Get ready to dive deep into the world where bogan culture and heavy metal collide, as we sit down with Sam Sheppard—renowned drummer, audio engineer, and true heavy metal devotee. He is also the front man of a heavy metal band Imperial Slave - hailing from Palmerston North in New Zealand.In this episode, you'll get an insider perspective on what it really means to be a bogan in the heavy metal scene, and why this unique subculture remains such a powerful force in New Zealand and beyond.Sam shares his own story of growing up , blasting Metallica and Iron Maiden, and navigating the challenges—and wild fun—of playing in heavy metal bands. From recounting crazy stories on tour, recording in Berlin, and building a tight-knit community around music, Sam reveals the unfiltered reality of a life fully immersed in heavy metal. You’ll also hear his take on the often misunderstood bogan label: is it just about mullets and classic metal, or is there something more meaningful at its core?Whether you’re proudly bogan, a heavy metal enthusiast, or just curious about this raw corner of music culture, this episode is packed with laughter, real talk, and insider advice for anyone looking to dive into the world of heavy metal. Expect to discover the connections between bogan identity and heavy metal bands—the riffs, camaraderie, and freedom that make this lifestyle unforgettable.What’s in it for you? You’ll walk away with a genuine understanding of bogan culture and the heavy metal scene, hear never-before-told stories from the road, and get practical insights on music, creativity, and thriving as an outsider. If you love metal, are intrigued by the bogan spirit, or just want unfiltered behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.Turn it up and connect to the true heart of bogan and heavy metal culture!New Zealand Music Month and New Zealand Music Culture. New Zealand heavy Metal.

You can find the band here:https://www.facebook.com/ImperialSlave/

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Bogans of New Zealand! In this episode, we talk with Dave Snell, who wrote the book “Bogan - An insiders guide to Metal, Mullets, and Mayhem.” Dave knows a lot about what it means to be a bogan and shares cool stories about growing up loving heavy metal, rock music, and being part of New Zealand’s working class culture.What is a bogan?

In New Zealand, “bogan” is a word for someone who likes loud rock music, drives cool cars, and doesn’t care what others think about how they dress or what kind of music they listen to. Some people think bogans are uneducated or rough, but Dave shows that bogans can be smart, kind, and have their own interesting culture.In this interview, Dave tells us about writing his book, going to concerts, and what it’s like to be a bogan in New Zealand. He explains how music, friends, and working hard are important parts of the bogan life. Dave also talks about why some people judge bogans and why those ideas are wrong.

f you want to learn what makes New Zealand bogans so unique and fun, or you’re interested in heavy metal, rock music, or Kiwi culture, this video is for you!

Dave Snell’s book “Bogan an insiders guide to metal mullet and mayhem” is a great read for anyone who wants to understand more about everyday people in New Zealand.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you enjoyed the video!#bogans #newzealand #davesnell #boganbook #kiwiculture #rockmusic #heavymetal #workingclass #identity #subculture #nzbogans #aotearoa #davesnellbogan

You can watch the video here:

https://youtu.be/5kRqbk02X3c

Sam's story is a blend of cultures and sounds, having been born in the UK and moving to New Zealand multiple times during his childhood. He takes us back to his early days of musical discovery, listening to his parents' records and feeling a profound connection to The Stranglers and other iconic bands.This episode dives deep into Sam's unique musical path—from piano lessons at the age of five to exploring the electrifying world of heavy metal. Sam opens up about his experiences as a neurodivergent artist and how his autism diagnosis in 2021 has influenced his understanding of himself and his creative process.Join us as Sam candidly discusses the highs and lows of forming bands, his eclectic music influences that range from atmospheric sludge metal to pop, and the liberating nature of letting go of preconceived ideas in music creation.Don't miss out on:-Sam's amusing anecdote of singing Stranglers' lyrics as a child-How an encounter with a Metallica tape at age 8 changed his life-Insights into playing in various bands across New Zealand and Australia-His heartfelt advice for young neurodivergent musiciansSam's gigs:Drums at After The FleshAmbient Sonic Maximism at ThoughtsexplodethruskullsNoisesmith/Atmospheric Tantrums at Opium EaterComposer/Performer/Producer at SporkConjurer of sonic nightmares at Opiate SleeperDJ Doran at The Anger Management ShowStudied at New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington