Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Ride’?

The inspiration for ride came from a very simple blues guitar riff that Charlie was writing on a boring rainy afternoon, it became an anthem from the point of view of a band that is finally starting to get recognition after a long time of being ignored, which is something we strongly resonate with.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?

All of our influences combine into this weird but amazing cauldron that becomes INSTYNKT. Michael draws from the virtuosos of the past; Steve Lukather, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Joe Satriani and the like, using these to write the wailing solos you hear in our music. Charlie draws on the styles of Liam Gallagher, Michael Hutchence and Jim Morrison in his vocal performances, using his own life experiences to bring songs and lyrics to the band, alongside his vocal deliveries it makes the songs come alive. I draw on the rock drumming legends of yesteryear, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell and Tommy Lee, along with his vast array of musical tastes, this gives INSTYNKT a unique rhythm section that turns crowds into single entities. Shilo on the other hand takes inspiration from himself, and whichever note is his favourite at that moment in time. His contributions to the band come much more in the form of song structure than song composition.

What’s the creative process like for you?

The creative process for INSTYNKT usually goes one of 2 ways. Either Charlie will come to the band with lyrics and a chord progression already written, and then the combination of the 4 of us create an INSTYNKT song. Or Michael, Shilo and Myself will write a complete instrumental and then Charlie comes in on top with any lyrics or structural changes that he thinks would benefit the song.

If you could change something about the Australian/New Zealand music industry what would it be?

If we could, we would want everyone to just be their own musician. People need to bring something original to the table. There’s a very fine line between drawing from your influences and straight out copying them, and many bands are straying very close or even over this line, and we think that's detrimental to the success of the industry.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?

Smoko on 2 bricks 5 days a week, Espy on Friday & Saturday night, sunday filled with regret and self depreciation, and repeat.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?

Motley Crue. Only so we can collaborate in the green room after the show.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?

Play music you love, don’t play music that other people love. If you create for yourself then you’ll love what you’re doing and won’t have any worries about what people think of you.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?

Lindsay Gravina. Some of the stories he shared with us during recording about the underground punk scene in Melbourne during the era of The Birthday Party blew our minds.

Favourite hangover cure?

Michael - I don’t drink, whats a hangover?

Mac - Bacon and Egg sandwich from the bakery next to station stop in Parkdale.

Shilo - Hair of the dog at the Strippers.

Charlie - Why stop drinking?

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

Working on something for 2023, stay tuned.

A QUICK CHAT WITH INSTYNKT