Behind Crimson Eyes

Thu 23rd Apr, 2009 in Features

Behind Crimson Eyes vocalist Josh Stuart had some explaining to do. The band pulled out from headlining the National Youth Week Closing Celebration just a few short weeks prior to the event day. Stuart was about to be connected to chat with the festival promoter.

A few interview reschedules later and it was good to finally speak with the singer and set the record straight. “My sister is getting married on that day. So it’s been blacked out of our calendar for months now and it kind of went ahead and got booked without consulting the calendar,” he says politely. “I had a friend call [and they said], – œWhat are you doing? You’re playing on the day of your sister’s wedding!’”

All is forgiven. It seems Stuart will be changing his tune to accommodate for this gig, singing the John Lennon classic Stand by Me for his sister as she walks down the aisle. “When I told my sister there had been a miscommunication she was like, – œOh shit, does that mean we owe you money now?’”

His vocals are also at the centre of discussion on the band’s recent self-titled sophomore release. “There are people that would say we sold out because we are not screaming anymore – [we’re] not as heavy or whatever. I think we would have sold ourselves out if we had of done that, because that is not what we wanted to do. It’s not what we felt at the time.”

The new album is a more collaborative effort that will translate well on a live stage. That was the only stipulation when writing the new material. “In the past I think we’ve been a bit more of a diplomatic band. If a majority liked something, then it was in, regardless if anyone absolutely hated it. And when you spend that long touring that material, everyone’s got to be loving it – otherwise it’s not going to work.”

Behind Crimson Eyes put their previous success down to relentless touring. It’s evident that without that love, it can easily all get too hard. The lifestyle didn’t suit former guitarist Kevin Orr, who recently packed his suitcase for good. “Emotionally it made everyone realise how fragile the band can be and how it can be all over in a second. And I think everyone else in the band is now a bit more rejuvenated and a bit more driven to make sure we continue along.”

He continues: “Kev wasn’t enjoying being away on tour anymore. He’s more a guy that just likes to make music and that’s it. He didn’t really want the package of touring or press or all the other things that come with it. No money, busted relationships, all that kind of shit.” A week after this chat with Stuart, drummer Cameron Gilmore also announced his departure from Behind Crimson Eyes, much to the disappointment of the rest of the band.

It seems that behind those crimson eyes is the reality of a pretty significant loneliness. That certainly inspired some of the new tracks. “On the new record I love a song called Coming Home. It’s a very personal look at my life on the road and what it means to be on the road, the hardships you experience and the loneliness. But it also discusses when you’re up on stage – it’s the happiest you could ever be and the people that are there watching are like your family and friends that you’re missing. They sort of replace that. It’s kind of this cool paradox of being lonely and trying to cover it up with alcohol and then experiencing something you’ll never get anywhere else in life.”

The conversation soon leads to the false impression that kids must have of the band and their lifestyle. “They see your video on MTV or Rage or whatever and they think you’re rolling in it; you’ve got heaps of cash. It’s not an easy slog and that’s why guys like Kev or whoever leave or can’t stick it out. You’ve just got to be able to do it for the love.”

So instead of spending their non-existent dollars when out on tour, you’ll find the band working. “We take our laptops out [on tour] and try and do as much work as we can while we are away so we don’t get home and find ourselves evicted from our houses.”

Although playing Big Day Out doesn’t quite mean your band has – œmade it’, for Stuart there is one dream support slot that if achieved would mean complete fulfilment. “Blink 182, world tour. That would be incredible. I think I would probably quit after that. That would be everything that I’ve ever wanted from being a kid to now.”

Until that unlikely situation happens, expect more from Behind Crimson Eyes. “We’re the type of people that have always pushed ourselves and set new goals. And until we don’t like music – which I can’t see happening – we’re going to keep doing it.”

Behind Crimson Eyes hit the road throughout May, presented by FasterLouder.

Fri 1 – Live On Light Square, Adelaide (Lic AA)
Sat 2 – The Evelyn, Melbourne (18+)
Sun 3 – The Evelyn, Melbourne (U-18)
Fri 8 – Republic Bar, Hobart (18+)
Sat 9 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (AA)
Wed 13 – Foundry, Cannington (18+)
Thu 14 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
Fri 15 – Players Bar, Mandurah (18+)
Sat 16 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (18+)
Sun 17 – HQ, Perth (AA)
Fri 22 – Manning Bar, Sydney (Lic AA)
Sat 23 – Red Room, Brisbane (Lic AA)