Interview with Maisch Gosteli of Horace & The Strapones
I first heard of, then heard Horace before i met Maisch. Being the small world that it is, it turns out he and Laura have worked together in the past at Fraunfeld Festival.
He's a good dude in a killer band. The Swiss Hardcore scene rules.
How did Horace start (and where did the name come from)?
We started in 2015. I used to be singer in Streetpunk Band called The Strapones and was always listening to old hardcore punk bands like Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and newer stuff like Comeback Kid, Fucked Up, Terror, etc.. I always wanted to start a Hardcore Band next to my Streetpunk Band. So in 2014 I met Flo (Bassplayer Horace) at a local punk show and I was wearing a Shirt from Bane. He is also a huge Bane fan and we start talking - he told me that he wants to play in a hardcore band and that he’s a good bass player. So we started to practice together. On drums we found Mischa, who was already playing in a Metalcore Band called Art of Phobia and George with whom I was already playing with The Strapones. This was in 2015. In December 2016 we played our first gig.
About the name, there is no big meaning behind it. We just wanted a short and simple name, so I came up with the idea of Horace. By the way I like the reggae singer Horace Andy.
If you were to introduce extraterrestrials to music using only FIVE albums, what do you choose?
Fucked Up - Hidden World
A.A. Bondy - When The Devil’s Loose
Wu-Tang - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Slayer- Reign in Blood
The Bronx - The Bronx (III)
Horace have two 10inch EP's (which you can get here), any plans for a third, or possibly an LP?
Yes, we are always working on new material, but we are a bit lazy with recording and just like to play live as much as possible instead of recording songs. We have some new songs ready and already had the plans to record an EP or even an LP. But we have a change in our lineup as Mischa is leaving Horace to focus more on his other (and better ;-)) Band E-L-R. We already have a new drummer, but first we have to practice the old songs with him before we can start to write new music. But I hope we can release some new material in 2021.
Are there any bands, past or present you think deserve more attention?
Yes, for example Beggars and Gentry’s record Abwärts is still one of my favorite Record from a swiss Hardcore Band. It was release in 2011 and is in my opinion a bit underrated. Or Pig Sweat, a new HC-Punk Band from Bern should get more attention. One of the best live bands for me is Joliette from Mexico, they are extremely talented and I’m always surprised that they don’t get more attention in Europe.
Other than fronting Horace, what keeps you busy?
I’m working at ISC Club in Bern, where I'm responsible for the booking and lots of other stuff which has to be done in a music venue. Besides that i’m doing the booking for the Swiss musician Baze and work for different music festivals. So my jobs are all related to music, which is really cool, but can also a bit hard especially right now in these Corona Times.
Who or what are your influences, as a band?
We all have different background musically, but there are always Bands and Records with on which we all can agree. Right now I would say Knocked Loose and Turnstile are Bands we like and influences us. In the beginning I think Bane’s record "Don’t Wait Up" was a big influence for us as a band. The other band member would probably name other bands and records ;-).
What is one song you wish you wrote?
Hmm, spontaneous I would say Into the Wayside Part I/ Sick from Ceremony. It’s just such a good and simple Hardcore Song.