Nick at The Rotters Club had a chat with Tom and Moll from Ask My Bull ahead of their gig at The Globe in Glossop on Friday 18th October 24. I guess that makes this ‘Ask ‘Ask My Bull”, haha!
How did Ask My Bull evolve to its current line-up?
T: _we killed all past members to keep the bloodline pure _
M: Ha! What Tom said – We’ve fully sugababes’d it at this stage, as none of us are original members. The projects been going over a decade! But our current little triad are happy to still be involved and keep the legacy going.
I’ve seen your music described as punk jazz infused with drum n bass, breakbeats and Balkans. How does that feel?
M: I have no idea where Balkan’s come from, that’s a new one! Haha! It’s quite hard to stick our music in a specific genre box, as there’s a lot of different sounds mixed in. I think ‘Fusion’ is probably one of the most accurate descriptions.
T: Genre terms are interesting. I think it is best to think of them as ways out signalling the kind of energy levels and changes that our music has rather than suggesting that we particularly conform to the stylistic elements of the genres themselves. Personally I don’t think I have ever played any Balkan music, but perhaps describing us this way captures some of the vibe. I’d prefer to use descriptors like energetic, erratic, wholehearted, effervescent… but that makes you sound kind pretentious so idk fml
M: Balkan vibes! Sounds delicious.
How do you write your music?
T: with great joy and determination… playing (like kids with toys) is more important than writing. Writing this kind of music is like making the rules of the game you’re going to play.
M: It really varies. There’s so many ways to write music and we don’t just stick to one! As it’s all mostly instrumental we do put a lot of time and consideration into each track, the structure, motif’s & purpose of the sounds in the development stages. A lot of our writing is done in the room all together, starting from jams & improv – But we like to experiment and try new things!
What impact do you hope your music has?
T: I hope that it is part of the great tradition of music that tries to do something different and encourages people to push forwards in the future of art and make something that is new, at least for themselves
M: I agree! I really want to make music that pushes boundaries – I don’t want it to sound like something you’ve heard before! I’d also like any music I make to be the a source of comfort for people – just like it has been for me over the years. It’s my favourite thing in the world and getting to share that with other people is such a gift! It’s a special connection, its own language and a powerful tool. I hope our music & work continues to build a community and a safe space where people can connect & feel whatever they need to.
What music are you listening to nowadays? What do you like about it?
T: the algorithm tells me what to do
M: How much time do you have?! I listen to all sorts honestly, and across all genres! I like to try and keep things varied, and it really depends on my activity or mood. I’ve recently got back into CD’s whilst I’m in my car, so there’s a few things on pretty heavy rotation in there.
If I’m working out I like stuff with high intensity energy like Electronic stuff, Dnb, Post-punk & Metal, if I’m driving I like stuff I can loud sing along to like Rock & Hip-Hop , and if I’m working I like more mellow jazz, world music & classical.
I like to try & support other local / unsigned musicians wherever I can too – I listen to loads of underground stuff and we are so lucky with our local scene! I love going to gigs to support other bands & watching live performance.
Can you make a living through the music?
T: Maybe
M: You have to have your fingers in a lot of pies, and it’s a super unstable, unhealthy industry at times. But it is do-able. I’m more tick-box goal oriented, like there’s some specific goals I want to achieve with my music, and I’m less concerned these days about making a living from it or not. Obviously in a dream world that would be lovely!
What’s next ?
T: release new music, release videos, tour, write new music
M: What Tom said! The grind never stops. I might try and have a holiday at some point? HA!
What do you wish someone would ask you?
T: would you like a cup of tea, instead of offering beers as a rider at a show
M: OH MY GOD THIS!! But maybe make it Coffee / Hot Chocolate / Water / PIZZA!
Ask My Bull play at The Globe in Glossop on Friday 18th October 2024.
Tickets are £6 in advance or on the door and can be purchased here.
https://askmybull.com/
https://askmybull.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/askmybull
https://www.instagram.com/askmybull/