No Labels, No Limits: MILITARIE GUN'S IAN SHELTON Ahead Of Aussie Tour With TOUCHE AMORE

Interview by Angela CroudaceAs Militarie Gun gear up to hit Australian stages alongside Touché Amoré, frontman Ian Shelton looks forward to everything from unruly shows to venomous local wildlife. “I guess my bucket list would be to see one of these disturbing Australian spiders in the flesh,” he laughs. “I don’t want to be in danger—but I’d like to see it.”It won't be Militarie Gun’s first time down under, but their energy and evolving sound continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Known for fusing hardcore roots with melodic hooks, the band’s genre-defying sound has sparked debate. “It’s disingenuous to call us a hardcore band,” Shelton says. “We came from that world, but we just want to sound like Militarie Gun.”Originality is embedded in everything they do—from their cathartic lyrics to unexpected collaborations like writing a WWE wrestling intro track. “Post Malone was meant to do it but got too busy. I woke up to a text and spent two days writing riffs,” he recalls. Raw emotion drives Shelton’s songwriting, a channel for experiences he says are too intense for everyday conversation. “The songs are the only appropriate place to put those feelings,” he shares. “I never hold anything back.”That vulnerability connects deeply with fans, who often bring wild energy to their gigs. “Last time in Sydney, we played Do It Faster four times. By the end, it was just one guy on stage. The rest of us had jumped into the crowd,” Shelton laughs. Despite their rising profile, Ian rejects the idea of “making it.” “It’s not a career—it’s an artistic pursuit,” he says. “If you ever feel like you’ve made it, you’re not pushing yourself creatively.”When asked what he hopes audiences take away, his answer is simple: “I hope they feel something—even if it’s anger. I don’t want to make anything people feel indifferent about.” As for advice to new bands navigating today’s fractured rock scene? “Be yourself—loudly,” Shelton says. “Turn your quirks up to 10. That’s what people connect with.”With that in mind, expect more chaos, catharsis, and no holding back. The tour kicks off July 10 at the Triffid in Brisbane.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.