The M-16's

LIFE AND DEATH OF THE M-16'S



So….what to say about the past, the present and the future of the M-16s. Over a decade now and the band has been through a difficult birth, a sporadic teenage lust and a mid life personality crises! And maybe even a death in its afternoon!!!! But I’m not sure that all that lives is born to die……or maybe just not yet!!!



Now……where does that leave the band.….Underground and in Limbo? What band???? It’s just me…a stand alone!!!! But a lot of work has been going on below in that bomb shelter. The painfully long awaited second album of the the M-16’s “Atom Smasher” I promise will be out by June. An album with a sonic spirit and electrifying moments to forlorn loss.



Future……The M-16’s MK111…a new model and another new album. A new line up of the band should surface around the middle of the year. And this line will be hitting the studio to record the bands third album titled MK111. The album will be out around Jan 2011 and the tour grinding begins.



So…forgive me when I hit the trigger and fire this machine up again….this band is the life and death of me! And has been both…



At your service…Kenny Killer Watt.



ROCK N ROLL RENEGADES



THE M-16's are Perth's foremost exponents of dynamic Detroit styled rock and ruin. Their style is best described as total energy rock 'n' roll; loud, honest and uncompromising. And they ain't afraid of a killer chorus either; meaning the tunes and hooks shine through the squall of guitars, bass and thundering drums.
The M-16's recently toured the east coast of Australia for the first time to strong acclaim, fulfilling the promise set by their debut 8 track mini-album Loose Bullets and last year they contributed four new songs to the compilation CD, Light The Fuse.
Currently the band finishing up the recording of their second album, titled Atom Smasher, which is set to be released early next year. They are also already in process of pre production for their third album. And with a recording of Radio Birdman's Monday Morning Gunk soon to be released on the tribute album, Flattery Vol 3 (Fandango Recs) there is plenty happening in the DMZ.



The M-16's were formed in Perth by guitar slinger and Detroit acolyte, Ken Watt. Having already played in bands for over fifteen years, Ken is considered to be a 'young veteran' of the Perth scene having spent time in Perth bands and filling the difficult second guitar spot in Sydneys legendary ASTEROID B-612. It was this experience under the tutelage of ASTEROID'S guitar maestro John Spittles that helped Ken develop his riff laden song writing skills and hone his razorlike lead abilities.



photo - Matt Guy



Ken is aided by his partner in crime and long time friend, bassist Brad Miller; a man who has had a Radio Birdman symbol tattooed on his arm since he was a teenager. Prior to forming The M-16s, Ken and Brad then spent several years jamming together in rehearsal rooms, forming a strong bond and shared musical vision.



photo - Matt Guy
photo - Matt Guy



Adding fuel to the fire and some green eyed soul is lead guitarist David 'Spiff' Hopkins. Former lead guitarist with The Hellmenn and The SC5 (Sydney MC5 tribute band). Having already played in Rocket Reducer No.62 with Ken in 97, he slotted into the band with ease. Playing his first gig in June 2004 after only a backstage warm up.



photo-Matt Guy



The sticks, skins and metals sizzle and thunder with a crash, boom, bang by Ken's life long friend Warren Hall. With an addiction to collecting vintage drum equipment and a hunger to play everyday, the mindset is as one with the other members in the band.



photo - Matt Guy



photo - Matt Guy



This is a band poised to pursue greatness The I-94 Bar (Sydney)
THE M-16s sexed up pub rock, makes the current crock of so called rock and roll sound all too lame, the difference being these songs have balls Beat Magazine (Melbourne)
Try to picture Angus Young joining the Stooges and you're getting close to a throwaway description, but in the end these guys are something else Xpress Magazine
If tried the absolute definition of High Energy Rock' n' Roll, you put on the plate this piece of vinyl and you will have it (translated via google) Where The Action Is (Italy)
If you like your rock loud, honest and with more energy than can be stored in a whole Red Bull factory, you should definitely check out the M-16s CR Entertainment (Switzerland)



Recording forthcoming album Atom SmasherPoons Head Studio, Fremantle
All photos by Matt Guy



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