The Anti-Social Questionnaire
Interviewed: Alyssa Nicole
Band name: Astral Witch
Q What toppings make the best burger?
A I’ve never had a real meat burger, lots of veggie burgers though. My go to toppings are: mustard, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, mayo, pickles, lettuce, hot peppers. Yum!
Q Favourite coping mechanism for touring NOT involving liquor or other intoxicating influences?
A Box breathing for sure, sometimes a walk away from the venue and some deep breathing can reset everything.
Q If you could be any animal in the world, which would you be, and why?
A Some kind of wild cat. Because they can be fast and ferocious, yet cuddly and sweet.
Q Most unusual piece of merch you’ve seen/bought/produced?
A My previous band Rackula used to sell ‘Whack Packs’, they contained a picture of us and a pack of lube.
Q What lyric has had the most profound influence on your life?
A Pearl Jam – Breathe. “If I knew where it was, I’d take you there. There’s much more than this!” I left Hamilton, guitar on back, on a Greyhound bus to Seattle because of that lyric.
Q The internet: Best thing to happen to music in the last 25 year, or the worst?
A The answer to both could be streaming platforms. Pro- you can find your next favourite band and devour their entire discography in a day. Con- They don’t really see the profit they deserve from these services.
Q If you weren’t in music, what career would you have instead?
A Anything that helps people, feels good to see other people succeed in their goals.
Q What cartoon characters would you be?
A A mix of Otto from the Simpsons and Jane Lane from Daria.
Q What era of music or musical movement influences you the most currently?
A Currently? I’ve been listening to some new releases from Canadian Doom/Psych bands like AAWKS, Eye of Doom.
Q What is the best restaurant in your hometown and what would you recommend to order from there?
A MESA! Authentic Mexican in Hamilton. Get yourself the vegetarian green burrito (it has fresh cactus, don’t knock it until you try it)
Q Favourite takeout/restaurant on the road?
A It seems like the only thing that’s ever open is McDonalds haha. Taco Bell is my favourite when available for a less than authentic Mexican craving.
Q Favourite pro wrestling move?
A Stone Cold Stunner! Austin 3:16 baby!
Q Diamond Dogs or Alladin Sane?
A Diamond Dogs
Q Do you consider moshing and crowd surfing more intrusive and offensive than fans filming with a phone for most of the show?
A Absolutely not. When you’re moving your body to music you’re involved with it, every part of you (mind, body, and soul) is experiencing it.
Q What music video blew your mind the first time you saw it?
A Jesus Christ Pose – Soundgarden!
Q If you mainly do vocal tunes, what instrumental song would you cover?
A Does ‘The Hellion’ by Judas Priest count? Hahaha, seriously though what a great intro track.
Q Who is your greatest role model, and why?
A No particular person. I’m constantly inspired by those who smile after healing from their trauma, give without expecting, and give love with true empathy.
Q Favourite film, TV or video game score (you can only pick one)?
A Singles, the movie. My best friend bought me the LP soundtrack which actually also contains the Pearl Jam track mentioned above.
Q What song is an immediate skip to you, and why?
A Badmotorfinger, the opening track ‘Rusty Cage’ because it’s overplayed on the radio and my least favourite track.
Q What song from any (other) artist would you pick to be your theme song?
A ‘Fast and Frightening’ by L7.
Please provide a YouTube link for a video that is not your own;
