Local artist profile: Gav Moncrieff

THIS week we chat with Bendigo-based drummer extraordinaire Gav Moncrieff.

What initially motivated you to take up the drums?

I grew up in a musical family and started learning music at a young age. I’d play on my nanna’s keyboard and mess around on the guitar. It wasn’t until grade five that I started taking formal music lessons, learning the clarinet at primary school and playing in the school band. I think it was around year seven that I decided that the drums was my instrument. I just thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I’ve been playing them ever since then.

How would you describe your style?

I actually studied at university as a classical percussionist and it wasn’t until I finished uni that I started getting back into playing the drum kit. At that point I was playing three gigs a week in different bands playing rock and jazz music mainly. It is hard to describe my style. Some people liken my playing to Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones or Keith Moon from The Who. I just try and play the best I can for each song.

Which other drummers inspire you?

There is so much good music and so many great drummers out there that it is really hard to narrow it down. But, if I had to pick two, it would be Danny Carey from Tool as he is such a technical player and I also like Patrick Keeler of The Greenhornes and The Raconteurs because he is such a musical drummer that really complements the songs with his drum fills.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

I’ve been playing in venues since I was 16 (a long time) and have so many good memories of doing gigs with the bands I’ve played in. Back in the mid-2000s playing with a local band Ruteger we got to play on the same bill as such legendary Aussie bands such as You Am I , Motor Ace, The Living End, and Magic Dirt to name a few. I love going on our weekend tours with Four Lions and playing cover gigs with The Regular Joes.

How has your practice been affected by COVID?

During COVID everything just stopped. The whole industry just shut down. Friends who had to rely solely on gigs to survive were doing it really tough. It has taken a long time for things to get back to the way they were pre-COVID but I think we are almost there.

How can people check out your various bands?

Check the local gig guides on Facebook. The Regular Joes play around Central Victoria at various pubs and clubs. Four Lion’s is taking a bit of a break at the moment to prepare for recording our upcoming studio album in 2023 and then we’ll be touring that around after it comes out towards the end of next year.

What would you say to regional aspiring drummers and other musicians who are thinking of having a go at working as a muso?

I’d say go for it and follow your dreams, do as many gigs as you can and learn from the musicians around you. Further study might be a good option for some aspiring musos to help them get a job in the industry. It is certainly a great industry to be part of.