacy.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/primacybandnz/
https://www.instagram.com/primacy_band/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvWjsvQg8aL5hjZAqJ1Sig
