The partnership of music industry stalwart Graham 'Asho' Ashton (Director of Footstomp Music; also a member of The Shambolics/Way Cool Jnr)) and soul, blues, roots multi-instrumentalist Benny D Williams, Gesticulations is a musically sparse, lyrically heavy project built around studio sessions and collaboration.
After releasing their debut album 'Sense Of Purgency' earlier this year, Gesticulations newest studio project is the 'Threadbare' longplayer released at the start of September.It features contributions from Tim Steward (Screamfeeder), Sabrina Lawrie, Matt Armstrong (Heavy Wax), Dave Thomson (Fat), Sam Depasquale (Spillage), Zac Fahey (Colourfide) and Brad Inglis (The Shambolics), all of whom left indelible contributions on 'Threadbare'.
With work already underway for a third Gesticulations album, Asho sits down for chat about the group, as well as answering some fun, non-music questions as well.
Who is... Gesticulations is the result of an ongoing and freewheeling connection between punk poet Graham Ashton and multi-instrumentalist/ producer Benny D Williams.
We sound like... Lou Reed, Kate Tempest and The Aerial Maps.
Our first gig is... It is a studio project at this stage, but we have been offered a couple of gigs and are pondering plans.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... I have always loved the word.
In the studio we usually... Invite special guests that have had time with the lyrics and Benny D Williams pulls it all together with spontaneity and speed. I drink and smoke, and sing terribly late at night and return early in the morning and sing less terribly.
If we could tour with anyone... Kate Tempest.
Social media is... A necessary evil. Emphasise the world EVIL.
My favourite app at the moment is... World Surf League.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I appeared naked at a party with nothing but a pillow and accidentally put it over my face.
Life on the road can be... The greatest thrill of all. It's be so long I can only remember the good bits.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Mid-strength beer and bush weed.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Big wave hold downs.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. I feel like I can articulate their magnificence magnificently.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Lower East Side of Manhattan – NYC. The entire planet in just a few blocks.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Joe, Abbey and Liam Ashton. My Kids.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Lamb in a bag.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Your best pinot noir.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Not sure what you mean?
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Putting on doona covers.
Do you have any phobias... Magpies – it's spring and I'm terrified.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'The Ultimate Surfer' – just to get to ride the wave pool.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? John Zucco – coloured dye in his moisturising cream.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? I'm a Porto Chicken guy every time.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Dean Moriarty from 'On The Road'. I'm dreaming I was ever that cool.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Turning Point: 9/11 And The War On Terror'. I wish I could stop.
