Fronted by proud Yugambeh man vocalist Axel Best, hardcore-metalcore rockers Wildheart are staunch advocates for mental health, social injustice, and discrimination.
The band released their debut 'Global Crisis' late last year, that saw them nominated for Emerging Artist Of The Year at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards. Wildheart have also actioned the attention gained from 'Global Crisis' with an appearance at UNIFY Gathering earlier this year and a recent Brisbane support of Void Of Vision. They had also been scheduled to perform at Full Tilt Festival before the event was cancelled.
Next up for the group is a return to BIGSOUND, showcasing IRL at the 2022 event in early September.
They've also been nominated in five categories – Artist Of The Year, Live Act Of The Year, Release Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Video Of The Year – at the Gold Coast Music Awards, which returns for its eighth year in 2022.
Celebrating resilience in challenging times, the Gold Coast Music Awards will see the region's rising stars celebrated across 12 categories in a glittering daytime ceremony and live concert event.
Casey Barnes and Eliza And The Delusionals have each been named as finalists across four categories. Other notable nominees include Sofia Isella, Chutney, and Lily Papas.
Here, Wildheart drummer Andrew Cooke sits down for a chat about the band as well as answering some non-music questions.
Who is... Wildheart is a melodic hardcore/ metalcore band that address social justice issues in their music such as discrimination, Indigenous land rights, and mental health.
We sound like... Bands like Counterparts, Architects, and In Hearts Wake.
Our first gig was... At a small dance studio in West End called Upstairs 199; it was a really fun venue to play as it was so small and the crowds would really get into it.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... I joined the band a little later, so I'm not too sure of the exact origin of the band name. I believe there were heaps of ideas thrown around but Wildheart was the name that stuck.
In the studio we usually... Track drums first and eat a lot of hummus.
If we could tour with anyone... Stick To Your Guns would be amazing.
Social media is... All about reels at the moment.
My favourite app at the moment is... Shell Secret Saver with the price of fuel at the moment.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Breaking my snare drum skin halfway through our set playing with Kisschasy.
Life on the road can be... A lot of fun, especially when you get to explore all the beautiful parts of Australia that you wouldn't otherwise experience.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Hummus, and a kettle and tea for Axel.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... It wasn't touring with Wildheart it was a previous band, but the first night we left for tour our van was hit by a drunk driver in Brisbane. Luckily everyone was okay, and we were still able to make the next show.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Brendan Murphy from Counterparts as he is a nice dude who makes great music.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I would love to live in Tokyo. I've been to Japan many times and everyone is so friendly, so I'd love to spend an extended period of time there.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Jesse Barnett (Stick To Your Guns), Brandon Davis (Vanna/ Inspirit), and Matthew Arsenault (A Loss For Words). I think there would be really rich conversations, and I love all their bands.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? One of my favourite meals to cook is a tofu Japanese curry, so it would probably be that.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover of course.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... White Claws please.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last night.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Cleaning the shower.
Do you have any phobias... Heights was a big one for a long time.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Maybe a talent quest style show. I'd be the person on there performing a metal track where they show the audience reactions.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? We don't really do pranks in Wildheart, but I'd love to bring a Nerf shooter into the studio or something.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Not midnight because the kitchen would already be shut, but Netherworld (in Brisbane) is my go-to.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I'd like to say Seth Cohen from 'The OC'; a pop-culture nerd that is big into music.
Last show you binge-watched? Marvel's 'Moon Knight' was a great series. Oscar Isaac is an amazing actor and plays multiple roles really well as a character living with Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Gold Coast Music Awards takes place at Home Of The Arts 3 September. Wildheart showcase at BIGSOUND (Brisbane) at Woolly Mammoth 8 September.
