Chat with Craig Hutchby: 'Filthy Rich and Loving It,' Music and Rotorua Punk Scene
In anticipation of their upcoming performance at 'The Shape Of Punk To Come' event this Saturday night at Ding Dong Lounge, we caught up with Craig Hutchby from the punk band Cost Of Living. ACT UP Entertainment had the opportunity to delve into the creative process behind their recent EP, 'Filthy Rich and Loving It,' and explore the band's unique take on punk music. In this exclusive interview, Craig shares insights into the band's musical influences, the challenges and advantages of the punk scene in Rotorua, and their experiences performing live. As they gear up for the Auckland show, we also discuss the significance of the EP title and the band's future plans. Read on to discover more about Cost Of Living and their journey in the punk music scene.
Interview by ACT UP Entertainment
ACT UP Entertainment: Your EP, 'Filthy Rich and Loving It,' was released in August 2023. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind the EP and shed light on the inspiration behind the title?
Craig Hutchby: Well, for context, let's start at the beginning. Excuse my grammar and spelling. Back in 2014, I returned from 8 years on and off living in the UK, where I worked on my acoustic tunes and did some open mic performances...
Throughout my time in the UK, I didn't find like-minded musicians. Back in NZ, I caught up with friends from my band Cheap for A Reason in the early 2000s. They knew a band called Prophet Motive from Rotorua, so I did some acoustic stuff at their shows. Long story short, over the 7 years we've been jamming, we've played a handful of shows, lost and gained members, and COVID affected our momentum. The tunes recorded are three originals and two covers. We took the opportunity to record some tunes, as we only really had three originals hashed out enough for recording. We're not tech-savvy for online collaboration, so we recorded live. It went smoothly, and we just had the chance to record some tunes, so we took it.
As for the title, I came up with it as a laugh. It's ironic because we are very far removed from being filthy rich, but in the current economic struggles, even though the well-off complain, they are still way better off than anyone on the breadline. So, we're totally taking the piss here.
ACT UP Entertainment: As a punk band, what are some of the primary musical influences that shape the sound of Cost Of Living? Are there specific bands or genres that have played a significant role in defining your musical identity?
Craig Hutchby: As you can probably tell from the songs, there's a strong punk/skate punk influence. Everyone has similar but slightly different styles they like and incorporate. I'd like to try different things and see what works when we get a chance. Bands-wise, all the classic California bands like NOFX, Rancid, Descendents, Misfits, etc., pop punk from Buzzcocks to New Found Glory, emo from Rites of Spring to My Chem, post-punk from Killing Joke to Fugazi, hardcore from Sick of It All to Turnstile. But like a lot of people, I listen to loads of different styles and genres of music.
ACT UP Entertainment: Rotorua might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about punk scenes. How would you describe the punk scene in Rotorua, and what challenges or advantages does it present for a band like Cost Of Living?
Craig Hutchby: The punk scene in Rotorua has been pretty non-existent, in my opinion. The closest we've had to a "scene" would be the pub band scene in the early '80s and
when Barbarellas was open in the early 2000s. Barbarellas was the only alternative music venue I've heard of in Rotorua. Nowadays, there's a small scene of local guys of different genres getting back into it, but hardly anyone comes through Rotorua because they know it's not viable. However, any that do gain respect from us local music lovers. It surprises me that not more younger talent has come out because I know there's heaps of alternative music fans and musicians in that town.
ACT UP Entertainment: Having released your EP, have you had the opportunity to perform the new tracks live? If so, how has the audience response been, and do you have any memorable moments from those performances?
Craig Hutchby: We've played those tunes at a fair few shows, and most people seem to enjoy them. As you know, not many people really get into it enough to shuffle their feet, especially nowadays as it costs half your wages for a night out. I still appreciate anyone that turns up to our shows, whether they like it or not. I have the biggest respect and appreciation.
ACT UP Entertainment: The EP title, 'Filthy Rich and Loving It,' is intriguing. Can you delve into the concept or theme that runs through the EP and how it ties into the overall identity of Cost Of Living as a band?
Craig Hutchby: There's no real theme or major message in what we're doing. Just the usual anti-capitalist sentiment in a capitalist-based system. It's light-hearted, though, as even though I don't agree with everything that others relish in this system, I would never diminish or alienate them as people. There's a lot of arseholes out there, and yea sure, slapping them about is satisfying, but I personally dislike physical violence to no end. I feel that most people wish to avoid it, and I'll do what I can to help or avoid it myself.
ACT UP Entertainment: Outside of Rotorua, have you had the chance to tour or perform in other locations? Can you share some highlights from those shows, discuss the venues you've played at, and how the experience differs from performing in your hometown?
Craig Hutchby: So far, we've only played Napier and Hamilton. Both venues are way more equipped and made for playing loud obnoxious guitar music. Rotorua lacks a decent live venue with no in-house PA or sound guy, and that's the biggest difference between Rotorua and other cities. Has been like that for decades. I'm not sure why it doesn't, but that's how it is.
ACT UP Entertainment: Are there specific cities or regions that you've found or think are particularly receptive to your style of punk music, and how does the audience vibe vary from place to place?
Craig Hutchby: The audience is usually the kind of people that enjoy going out and finding something different or somehow came across us online or are just the other bands and their friends — always friendly and enjoyable people to hang out with.
ACT UP Entertainment: In the context of 'The Shape Of Punk To Come' event, how does playing in Auckland compare to your usual gig locations, and what are your expectations for the show at Ding Dong Lounge this Saturday night?
Craig Hutchby: We'll take any opportunity to play a show no matter where, as long as everyone can make it. There's no pressure for anyone to "make" a special show or anything like that. I'm not very familiar with Auckland, but I try to challenge myself to get through it, and it usually turns out okay.
ACT UP Entertainment: Punk as a genre often engages with social and political themes. Do you incorporate any specific messages or commentary into your music, and how do you balance expressing your views while keeping the energy of the music alive?
Craig Hutchby: Because I'm such a pacifist, I'm not as militant about change as maybe some others in the scene are. I don't enjoy arguing with people, especially ignorant people. In our music, my lyrics are pretty plain as day — not much in the way of metaphor and analogy. I do try to write about other things as well. Not the greatest lyricist in my opinion, but the music, I feel, is okay.
ACT UP Entertainment: Looking beyond the EP release, what's next for Cost Of Living? Are there upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations on the horizon that fans can look forward to?
Craig Hutchby: Future plans are to hope we keep going for a few more years and get a couple more originals in the bank before another year closes.
Cost Of Living headline The Shape Of Punk To Come this Saturday night with Club Ruby, 0800 Belly Up and C.H. with DJs Drew Bang, Bendezu and Partymoth
The Shape Of Punk To Come
Saturday 18 November 8:00 PM
Ding Dong Lounge, 26 Wyndham St, Auckland
Tickets from dingdongloungenz.com
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