Havoc are quickly becoming Perth’s and Australia’s next band to watch in heavy music
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Mitch Harding - Vocalist
Clint Bouffler - Lead Guitarist
Andrew 'Normus' Norman - Rhythm Guitarist
Josh Keyte - Bass Guitarist
Benn Lofthouse - Drummer
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Havoc? How long has the band been around?
Clint, Normus and Benn used to play in the alt rock quartet Law Of Attraction for the better part of 7 years. When the members of Law Of Attraction went their separate ways, Benn continued on in his pop rock band This Other Eden and Clint pursued a heavier outlet. Through his journey he came across Mitch and Josh through band mates and this introduction lead to the formation of Havoc as we are now. Havoc has been around since the launch of our debut EP 'Undiscovered Paradise' which was released in February of 2014.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The origin of the name Havoc came about in the hunt for a name that fits the style of music that we write.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Clint is the songwriter for Havoc. The EP was written by Clint and the lyrics were written by Clint and Mitch. Each song on 'Undiscovered Paradise' has individual meaning that lyrically matches the original feel for the song after recording it and listening back to it. As we progress forward from the EP we have definitely taken a darker turn with our sound being heavily influenced by bands such as Chelsea Grin, Born Of Osiris, I, The Breather and many more.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Personally Clint was influenced by friends of ours who played in Pale As Ashes after they played at Clints high school. The rest of us have similar influences and inspirations in friends, family and being surrounded by music and the live industry.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Clint stresses a lot before shows, some would say it is his own little ritual. Anxiety hits hard and he starts freaking that something will go wrong whether its a gear fault or a playing fault from us as a whole. For the rest of us we just chill and keep things calm with a cold beer.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Our headline tour through Indonesia for the release of our debut EP. Playing over 8 shows in 6 cities across Indonesia. The final show was played to over 2000 people in Tabanan.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Metallica. Can you imagine what it would be like to play on such a massive stage to such a massive crowd?!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We are very excited to head off our our first national tour across Australia, releasing our new single and music video 'Awaken'. We will be playing 8 shows across 5 states finishing back up in Perth with our show at 459 bar. Should be a great experience for us and will bring us together to hit hard for future endeavours.