How and when did the band form?
Down But Not Out formed when we were all in high school, and we were all badly failing high school. It was 2008, I believe. And yeah, we had nothing to do. I think the reason why we were all doing so bad in school is probably because we would only go maybe one or two days a week. On the other days we would walk around and be nuisances around town. We eventually got bored of doing that so we started jamming and just haven’t stopped since.

How did you decide on the name ‘Down But Not Out’? Is there any story behind it?
Sort of. We didn’t initially have a name, we would just go to youth centres and places like that and play shows as this mysterious unknown, un-named band, and we were cool with that. Then one day Mitch and I were on the phone trying to book a show somewhere and I guess it was a bit more posh or fancy then the other places we’d played because they insisted on us having a name. Anyway, we were driving at the time and I turned on the radio to some weird station and the first thing I heard the DJ say was “he’s down, but he’s not out.” So I just told the guy that. But yeah, there’s no significance or connotation behind it.

Did you end up playing at the venue?
We did, but after about three songs they shut us down for swearing. I think it was some kind of religious place.

Are you religious at all?
Ah, not really. I’m open to the thought of religion and I have nothing against people who believe and really get involved in it. But nah, it’s not really my kind of thing.

I’m with you. If you could go on tour with 3 current bands, who would it be?
Ooh, this is a good one. Misery Loves Company, The Verdict is Vengeance and Chasing the Sun. That would be a fucking epic tour.

Yes it would be. You’re the lyricist for DBNO, aren’t you?
Yeah. Well actually Mitch and I sort of co-write.

How do you write your songs?
It normally starts with a riff from any instrument. If we’re just playing around at sound check or someone’s playing on an acoustic guitar and they come up with a cool sounding riff, the whole band will come together and try to sort of expand on that and turn it into some big, extravagant thing. After that, if we’re in a studio, we’ll record a demo or if not we just record it on my phone and me and Mitch will listen to it over and over again and try to make some lyrics. I think lyrics are one of our strongest points as a band.

What would you say are your weakest points?
We’re pretty strong all across the board, if I may say so myself. Probably inexperience would be the only thing that I would call a weak link.

You guys tour a lot, yeah?
Yeah, we’re on a break at the moment but we’re preparing for what will definitely be our biggest tour yet. But I can’t give away too much information at this time.

Looking forward to it. What is your favourite fast food to eat whilst on tour?
I don’t know how anyone could not answer this question with McDonalds. It’s just so good.

But it’s so greasy!
That’s true. I know I’m gonna get fat but that won’t stop me from having 3 Big Macs a day.

3 a day!?!
Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, haha. But I certainly have my fair share.

With that in mind, can we expect to see you on-stage anytime soon weighing 500lbs?
I don’t know if I’ll be able to get up onto the stage, haha. And if I did, I might attempt to eat a microphone.

That would be quite a sight. Okay, back on topic. When can we expect a release from you guys?
We’ve written and recorded demos of about 25 songs, and when we get back from our tour we’re going over to Reading to record the album. So I’d say we’ll definitely have something out by about March next year.

Looking forward to it. Unfortunately that’s all we have time for, Bradie. Thanks for coming in and good luck with your future.
Thanks, dude.