Steve Francis is a drummer and leader of the metal band called Bullet Belt. In this podcast, Steve talks with the host, Lloyd, about what it’s like to be a metal musician and what the heavy metal scene is like in New Zealand. If you are interested in music, bands, or just want to learn how people become part of something cool like heavy metal, keep reading!
How Steve Started Loving Heavy Metal
Steve started loving music when he was young. He had two older brothers who liked music a lot. They had records and tapes, and Steve listened to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Doors at first. Soon, he found heavier music such as AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and then Metallica. The real turning point for Steve was listening to Eddie Van Halen, a famous guitar player, who inspired him to love rock and metal even more.
What Does a Metal Musician Do?
Steve is the drummer for his band, Bullet Belt. He started the band with a friend in 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand. Being a metal musician means practicing a lot, writing songs, and playing live shows for fans. Steve explains that making music is not just about playing instruments, but also about working together with band members, sharing ideas, and making sure everyone is giving their best.
Why Heavy Metal is Important to Steve
For Steve, heavy metal music is more than just noise or loud guitars. It is something that helps him feel better when he is sad or stressed. He says music helped him a lot when he was a teenager, and it can do the same for other people. Heavy metal brings people together, especially those who might feel like outsiders. Steve believes that everyone needs to find their group, and for him, heavy metal fans are “his people.”
How Big is Heavy Metal in New Zealand?
Steve says the heavy metal scene in New Zealand is very healthy. There are many bands, lots of people making their own music, playing in shows, and even touring other countries. Bands are doing everything themselves: making records, selling t-shirts, and performing everywhere from big cities to small towns. Though the audience is smaller than in some countries, the people are very passionate and support each other.
Making Music with a Band
Making music in a band is not always easy. Steve explains that everyone in the band has to work as a team. They argue sometimes about which parts of a song to play or what the band should sound like, but this helps the band get better. Steve says that writing a “good song” is what matters most, whether it’s loud, fast, slow, or soft.
Some of Bullet Belt’s songs have singing, growling, and even ballads, showing that metal bands in New Zealand can try new things. Steve encourages new musicians to be open-minded, work hard, help each other, and not worry if people don’t always like what you do.
The Culture of Heavy Metal in New Zealand
Steve talks about how heavy metal was sometimes “outcast” music in New Zealand when he was young. It wasn’t the cool thing to like at school. People who loved metal would become close friends and help each other. Over time, heavy metal concerts and festivals got bigger, and now the music brings lots of people together. Steve is proud that the New Zealand metal scene is strong, with bands playing both here and overseas.
He talks about how in the past, getting music was hard — you had to buy tapes and records, and you might only afford one a month. But that made people really listen to the music and learn everything about their favorite bands. Now, people can find music quickly on the internet, but Steve says that buying music and going to shows is still the best way to support local bands.
Advice for Young Metal Musicians
Steve’s advice for kids who want to be metal musicians is simple: find people to play music with. It’s fun to practice by yourself, but the real fun comes with playing as a group. Don’t be afraid to try, even if you make mistakes. Be brave, put on a show, and try to write your own songs. Also, always support other bands by buying their music, going to shows, and being positive.
Conclusion: Why Heavy Metal Rocks in New Zealand
Being a metal musician in New Zealand is exciting and fun but takes a lot of teamwork, practice, and passion. Steve Francis shows that heavy metal is more than just music — it’s a way for people to connect, feel strong, and be themselves. If you dream of making music, the New Zealand heavy metal scene welcomes everyone, and with hard work, you can be part of it too!
You can find Steve here:
https://www.bulletbelt-official.com/
You can watch the video here: