By Jade Davis
In a wave of new metal and metalcore bands, one 3-piece outfit is giving the very best from the other side of the world. We sit down to have a chat with frontman Tom Kiely about the band's origins and what's next.
Photo by Elliot Charleston
Jade: Give us a little back story about where you guys got the idea for your band name.
Tom: The band name came from the movie 'Shutter Island'! It was just a moment of kicking around band names, I threw that one out there as a cool kind of concept taken from the movie - it holds some really cool meaning in terms of how it plays out in the film - and it just stuck. I still love the name!
Jade: Were all of you always interested in music or was it a decision farther down the line?
Tom: I think all of us have always loved music. Whether it's supporting our own favourite artists or as we all kind of grew into it over time! I personally really only got into wanting to be in a band once I left high school, I really felt like I had a burning passion to give it a go. Declan and me went to high school together and it just clicked early on. We're all fans of music as much as we are musicians, which I think helps to keep our love for it alive all the time!
Jade: You guys are originally from Perth. Is it difficult working with producers from other countries? How has the isolation benefited and hindered you?
Tom: We're lucky in the sense our main producer is located in Perth! Ryan Botha (Audax Studios) is based only a half hour away, so we've been able to stay focused and lock in on new music! Isolation has been tough in some ways, the lack of shows and being able to tour - no doubt that's tough...but it's given us some other amazing opportunities too. The chance to record new music and meet new friends online! We've wanted to make the best of our situation even before the pandemic and it just gave us the chance to really lean into that mindset.
What was the process of getting to work with Kellin Quinn? How did it feel to work with someone like him?
Tom: Yeah it was amazing, we connected on Instagram and he's been a big help for our band. We've written a few songs with him and had KQ jump on our reimagined version of 'Where to from Here'. It was an amazing experience and to have someone of his caliber back our band and help further us with his own guidance and belief has been incredible.
Jade: We understand you have some new music coming out soon. What can we expect from the new release(s)?
Tom: Expect to hear us at our best...we've really worked on pushing our sound to new heights. Some songs are heavy, some are bouncy/groovy...you'll get the full picture of Patient Sixty-Seven!
Jade: How did the pandemic affect your writing style? Did you adjust or change anything creatively?
Tom: Hmm...I don't think so. I tried to stay true to myself and as a band we wanted to push ourselves in new ways. I guess the anxiety caused by the pandemic has given fuel to the fire, as it has for lots of bands - but I really just wanted to be honest in how I wrote lyrics and for Rory (our lead guitarist) he's always been guided by instinct. We tried to find what works for us and build off of that.
Jade: Are there any big festivals you're hoping to play?
Tom: Any and all of them...we were planning to get across for a festival in February but the borders and COVID didn't allow for that.
Jade: The metalcore scene is drastically changing in terms of new talent. What do you feel P6-7 brings to the table?
Tom: I think we're bringing a sense of enthusiasm and drive, being a band that can be there for you and put out music that helps you get through. Music is about connection, at least for me it has been...and I've always wanted us to be a band that reaches people and makes an impact with our sound, and how we carry ourselves. I love talking/meeting people that have given our music a try, and it really makes it all worth it. I know our sound is bringing some of the early 2010's vibes that people love, but capturing it in a way that brings a modern twist to it, too.
Jade: What artists/bands have inspired you over the years?
Tom: So many, early on it was bands like blink-182, All Time Low, Yellowcard. Then the metalcore/post-hardcore scene really drove my desire to play and write music. Bands like BMTH [Bring Me to the Horizon], Asking Alexandria, The Word Alive, Sleeping with Sirens. The list goes on.
Jade: What's the best piece of advice you've been given thus far?
Tom: When you think you're done...you're only at 40% of what you're capable of doing.
Sound advice, man. Sound advice indeed.
We would like to thank Tom for taking time to do this interview with us! Be sure to check out the band and be on the look out for new music!