Interview from GODSEND 15 (1990)
Since 1979, Australia's Tom Ellard has been churning out music of the experimental-electronic dance type as a member of SEVERED HEADS. Their early days saw much experimentation, as they were "sampling" long before it was accepted and trendy. What made SEVERED HEADS different even from the other early electronic dance bands was their bizarre sense of humor in the usually dour and-slightly-doom-oriented industrial realm, not to mention the fact that Tom reconditioned and, in fact, made his own synthesizers. This definitely gave SEVERED HEADS a distinctive sound all their own. Today, Tom and video partner Stephen Jones are still releasing recordings that stay true to their original intent, and they have gradually become "industrial" dance legends, and are just beginning to see success in the mainstream clubs as well, as evidenced by their hit dance tracks "Greater Reward" and "All Saints Day" from 1989. SEVERED HEADS now have 6 albums available in North America, all on Canada's Nettwerk label. Their latest effort, "Rotund For Success", can be found in a record store near you, so look for it. Recently, Tom took the time to answer a few questions for GODSEND and fill us in on the history--past, present, and future--of the great SEVERED HEADS.
Interview conducted via post by Todd Zachritz.
GODSEND (G)-When did SEVERED HEADS initially form? Who were/are the participants?
TOM ELLARD (T)-Formed in 1979 in Richard Fielding's bedroom as "Mr. & Mrs. No Smoking Sign", being Andrew Wright (organ and synth), Richard Fielding (drum machine and tapes), and Tom Ellard (tapes), Andrew Wright left soon after, and Richard renamed band to SEVERED HEADS. Since there's been lotsa members.
G-Who or what influenced your music in the past (bands, artists, movements, etc)?
T-Influences include TELEX, CHROME, BURT BLANKA, THEORETICAL GIRLS, THE SNIVELLING SHITS, PRIMITIVE CALCULATORS, the soundtrack of South Pacific, FAIROUZ, METAL URBAIN, LOST IN SPACE, LIBERACE, WIRE, YMA SUMAC, PETULA CLARK, HALF JAPANESE, BOYD RICE, KRAFTWERK.
G-Is it true you actually rebuild your equipment after every album or stage in your development? Does this affect your ability to perform/recreate your older material? T-Electronic equipment tends to enforce a certain "sound" depending on system employed. We have ALL our old equipment on call, c/o Garry Bradbury, and now have software-based synth packages, so we can re-construct the systems as needed. Work requires both old and new. G-Do you perform live often? Any plans to anytime soon?
T-Very infrequently, as I didn't enjoy the lugging and travel very much. Supposed to be touring the states in September (HA! 3rd postponement).
G-What past releases do you have out (disincluding compilations and single releases)?
T-Albums: Ear Bitten (1979), Clean (1981), Blubberknife (1983, reissue 1988), Since the Accident (1984, reissue 1989), City Slab Horror (1985, reissue 1989), Come Visit The Big Bigot (1986), Bad Mood Guy (1987), Rotund For Success (1989).
G-What current artists do you admire or relate to?
T-WIRE, TELEX, (LEGENDARY) PINK DOTS, Anybody with some HUMOUR PLEASE. If "relate to" means "share a beer with", then include SINGLE GUN THEORY, BOXCAR, dB LOVE, SPK, Bill (Leeb), (SKINNY) PUPPY, MOEV...God, I dunno, I'd share a beer with anyone (if they were shouting).
G-Any truth to the rumor that you may be collaborating on a project with Bill Leeb anytime soon? Any inside info on this?
T-Yes, but I am not anywhere near getting my stuff ready yet. I/he is supposed to record backing tracks, swap them, and finish each other's recordings. I don't want it to be a big issue, but Wax Trax! Records obviously would.
G-What do you see in the future for SEVERED HEADS? Any new releases out soon?
T-Better albums, less often. Computer games. Long-form videos. New records: 12":"All Saints Day", 12":"What Am I Gonna Do With You (with "Sauce"), LP/CD:"Rotund For Success", (By Garry Bradbury=LP: "Hurl", on Volition (Australia)).
G-Any closing comments of words of wisdom to finish with?
T-The Factory Records motto: "It's all nonsense, really".
For more info on SEVERED HEADS, visit: