www.myspace.com/thisisthismuthafucka
www.myspace.com/wrongsiderecords
November 28, 2007
November 24, 2007
My Turn To Win - Whatever It Takes Review
Reviewed by: Sean WWTO
My Turn To Win - Whatever It Takes (AWSR02)
Awake/Strong Records
1. Inside Is What Counts
2. Whatever It Takes
3. Far Out
4. Deadweight
5. Conflict
6. Best Goalie Ever
7. 2 Man Advantage
My Turn To Win is:
Dave - Vocals
Jess - Guitar
Ryan - Drums
Justin - Bass
Len - Guitar
My Turn To Won hail from Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey. Having been drawing crowds to there shows since the formation of the band in 2004, this cd is chock full of singalongs and fast 2 minute long hardcore punk influenced songs that are right to point. Signed to Awake/Strong Records this band is turning heads and has just finished recording there 5 song 2007 demo which is available for free download. You can contact the band through there myspace or official website. But if you are into early inhuman or fast hardcore punk that is right to the point i strongly suggest picking up this cd.
For Fans of : Have Heart, Death Threat, No Turning Back
Stand out Tracks : 2 Man Advantage, Inside Is What Counts, Best Goalie Ever, Deadweight
My Turn To Win has there 5 song demo up for free download here.
www.myturntowin.com
www.myspace.com/myturntowin
Pick up Whatever It Takes at RevHq and Interpunk
My Turn To Win - Whatever It Takes (AWSR02)
Awake/Strong Records
1. Inside Is What Counts
2. Whatever It Takes
3. Far Out
4. Deadweight
5. Conflict
6. Best Goalie Ever
7. 2 Man Advantage
My Turn To Win is:
Dave - Vocals
Jess - Guitar
Ryan - Drums
Justin - Bass
Len - Guitar
My Turn To Won hail from Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey. Having been drawing crowds to there shows since the formation of the band in 2004, this cd is chock full of singalongs and fast 2 minute long hardcore punk influenced songs that are right to point. Signed to Awake/Strong Records this band is turning heads and has just finished recording there 5 song 2007 demo which is available for free download. You can contact the band through there myspace or official website. But if you are into early inhuman or fast hardcore punk that is right to the point i strongly suggest picking up this cd.
For Fans of : Have Heart, Death Threat, No Turning Back
Stand out Tracks : 2 Man Advantage, Inside Is What Counts, Best Goalie Ever, Deadweight
My Turn To Win has there 5 song demo up for free download here.
www.myturntowin.com
www.myspace.com/myturntowin
Pick up Whatever It Takes at RevHq and Interpunk
Interview with Days of Discord
interview by: Sean WWTO
How long has the band been together?
It's been 3 or 4 years
Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Still in Paris hahaha, we're all really busy in this band and we have a really few time to search shows, so we're waiting for proposals. We'd like to tour across europe one day, but we're too lazy to organize it ourselves...
Is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
No, there was two other members of my last band Engine with us at the beginning. They left Days Of Discord after one year.
How many cds eps 7 inches or split cds has the band released?
We do not "release" CD's, we only record songs and put it on internet. We want people to listen to us and people don't buy cd's anymore...
When the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
We got a German guitarist who speaks too loud so we can't listen to music...
Who are some of the bands main musical influences?
Regarding hardcore/metal: Terror, Sick of it all, Pantera, Champion and many many others in other styles.
How did the band come to be known as Days of Discord?
There's a lot of fucked up things nowadays and it seems that it's not gonna be better soon. And by the way, i'm a "this was better before" man, hahaha
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands just starting out that maybe having a rough time?
Play your songs, please yourself, be patient
What do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
I used to write about mainstream hardcore themes (not enough time to write something else) but i'm trying to do something more personal today.
Are any members in side projects other than Days Of Discord?
Pat, our second guitarist plays in providence, an other Paris hardcore band.
The term hardcore is overused to the point that any type of band that has heavy riffs or a breakdown in a song is considered hardcore but what does the term mean to you?
Hardcore: Me, My friends, my music, things that happened in MY life, Anger and frustrations that i feel. It's an ego trip.
What is your favorite and least favorite city to play in?
We don't have favorite place. Only people counts.
Who are some of the bands that you enjoy sharing shows with?
Heyser, our first show partners... "our first date" haha
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
We don't have Merchandise yet, t-shirts come soon. Available by myspace.
Do you have any upcoming shows or tours in the works that you would like to tell the readers about?
If readers are people that organize shows we're interested haha
Do you have anything else you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
Theres a paris hardcore anthem that will be out in January. keep in touch with me to know what it's about...
www.myspace.com/daysofdiscord
www.daysofdiscord.com
www.myspace.com/sylvestrediscord
How long has the band been together?
It's been 3 or 4 years
Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Still in Paris hahaha, we're all really busy in this band and we have a really few time to search shows, so we're waiting for proposals. We'd like to tour across europe one day, but we're too lazy to organize it ourselves...
Is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
No, there was two other members of my last band Engine with us at the beginning. They left Days Of Discord after one year.
How many cds eps 7 inches or split cds has the band released?
We do not "release" CD's, we only record songs and put it on internet. We want people to listen to us and people don't buy cd's anymore...
When the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
We got a German guitarist who speaks too loud so we can't listen to music...
Who are some of the bands main musical influences?
Regarding hardcore/metal: Terror, Sick of it all, Pantera, Champion and many many others in other styles.
How did the band come to be known as Days of Discord?
There's a lot of fucked up things nowadays and it seems that it's not gonna be better soon. And by the way, i'm a "this was better before" man, hahaha
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands just starting out that maybe having a rough time?
Play your songs, please yourself, be patient
What do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
I used to write about mainstream hardcore themes (not enough time to write something else) but i'm trying to do something more personal today.
Are any members in side projects other than Days Of Discord?
Pat, our second guitarist plays in providence, an other Paris hardcore band.
The term hardcore is overused to the point that any type of band that has heavy riffs or a breakdown in a song is considered hardcore but what does the term mean to you?
Hardcore: Me, My friends, my music, things that happened in MY life, Anger and frustrations that i feel. It's an ego trip.
What is your favorite and least favorite city to play in?
We don't have favorite place. Only people counts.
Who are some of the bands that you enjoy sharing shows with?
Heyser, our first show partners... "our first date" haha
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
We don't have Merchandise yet, t-shirts come soon. Available by myspace.
Do you have any upcoming shows or tours in the works that you would like to tell the readers about?
If readers are people that organize shows we're interested haha
Do you have anything else you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
Theres a paris hardcore anthem that will be out in January. keep in touch with me to know what it's about...
www.myspace.com/daysofdiscord
www.daysofdiscord.com
www.myspace.com/sylvestrediscord
For The Proud - Another Day in Paradise Review
Reviewed by: Sean Walsh
For The Proud - Another Day in Paradise (DR002)
Demand Records
Track Listing:
1. Heartless
2. Eddie H Smokes Pot
3. Martyrs Of The Family
4. Blue Collar Pride
5. Darkened Hole
6. Little Kid
7. Against The Ropes
For The Proud is:
Jeff - Vocals
Butter - Vocals
Bob - Bass
Josh Footloose - Guitar
True Blue - Guitar
Joey - Drums
For The Proud hail from Columbus Ohio and have shared the stage with many bands that tour through that way this release out now on Demand Records contains 4 new tracks and 3 tracks that were originally done on there 2006 demo cd ep if straightup hardcore with plenty of singalongs is what you are into then i definitely suggest contacting Demand Records or For The Proud directly through there myspace. Be on the lookout for For The Proud they put there heart and soul into this recording and are not going to be giving up anytime soon so if you happen to be at a show in Ohio and you see them listed on the bill make sure to be there when they play.
For fans of: Pound For Pound, Under One Flag, Hoods
Stand out Tracks : Heartless, Darkened Hole, Blue Collar Pride
www.myspace.com/fortheproud
www.myspace.com/demandrecords
For The Proud - Another Day in Paradise (DR002)
Demand Records
Track Listing:
1. Heartless
2. Eddie H Smokes Pot
3. Martyrs Of The Family
4. Blue Collar Pride
5. Darkened Hole
6. Little Kid
7. Against The Ropes
For The Proud is:
Jeff - Vocals
Butter - Vocals
Bob - Bass
Josh Footloose - Guitar
True Blue - Guitar
Joey - Drums
For The Proud hail from Columbus Ohio and have shared the stage with many bands that tour through that way this release out now on Demand Records contains 4 new tracks and 3 tracks that were originally done on there 2006 demo cd ep if straightup hardcore with plenty of singalongs is what you are into then i definitely suggest contacting Demand Records or For The Proud directly through there myspace. Be on the lookout for For The Proud they put there heart and soul into this recording and are not going to be giving up anytime soon so if you happen to be at a show in Ohio and you see them listed on the bill make sure to be there when they play.
For fans of: Pound For Pound, Under One Flag, Hoods
Stand out Tracks : Heartless, Darkened Hole, Blue Collar Pride
www.myspace.com/fortheproud
www.myspace.com/demandrecords
November 21, 2007
Ceekay Interview by Russ Attitude
How long have you been doing music?
Well, I started my first band when I was 15 with my best friend Norm, (who is my drummer). It was a Punk Rock band called "Captin Kirk and The Camel Toes" lol....
For the people out there give us a quick background on yourself?
Born in NY, of Irish/Scottish heritage. Both my parents were Professional Ski Racers. My mother was a member of the US Ski Team and Olympic Team. I of course grew up ski racing but then became a snowboarder which then in turn I became Professional at age 16. I toured all over the world competing in Big Air, Halfpipe and Freeride for numerous companies. When I was 19 I blew both my knee's out and it was then I started singing and emceeing in the band TABULARASA which I was front man of from 99' till 06'. Tabularasa did very well in the states, so I never went back to snowboarding, and here I am now living in LA and still making music....Theres somewhat of a BackGround for ya...lol
What mc's influenced you growing up?
First and For Most "KRS ONE", Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra, Rakim, and then later it was groups like Wu-Tang, House of Pain, Zach De La Rocha, Onyx and others. I get influence from a lot of music so its hard to say who and what for that question....I got influenced from Music and Life period...
What is your lyrical content about?
LIFE !!! Anything from my daily interations with people to crazy political issues I feel compelled to speek about. I have no boundries when I write....
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Definetly writing recording and touring with my music. I plan to have a good solid body of work out in the world and be well established worldwide. BUT, this is all if the Mayan Calender is wrong...lol...So Im gonna say I see all that in 3 years, that way if the world does end like the Mayan claender says, I'll at least have made a good mark up unitl that point !!!!
In only one sentence how would you describe the sound of Ceekay to someone who has never heard you before?
The evolution of Punk Rock, Hip-Hop !!!
First concert you went to and is this why your doing music today?
Jimmy Cliff (The Reggee musician) Actually at that point I only had dreams of being an Olympic athlete. It wasnt till I blew my knees out that I started to realize my true calling which is music.
Besides myspace is there any other websites to get a hold of you on?
Right now I am building my website www.ceekaymusic.com, but MySpace is my main resourse on the web, and it is the best way to check up on me
and my schedual of events...
So I noticed your signed Suburban Noize, how did that come about and how is the label treating you?Great thus far. I will be releasing my first Solo record in the summer of next year (08') And I plan on it continuing to be a good relationship with Sub Noize...
Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?
I will be touring in Canada with Necro, Psycho Realm and Danny Diablo in January, and then I will be touring in Europe and Japan with Danny Diablo in April and May....All shows and dates will be posted on my MySpace page ( www.myspace.com/ceekaymusicpage).....
What's the biggest show you've played?
Good question. Ive played a lot of big Music Festivals with Thousnads of people each time. But the smallest show I played was at a fish n Chips pub in LA like 10 years ago with Tabularasa, to like 4 people. They had good beer though....hahahahahahaha
What artists/bands do you enjoy touring with?
I just toured with (hed) PE and they fucking RULE !!! Great guys and music. All the Suburban Noize groups are really fun to tour with, but I think my all time favorite purly because I still hold his as a teacher to me is KRS ONE. Getting to tour and rock the same mic the same crowd on the same stage with him was a true honor....
Are there any artists/bands in particular that you prefer to do shows with and why?
Im down to rock shows with anyone. I love music so it dont matter who or what as long as your good people. I dont have time to hate on people or bands. I got love for anyone whos got love for me....
Growing up were you ever in and hardcore bands?
I personally was in Punk bands, but I love Hardcore and it has always been in my collection. I am a huge Agnostic Front fan now that Im in the same crew with them its an honor.
So are you part of the La Coka Nostra family. Do we see a huge tour from this power house of MC's?
La Coka Nostra is made up of people that are all family to me, so yes I am part of the extended family. I am personally doing my solo stuff right now and dont know what LA COKA is doing as far as the touring goes, but I'm sure you'll see all of us on the road soon enough.....
Tell us about Stereo Chemix?
"Stereo Chemix" is a band that Im in which is the first new group outside of Limp Bizkit for JOHN OTTO (Limp Bizkit Drummer) We are both doing the vocal work in the band, so its like a a dual Front man thing. The bad also has my best friend and drummer of 15 years. Norm aka NC3, as well as DJ Apokalypze and FinBarr....The sound is crazy and thats all Im gonna say for now. Watch out for STEREO CHEMIX touring world wide in the near future....
What's next for Ceekay?
Getting this SOLO record to the world and playing shows....I live to tour and play music, so I plan on touring worldwide as much as possible in support of the record !!!
If you could give a kid 5 cds that got you into music what would they be?
1. KRS ONE and SCOTT LA ROCK "Criminal Minded"
2.THE BEATLES "Sergent Peppers Lonley Hearts Club Band"
3. ERIC B. n RAKIM "Paid in Ful"
4. BEASTIE BOYS "Licence to Ill"
5. AGNOSTIC FRONT "Victim in Pain"
What are you currently listening to?
The Transplants, Hed pe, Agnostic Front, Raised Fist and Skindred are some of the Cds Im playing other than my own music.....
Best advice for up and coming MC's?
Follow your dreams. Dont let anyone tell you your not gonna make it or you not good enough. Music is about perseverance !!! There are some
many people who MC and make music, its just theres not a lot of them that can continue to follow the dream year after year no matter what!!!
Ceekay Discography (mix tapes, projects etc)
"CeeKay":
1. "R. Maris Returns" Vol 1 the Mixtape (Released 2007)
2. "The Introduction" releasing on Suburban Noize Records ( Summer of 2008 )
"TABULARASA":
1. "Land of Entrapment" (Released 1999) Self Released
2. "Trash n Treasure" (Released 2005) by One Entertainment
3. "O.N.E." Tabularasa Full feature DVD (Released 2004) by One Entertainment
Ive also dont numerous apperances on records with groups and Mcs...The latest thing I did was The Remix of "Show of Force" by ICEPICK with
Vinney Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks, which will be on the Re-Release of ICEPICKS "Violent Epiphany" ......
Your on the road, what do you do to kill time?
Sleep as much as possible, listen to music, and of course WOMEN !!!! hahahahaha Im also partial to Jameson Wiskey, so I kill time with that as well....
Last movie you saw?
Havent been to a movie in a long time. To busy in the studio, but I did see the Movie "City of God" a while ago....
Craziest shit you have seen at a show?
Man, I always see crazy shit at shows. Broken noses, blood, naked women (which I always love). The best is seeing how drunk some cats get, I think thats the best part. Seeing someone so drunk they cant even walk, but there still in the pit swinging elbows somehow...hahaha
Best way to get in contact with Ceekay?
MYSPACE !!!! www.myspace.com/ceekaymusicpage
Any last words?
"SEE YOU ALL VERY SOON" !!!!! Much Respect to everyone ....one
November 16, 2007
All My Sin interview w/ Stevem (Vocalist) by Russ Attitude
How did the band come to be named All My Sins?
We had a list full of names that we 've gathered and then we 've chosen one of them.
Who are some of the bands main musical influences?
We 're all fan of Madball, Skarhead, Blood for blood, Terror, Death threat, ...
How long has the band been together?
AMS is complete since June 2006.
How many cds eps 7 inches split cds and demos has the band currently released?
We 've recorded a demo (4songs) in August 2006 in our rehearsal room and in August 2007 we went into the studio to record a MCD (6songs) called "In with the old... out with the new". The MCD came out on Daysofwarmusic, a label from friends of us.
What do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
They deal about personal things, the whole situation in the world, ... I put all of my rage, frustrations in my lyrics because sometimes I feel like I'm gonna explode and I need to let out some steam.
Is there a large and thriving scene in the Belgium Area?
Yeah, we have some great gigs here (big or underground) and a lot of good bands here like The boss, Lenght of time, Rise and fall, ... The scene is getting bigger and bigger after some bad years. It's good to see that it's back alive!
Are any members in side projects other than All My Sins?
Our drummer plays drum in another HC band called Crossed the line and I play bass in a rock cover band called Rock stovrie.
Is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
In the beginning there were some line up changes, but since June 2006, AMS was Steve – vocals, Nick – guitar, Bert – guitar, Geoffn – bass and Siench – drums. With this formation we 've played a lot of shows and recorded our demo and MCD. Unfortunately, Geoffn recentely decided to quit the band to focus on his family. But we found another bassplayer called Meersie. I hope that we can keep this formation as long as possible.
If you could have anyone do guest vocals on your next recording who would it be and why?
I don't know, Freddy Madball would be nice or Ross, the singer of Lenght of time. There are so many great singers, it would be hard to choose.
In only one sentence describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
A groovy, old skool band with some heavy parts.
When the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
For so far, we 've never been on tour. But when it comes down to it, I would have a lot of different kinds of music with me like funk, blues, country, HC, death metal, black metal, reggae, ... even some good house or techno music. You have for every mood the right kind of groove. I'm quite open minded about music.
Does the band have any plans to tour the USA in either 2007 or 2008?
That would be great, but we 're very realistic. We don't have the money for that. We 're just a new band, although all of us have played in other bands like Retaliate, 1outta6, 187, Outcast.
How were you first exposed to the scene and what made you say i want to be in an band?
I 've been around for 11 years now. A friend of mine told me about hc and that I should check it out. With a couple of friends we went to some gigs and before we knew it, we also starded a band. Back then we looked up to bands like Congress, Sektor, ... all bands from our area. We wanted to be on stage and feel that same atmosphere.
What can someone expect to see when attending a All My Sins show in Belgium who has never seen you perform live before?
We always give 110%, even when it's not fully crowded. The kind of music we play is something that you can't stay still on, so we give everything we can. The people who paid for it deserve to see a good show.
Where do you see the band in 3 years from now?
I really don't know. As long as we can play our music and do some shows, that would be nice. Hopefully by then, we can do some European shows or maybe US shows. We 'll see.
Who are some of the up and coming bands from Belgium that we should be on the lookout for?
The boss, Crossed the line, Golden bullet, Blood redemption, XLosing streakX, Black haven, ... Way to many to mention them all.
The term hardcore has become so overused that any band putting a breakdown into a song is considered hardcore but explain to the readers what hardcore means to you?
I try not to think in terms, like this is HC and that isn't. It's just trying to keep your head up and have your own opinions in a fucked up society. To me, music (HC, metal, ...) is a great outlet for aggression, lyrics that's giving you hope, strenght, not giving in, we 're you can loose yourself.
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
For the moment we only have our myspace, www.myspace.com/allmysinshc , www.myspace.com/daysofwarmusic or allmysinshc@hotmail.com .
What is your most memorable show and why?
Until now, I would say our releaseshow. The sound was very good and we 've played one hell of a show. The response of the crowd was good.
What is your favorite city and country to play shows in and also your least favorite and why?
We 've got allmost everytime good response from the crowd. It happens that it's less, because we were the only old skool band between all metal or metalcore bands. But a bad city to play? I don't know.
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands starting out that maybe having a tough time and thinking about giving up?
Believe in what you do. Have fun and keep playing what you play. It has no point to change everytime some genre is hot. Maybe now metalcore is hot and in 5 years it will be old skool. But everything comes back, always.
Where else besides myspace can the readers go to to findout about upcoming shows and other band related information?
For the moment it's myspace.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to the band when playing a set?
I 've once slept away. I was jumping and moving around, but I didn't noticed that the floor was very slippery. When the song ended, everyone was laughing. It was quite funny.
Where do you think you would be right now had you not been exposed to the hxc metal scene?
Difficult to say. Maybe I would be a giant nerd, haha.
What is the worst injury that any of the band has had happen to them when playing show?
For so far, none. I hope that it will stay that way.
Why do you think that people always associate violence with hardcore shows and it always gives hxc scenes and shows a bad reputation?
Hard, aggressive music asks for violent dancing. The people who goes to shows want to let out there frustrations. It's sad that some of them use it to hit others on purpose. But people who don't how it is on a HC show, should come and see or keep there mouth shut.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?
Not really, come to our shows and enjoy the music.
Is there anything else that you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
We 're wacko, horny but friendly guys! Thanks for showing interest in the band, good luck with everything you do and maybe we 'll see you around!
www.myspace.com/allmysinshc
www.myspace.com/allmysinshc
www.myspace.com/allmysinshc
We had a list full of names that we 've gathered and then we 've chosen one of them.
Who are some of the bands main musical influences?
We 're all fan of Madball, Skarhead, Blood for blood, Terror, Death threat, ...
How long has the band been together?
AMS is complete since June 2006.
How many cds eps 7 inches split cds and demos has the band currently released?
We 've recorded a demo (4songs) in August 2006 in our rehearsal room and in August 2007 we went into the studio to record a MCD (6songs) called "In with the old... out with the new". The MCD came out on Daysofwarmusic, a label from friends of us.
What do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
They deal about personal things, the whole situation in the world, ... I put all of my rage, frustrations in my lyrics because sometimes I feel like I'm gonna explode and I need to let out some steam.
Is there a large and thriving scene in the Belgium Area?
Yeah, we have some great gigs here (big or underground) and a lot of good bands here like The boss, Lenght of time, Rise and fall, ... The scene is getting bigger and bigger after some bad years. It's good to see that it's back alive!
Are any members in side projects other than All My Sins?
Our drummer plays drum in another HC band called Crossed the line and I play bass in a rock cover band called Rock stovrie.
Is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
In the beginning there were some line up changes, but since June 2006, AMS was Steve – vocals, Nick – guitar, Bert – guitar, Geoffn – bass and Siench – drums. With this formation we 've played a lot of shows and recorded our demo and MCD. Unfortunately, Geoffn recentely decided to quit the band to focus on his family. But we found another bassplayer called Meersie. I hope that we can keep this formation as long as possible.
If you could have anyone do guest vocals on your next recording who would it be and why?
I don't know, Freddy Madball would be nice or Ross, the singer of Lenght of time. There are so many great singers, it would be hard to choose.
In only one sentence describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
A groovy, old skool band with some heavy parts.
When the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
For so far, we 've never been on tour. But when it comes down to it, I would have a lot of different kinds of music with me like funk, blues, country, HC, death metal, black metal, reggae, ... even some good house or techno music. You have for every mood the right kind of groove. I'm quite open minded about music.
Does the band have any plans to tour the USA in either 2007 or 2008?
That would be great, but we 're very realistic. We don't have the money for that. We 're just a new band, although all of us have played in other bands like Retaliate, 1outta6, 187, Outcast.
How were you first exposed to the scene and what made you say i want to be in an band?
I 've been around for 11 years now. A friend of mine told me about hc and that I should check it out. With a couple of friends we went to some gigs and before we knew it, we also starded a band. Back then we looked up to bands like Congress, Sektor, ... all bands from our area. We wanted to be on stage and feel that same atmosphere.
What can someone expect to see when attending a All My Sins show in Belgium who has never seen you perform live before?
We always give 110%, even when it's not fully crowded. The kind of music we play is something that you can't stay still on, so we give everything we can. The people who paid for it deserve to see a good show.
Where do you see the band in 3 years from now?
I really don't know. As long as we can play our music and do some shows, that would be nice. Hopefully by then, we can do some European shows or maybe US shows. We 'll see.
Who are some of the up and coming bands from Belgium that we should be on the lookout for?
The boss, Crossed the line, Golden bullet, Blood redemption, XLosing streakX, Black haven, ... Way to many to mention them all.
The term hardcore has become so overused that any band putting a breakdown into a song is considered hardcore but explain to the readers what hardcore means to you?
I try not to think in terms, like this is HC and that isn't. It's just trying to keep your head up and have your own opinions in a fucked up society. To me, music (HC, metal, ...) is a great outlet for aggression, lyrics that's giving you hope, strenght, not giving in, we 're you can loose yourself.
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
For the moment we only have our myspace, www.myspace.com/allmysinshc , www.myspace.com/daysofwarmusic or allmysinshc@hotmail.com .
What is your most memorable show and why?
Until now, I would say our releaseshow. The sound was very good and we 've played one hell of a show. The response of the crowd was good.
What is your favorite city and country to play shows in and also your least favorite and why?
We 've got allmost everytime good response from the crowd. It happens that it's less, because we were the only old skool band between all metal or metalcore bands. But a bad city to play? I don't know.
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands starting out that maybe having a tough time and thinking about giving up?
Believe in what you do. Have fun and keep playing what you play. It has no point to change everytime some genre is hot. Maybe now metalcore is hot and in 5 years it will be old skool. But everything comes back, always.
Where else besides myspace can the readers go to to findout about upcoming shows and other band related information?
For the moment it's myspace.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to the band when playing a set?
I 've once slept away. I was jumping and moving around, but I didn't noticed that the floor was very slippery. When the song ended, everyone was laughing. It was quite funny.
Where do you think you would be right now had you not been exposed to the hxc metal scene?
Difficult to say. Maybe I would be a giant nerd, haha.
What is the worst injury that any of the band has had happen to them when playing show?
For so far, none. I hope that it will stay that way.
Why do you think that people always associate violence with hardcore shows and it always gives hxc scenes and shows a bad reputation?
Hard, aggressive music asks for violent dancing. The people who goes to shows want to let out there frustrations. It's sad that some of them use it to hit others on purpose. But people who don't how it is on a HC show, should come and see or keep there mouth shut.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?
Not really, come to our shows and enjoy the music.
Is there anything else that you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
We 're wacko, horny but friendly guys! Thanks for showing interest in the band, good luck with everything you do and maybe we 'll see you around!
www.myspace.com/allmysinshc
www.myspace.com/allmysinshc
www.myspace.com/allmysinshc
Down Not Out interview with David (vocalist) & Joey (guitarist) by Russ Attitude
So how long has this band been around?
We have been a band now a little over a year.
We have been a band now a little over a year.
Is this the original line up, if not what is the current lineup and position in the band?
We still have all original members but it's just changed around a little bit. When we first started we had 6 members and it was David and Orlando on vocals, Joey and Derek on guitars, Marce on the bass, and Travis on drums. Around March of this year we all made a mutual decision that it would be better if Travis left the band, so at that point Derek got off the guitar and hopped on the drums and that really worked out well. Then around august of this year our bassist Marce had to leave because he was moving to continue in his dancing career. So about a month after that Orlando got off the vocals and picked up the bass. Everything is
working out great now with this lineup and we are in the process of writing and recording a whole new set.
For the people out there give us a quick background on the band?
This band started out as 6 dudes who wanted to play some music, have
fun and play some shows.
What's the meaning behind the name Down Not Out?
All of us were trying to think of a name and were looking at cd booklets and came across outbreaks album. We had a few ideas and we ended up sticking with down not out. It was like the hardcore scene in NM wasn't much at all. It was down. But there was still some stuff going on. So we weren't out just yet.
If you can understand that? Haha
Describe your style/sound?
Its def heavy hardcore. We try to throw in fast circle pits, catchy 2 steps, and hard breakdowns.
How is the music scene in New Mexico?
David - To be completely honest, not to good haha. We do what we can but shit doesn't always work out. Not too many kids are into hardcore here.
Joey - There isn't much going on here in New Mexico. Albuquerque wasn't putting on many hardcore shows at all, so we decided to start booking bands and putting on shows here in our hometown of Espanola. Slowly we have been trying to build a scene here
in Espanola.
Give us a quick discography for Down Not Out?
In winter 2006 we did a horribly recorded demo. Then this summer we rerecorded it with some new songs we are in the process of putting out all new songs this winter.
What influences Down not Out lyrics?
David - At first on our early songs it was more cliche type things. Now on our newer songs its alot more personal. Things like family problems, religious beliefs, failure, and my life as a teenager.
In 5yrs we'll see Down Not Out doing…
Still playing the shack hahah! We are most likely still going to be productive and hopefully have gone on some tours.
What crazy antics go on it the van?
Basically on the way to a show we just talk shit about everything and make fun of everything. Especially each other. We make fun of hardcore matt alot too (a local kid). We just like to have fun.
What are you currently listening to?
Joey - Fight Like Hell
David - Jimmies chicken shack
5 cds that got you into Hardcore?
Death Threat - Now Here Fast
Hoods - The King Is Dead
Terror - One With The Underdogs
Kids Like Us - Outta Control
Throwdown - Haymaker
Any venue you dig playing?
THE SHACK!
Last movie you saw?
Joey - Blood in Blood out
David - Colors
Best show you would say Down Not Out has played so far?
A summer fest show we put on with Death Before Dishonor, Black My Heart, Fight Like Hell, Colin Of Arabia, and lots of locals.
Any bands in your area you wanna tell us about?
www.myspace.com/withtheseweapo
www.myspace.com/excruciation
www.myspace.com/anonymousvicti
www.myspace.com/west44
When Down Not Out isn't playing shows what are you all doing?
3 of us are still in high school. So we are either at school, work, practicing, or just hanging out and going to shows.
What bands did you look up to?
On a Warpath, Shattered Realm, Terror, and Death Before Dishonor to name a few.
First concert you went to and is this why you play music today?
Joey - It was On Broken Wings and it has alot to do with being in a band today.
David - Remembering Never and yes it pretty much is.
Anyone in any side projects?
David is in an edge band called XRAMPAGEX.
What bands do you feel are hot right now?
FIGHT LIKE HELL
Wintch Mob
CDC
Thick As Blood
What would be your dream tour (current or past)?
Joey - Dag Nasty, Champion, and Pink Floyd
David - XTYRANTX, Suffer The Living, and Sworn Vengeance
If Down Not Out was to do a world tour, who would you bring?
Beg for life, Viper:Viper, Speak In Vowels, all the dudes in these bands are great guys.
Craziest shit you have seen at a show?
When we played a show with On A Warpath, during their set a local kids 2 front teeth got broken in half.
Best way to get in contact with Down Not Out?
Our myspace page.
www.myspace.com/downnotout505
Any last words?
Joey - Check out these bands; Speak in Vowels, Brookside, Fools Die,
Crooked Ways, and Beg for Life.
David - All the way to the back 505 represent.
November 11, 2007
MTG interview by: Sean WWTO
MTG
www.myspace.com/MTG412
Demand Records
www.myspace.com/demandrecords
how long has the band been together?
We have been together a little over a year and a half
how did the band come to be known as Monument The Ghost MTG?
We were walking out of a show and our old guitar player just blurted it out, we said man that kinda cool, so it stuck and we have hated it ever since ha.
are any of the members in side projects other than MTG?
Jonny and Bobby are working on a side project called VOW OF HATRED, check it out its straight up beat down and Bobby also plays bass in TURNPIKE GATES local straight edge hardcore like champion and stuff
how long has the band been signed with demand records and how did you come to signing with them?
We have been signed to Demand for almost a year. We were in the process of trying to put out or EP at the time (Life's A Mess) and another so called "Label" said they would help but when it came time to print them and spend the money they backed out. So fortunately we had a show coming up with The Neon Hookers and from us talking back and forth we found Demand Records through them, talked to Josh and We were signed that night which was amazing.
is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
This is not the original line up…The strongest we have ever had but not the original. Ben-vox, E-bass and Bobby-guitar are the only original members. Pat-vox came to us last year right around xmas so it was a nice little gift as well as Shawn and Jonny we added to the mix about a month and a half before our summer tour
is there a large and thriving scene in the Pittsburgh area as well as throughout Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh absolutely not…it actually makes us upset. We get really good shows but it's the same people and that isn't a problem but no one else gives a shit and that is sad. PA is great however, Erie has some really good stuff as well as Philly and East Stroudsburg. You got bands like Wisdom in Chains, Reign Supreme, Steel Nation, Represent, CDC so we have some good gin around.
in only one sentence describe your bands sound to someone who has never heard you before?
We are a hardcore band with beat down parts, that is fun and has a message.
for someone who has never seen MTG live before what can they expect to see especially if its a show in the Pittsburgh area?
Well in the Pittsburgh area not much, because again its not a very good place to play so play there as little as possible. But on the road you can expect high intensity show with a lot of emotion and some violence every now and then haha.
when the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
We like to mix it up as much as possible. We are a hardcore band, but you cant listen to hardcore constantly, we have everything from folk and acoustic to metal and reggae and ska. We are a very eccentric band
what do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
Well whatever is going on at the time in our lives or in the world…and I know that is what every band would say. But I think we express that better than some bands.
how were you first exposed to the scene and what made you say i want to be in a band?
We all kind of got into at the same time. We just ended up getting cds off of people and checkin them out and then heading to see those bands and just being exposed to so many great bands. Pat and Jonny are a little older than us so they were into it a little while longer before us.
you recently had a show with death before dishonor how was that show attendance wise and how did the crowd take to you when you played?
Well we pretty much played for the bands. It was at a venue that was 18+ and didn't start til 10pm. So the kids around there know that the touring bands wont play til 12 so it was kinda like a practice away from home, but it was nice hearing the touring bands tell us that it was good.
when on tour and driving from city to city what is some of the weirdest shit you have seen happen or pass by ?
On our summer tour we were in Florida and stopped to sleep at a rest stop and Patrick picked the swampiest nastiest swamp to sleep next to. We laid down in the grass and heard something on the other side of the fence and we didn't think anything of it. then about 5 minutes later bobby got up screaming like a girl. A armadillo was in his sleeping bag. What the is an armadillo doing in Florida, we thought they were only in Australia.
who are some of the bands main musical influences?
We listen to a whiole lot of stuff. From hardcore to hip hop. But mainly wed say: Terror, Furious Styles, Lionheart, Death Before Dishonor, CDC, Folsom, Fight Like Hell, On A Warpath, 2pac, Biggie, Ice Cube all that kind of stuff
how many cds eps 7 inches split cds and demos has the band currently released?
We have 2 EP's one of which is our first and is terrible and we have Life's A Mess, which is out right now and we also have a 7" coming out on Demand soon.
who are some of the up and coming bands from the Pittsburgh area as well throughout Pennsylvania that we should be on the lookout for?
These bands are all amazing and good friends of ours
Unit 731
Full Collapse
Path to Misery
Failure To Fall
when writing the song Saviors explain to readers the meaning behind that song as the lyrics are very powerful?
Its pretty much about any kind of friendship whether it be with a guy or girl with a girlfriend whatever. Then them turning their back on you and and you just saying fuck that I don't need that shit I have friends family and the ones that matter in my life.
the term hardcore has become so overused that any band putting a breakdown into a song is considered hardcore but explain to the readers what hardcore means to you?
Hardcore is a community to us, a community with people who care and have a cause. it's a never ending group of friends that you can trust and have their back no matter what. Its not about your crew or the breakdown as many people like to believe. Just because your music is "heavy" doesn't mean shit to us.
where do you see this band in 3 years from now?
Touring, Touring, Touring and writing a new full length
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
Just hit up our myspace merch page its real easy and we ship anywhere www.myspace.com/MTG412
What is your most memorable show and why?
Our first show ever. We weren't a very good band but we had about 275 people watching us and they loved it. It was the greatest accomplishment for us.
what is your favorite city and country to play shows in and also your least favorite and why?
Our favorite so far would have to be Panama City FL. And our least would probably be home
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands starting out that maybe having a tough time and thinking about giving up?
Fuck what people say, write music that YOU like and just go with it. Make sure you are having fun first and then worry about all the other stuff later. Shows will come and you need to practice as well. It takes more then a dropped tuned guitar and a breakdown to become a decent band.
Who are some of the bands that you enjoy touring with?
As Your Hero Dies (RIP), Failure To Fall
Where else other than myspace can the readers go to find out about upcoming shows and other band related information?
HXCmp3.com we have some stuff on there as well.
where do you think you would be right now had you not been exposed to the hxc metal scene?
God only knows…probably listening to korn or something sweet like that
what is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to the band when playing a set?
Bobbys fat ass fell a few times but other that that nothing to bad.
if the band could have anyone do guest vocals on the next cd with you who would it be and why?
We have some guest vocals on our full length coming out in late spring 08' but Probably any of the bands we listed as influences. Scott Vogel would be sick or If we could get Lil Wayne or something haha that would be tight.
what is the worst injury that any of the band has had happen when playing show?
Nothing yet haha but im sure that day will come soon. ha
why do you think that people always associate violence with hardcore shows and it always gives hxc scenes and shows a bad reputation?
Because of the assholes that go to shows and just fight. Its one reason to fight for something that actually means something but to fight cause you got MOSHED way hard is terrible. We arent tough dudes but if you wanna fight at one of our shows come see us we will work it out.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?
We are doing a winter tour with WEIGHT OF THE CROWN so if were in your city please come out its gonna be a good ass time.
Is there anything else that you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
Stop fighting at hardcore shows your not tough. Support local good hardcore bands. And go check out DEMAND RECORDS (www.myspace.com/demandrecords). Every band on there is tight as hell.
Thanks a lot dude
MTG
www.myspace.com/MTG412
Demand Records
www.myspace.com/demandrecords
how long has the band been together?
We have been together a little over a year and a half
how did the band come to be known as Monument The Ghost MTG?
We were walking out of a show and our old guitar player just blurted it out, we said man that kinda cool, so it stuck and we have hated it ever since ha.
are any of the members in side projects other than MTG?
Jonny and Bobby are working on a side project called VOW OF HATRED, check it out its straight up beat down and Bobby also plays bass in TURNPIKE GATES local straight edge hardcore like champion and stuff
how long has the band been signed with demand records and how did you come to signing with them?
We have been signed to Demand for almost a year. We were in the process of trying to put out or EP at the time (Life's A Mess) and another so called "Label" said they would help but when it came time to print them and spend the money they backed out. So fortunately we had a show coming up with The Neon Hookers and from us talking back and forth we found Demand Records through them, talked to Josh and We were signed that night which was amazing.
is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
This is not the original line up…The strongest we have ever had but not the original. Ben-vox, E-bass and Bobby-guitar are the only original members. Pat-vox came to us last year right around xmas so it was a nice little gift as well as Shawn and Jonny we added to the mix about a month and a half before our summer tour
is there a large and thriving scene in the Pittsburgh area as well as throughout Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh absolutely not…it actually makes us upset. We get really good shows but it's the same people and that isn't a problem but no one else gives a shit and that is sad. PA is great however, Erie has some really good stuff as well as Philly and East Stroudsburg. You got bands like Wisdom in Chains, Reign Supreme, Steel Nation, Represent, CDC so we have some good gin around.
in only one sentence describe your bands sound to someone who has never heard you before?
We are a hardcore band with beat down parts, that is fun and has a message.
for someone who has never seen MTG live before what can they expect to see especially if its a show in the Pittsburgh area?
Well in the Pittsburgh area not much, because again its not a very good place to play so play there as little as possible. But on the road you can expect high intensity show with a lot of emotion and some violence every now and then haha.
when the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
We like to mix it up as much as possible. We are a hardcore band, but you cant listen to hardcore constantly, we have everything from folk and acoustic to metal and reggae and ska. We are a very eccentric band
what do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
Well whatever is going on at the time in our lives or in the world…and I know that is what every band would say. But I think we express that better than some bands.
how were you first exposed to the scene and what made you say i want to be in a band?
We all kind of got into at the same time. We just ended up getting cds off of people and checkin them out and then heading to see those bands and just being exposed to so many great bands. Pat and Jonny are a little older than us so they were into it a little while longer before us.
you recently had a show with death before dishonor how was that show attendance wise and how did the crowd take to you when you played?
Well we pretty much played for the bands. It was at a venue that was 18+ and didn't start til 10pm. So the kids around there know that the touring bands wont play til 12 so it was kinda like a practice away from home, but it was nice hearing the touring bands tell us that it was good.
when on tour and driving from city to city what is some of the weirdest shit you have seen happen or pass by ?
On our summer tour we were in Florida and stopped to sleep at a rest stop and Patrick picked the swampiest nastiest swamp to sleep next to. We laid down in the grass and heard something on the other side of the fence and we didn't think anything of it. then about 5 minutes later bobby got up screaming like a girl. A armadillo was in his sleeping bag. What the is an armadillo doing in Florida, we thought they were only in Australia.
who are some of the bands main musical influences?
We listen to a whiole lot of stuff. From hardcore to hip hop. But mainly wed say: Terror, Furious Styles, Lionheart, Death Before Dishonor, CDC, Folsom, Fight Like Hell, On A Warpath, 2pac, Biggie, Ice Cube all that kind of stuff
how many cds eps 7 inches split cds and demos has the band currently released?
We have 2 EP's one of which is our first and is terrible and we have Life's A Mess, which is out right now and we also have a 7" coming out on Demand soon.
who are some of the up and coming bands from the Pittsburgh area as well throughout Pennsylvania that we should be on the lookout for?
These bands are all amazing and good friends of ours
Unit 731
Full Collapse
Path to Misery
Failure To Fall
when writing the song Saviors explain to readers the meaning behind that song as the lyrics are very powerful?
Its pretty much about any kind of friendship whether it be with a guy or girl with a girlfriend whatever. Then them turning their back on you and and you just saying fuck that I don't need that shit I have friends family and the ones that matter in my life.
the term hardcore has become so overused that any band putting a breakdown into a song is considered hardcore but explain to the readers what hardcore means to you?
Hardcore is a community to us, a community with people who care and have a cause. it's a never ending group of friends that you can trust and have their back no matter what. Its not about your crew or the breakdown as many people like to believe. Just because your music is "heavy" doesn't mean shit to us.
where do you see this band in 3 years from now?
Touring, Touring, Touring and writing a new full length
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
Just hit up our myspace merch page its real easy and we ship anywhere www.myspace.com/MTG412
What is your most memorable show and why?
Our first show ever. We weren't a very good band but we had about 275 people watching us and they loved it. It was the greatest accomplishment for us.
what is your favorite city and country to play shows in and also your least favorite and why?
Our favorite so far would have to be Panama City FL. And our least would probably be home
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands starting out that maybe having a tough time and thinking about giving up?
Fuck what people say, write music that YOU like and just go with it. Make sure you are having fun first and then worry about all the other stuff later. Shows will come and you need to practice as well. It takes more then a dropped tuned guitar and a breakdown to become a decent band.
Who are some of the bands that you enjoy touring with?
As Your Hero Dies (RIP), Failure To Fall
Where else other than myspace can the readers go to find out about upcoming shows and other band related information?
HXCmp3.com we have some stuff on there as well.
where do you think you would be right now had you not been exposed to the hxc metal scene?
God only knows…probably listening to korn or something sweet like that
what is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to the band when playing a set?
Bobbys fat ass fell a few times but other that that nothing to bad.
if the band could have anyone do guest vocals on the next cd with you who would it be and why?
We have some guest vocals on our full length coming out in late spring 08' but Probably any of the bands we listed as influences. Scott Vogel would be sick or If we could get Lil Wayne or something haha that would be tight.
what is the worst injury that any of the band has had happen when playing show?
Nothing yet haha but im sure that day will come soon. ha
why do you think that people always associate violence with hardcore shows and it always gives hxc scenes and shows a bad reputation?
Because of the assholes that go to shows and just fight. Its one reason to fight for something that actually means something but to fight cause you got MOSHED way hard is terrible. We arent tough dudes but if you wanna fight at one of our shows come see us we will work it out.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?
We are doing a winter tour with WEIGHT OF THE CROWN so if were in your city please come out its gonna be a good ass time.
Is there anything else that you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
Stop fighting at hardcore shows your not tough. Support local good hardcore bands. And go check out DEMAND RECORDS (www.myspace.com/demandrecords). Every band on there is tight as hell.
Thanks a lot dude
MTG
Interview with Daniel Truth of Die Young by Erickson
Die Young TX
www.myspace.com/dieyoungtxhc
How did you guys come up with the name Die Young?
It was really my brainstorm long before the band had ever gotten together.Sorry kids, it's not a reference to Black Sabbath, Circle Jerks, or American Nightmare. It's just a phrase that I felt represented my attitude toward living when I was 18 or 19. I didn't care about graduating from school, getting a job, starting a family, owning things...and I still don't, pretty much. I just wanted to 'throw caution to the wind' and not give a fuck about my future; to live in such a way that if I died today, tomorrow, or really soon, I could be content with the life I attempted to embark upon. I also wanted a name for the band that could offend or scare old people--something confrontational (like I wanted the band to be--both musically and lyrically)...something that signified rebellion. So yeh, "Die Young"haha.
How did you start out?
The early days could be a very detailed story, because we switched members up quite a bit back then. Basically though, Die Young began as my brainstorm. I had some songs already written in Summer/Fall of 2002,and naturally I asked some close friends of mine to get the band going with me. I had been itching to start a band that I could sing in so that I could vehemently attack organized religion in a public setting.Initially the lineup was James Nealy (Burning Inside/Your Mistake) on bass, Eric Gibson (Offset Proof, Finer Truth, Will To Live) on guitar,Rayhaan Traboulay (Gameover) on guitar, Gomer of Burning Inside/Your Mistake on drums, and me. Gomer quit one week before we were to record our first demo and play our first show, so RJ of Finer Truth (my best friend since 3rd grade) picked up drum duties quickly. I remember Houston kids used to joke and call us the "all-star" Houston hardcore band when we started up, because we had all been in prominent Houston bands during the late 90s. I guess all that status kind of helped us pick up where all our old bands left off, both locally and on the tour circuit. That lineup only lasted one tour haha, and then from there things got ALL FUCKED UP haha.
What is your favorite album you have released and why?
I'm definitely most satisfied with our newest full-length, Graven Images. I think it exhibits us at our best and most diverse songwriting to date,and it is easily the best quality recording we have done thus far. It's also our first cohesive full length album, whereas The Message was a full-length comprised of different recording sessions, some of which were almost a year apart. With Graven Images, I was able to focus a lot more on the music, artwork, and lyrics as one big statement, and I was able to concentrate on making the experience of the album a lot more engaging in all aspects than our previous releases. It's hard to really drive certain points and themes across to the listener when you've got songs that were written and recorded a year apart from each other.
What is the best experience you've have had while on tour?
We've done a lot of touring over the last 5 years, and along the way we've accomplished some things as a band that I never imagined I would do in a hardcore band as a younger kid starting a band. My family says I need to write a book about all the crazy stories I tell them, but I really don't want to be any more of a little Henry Rollins rip-off than I perhaps already am. It's hard to pick one experience above all others because we've been lucky to have so many amazing experiences, abroad especially, whether we were playing a show, seeing sights, or eating some great meals! Climbing waterfalls or snorkeling in exotic places like Mexico or Puerto Rico, running around with wild monkeys in Thailand, surfing in Costa Rica, or standing on top of a volcano in Costa Rica looking down on the clouds and the rainforest...yeh, those things are at the top of my list. You know, sometimes we've just stopped and looked at each other when on this exploration or that exploration, and been like "What the fuck! This is our life? This is incredible! How the fuck did we pull this off?!" And I know there's still so much more to come. It's way too hard to pick, man.
What is the worst experience you've had while on tour?
We actually have a saying in this band that came from our old bassist,Chris "Hasp", that goes: "Misery is funny!" We generally think that if something bad happens, it will only be something to laugh about later...like when the van breaks down, or when a shit ton of shows get cancelled, and we're fucking broke, and we have no place to sleep, or when we have some extremely cramped and sketchy drive in a foreign country. You name it. I know we'll only be able to look back and laugh if we survive haha. However, I'd say that just being on tour in general in the US these days is a pretty disenchanting experience, because there's so much drama and violence happening all over that it really makes you reconsider your involvement in the current scene. I mean, I know why I was drawn into hardcore and punk as a kid, but what I see going on these days is nothing like what I saw when I was just becoming acquainted with this underground. And overall, it's that kind of stuff(which has never even happened directly to our band) that I can't just shake off and laugh about it later. That's definitely the worst stuff that happens on tour.
Do you or any one else in the band play have any side projects?
Our current bassist and guitarist--Kayhan and Jeff--are from Alabama, and at home they have a great band called Legion, that is somewhere along the lines of Infest. It's definitely more on the powerviolence tip than anything Die Young has ever come close to doing. Definitely worth checking out. James, our drummer, was also doing LMF, but they recently broke up.
What city or cities do you enjoy playing the most and why?
At this point, after 5 years of constant touring, we're happy to play anywhere outside of the United States, simply because it is not in the United States. The attitudes people have at shows in this country ought to certainly get shoved right back up their asses most of the time. And I know that sounds like I may have a bad attitude in return, but anyone who thinks that about me saying what I am saying ought to put themselves in my shoes for a year or two, and I challenge you to try and not get jaded on what's going on in American hardcore right now when you have to endure it 200 days a year. I'm not saying things are perfect elsewhere, but we see less fighting and inter-scene violence elsewhere, and for us, kids seem to be more welcoming and open to the idea of a hardcore band getting on stage and actually speaking their mind about this or that. They seem, to me, to care more about consciousness, and about the message as much as the music. But I am sorry, I can't pick a specific place or places. Things change too much all the time. A few years ago, I would have said certain places--even Houston!--but being from Houston yourself, perhaps you catch my drift...
What would you like to say to kids who are new to hardcore?
I am glad you are here. Together, we are part of something that can be truly life-transforming. Please do your best to see the full scope of what this music and lifestyle can be. It has a rich history, and now you are part of that. Your involvement here will be part of furthering that history and leaving a legacy for the next generation of kids who are going to identify with the rage that we feel right now. Let's do what we can to keep this alive and meaningful in a positive way, but let's never neglect all the negativity we feel. Let's always be honest about those feelings, and do our best to make something incredible and cathartic of them. There are a lot of people (perhaps even me haha) who may say this or that about what hardcore is, or what it means, but in the end, all that matters is what you make it to mean on an individual level. If it was anything different, it would be completely useless.
How do you feel about violence at shows?
Unless it is against some white-power/racist asshole, or against some guy who did something inexcusable to a girl or child (I'll even dare say to an animal also), I think violence at shows is the stupidest shit ever.Dudes acting macho=stupid. Crew violence=stupid. The list goes on. I understand kids coming to hardcore shows with violent tendencies,because this music is built on agression, but more often than not that agression is badly misplaced. We ought to take those violent inclinations, rally ourselves together, and go burn down police stations or shopping malls. You know what I mean?
What bands influence you the most?
Easily: Catharsis, Integrity, Trial, Indecision, Tragedy, Ringworm.
If you had the chance to give a kid 5 albums from your personal collection to influence them, what would they be?
Catharsis:Passion. Catharsis: Samsara. Trial: Are These Our Lives. Indecision:Release the Cure. Earth Crisis: Destroy the Machines. Integrity:Humanity is the Devil. Bad Religion: No Control. Sickofitall: Built toLast (that's maybe not their best, but it was my first album from them). Hot Water Music: Fuel for the Hate Game. Okay, so that's more than five. So shoot me, haha.
What is the best part about playing in a band?
Just being able to express yourself in a constructive way, and let all that negative energy out. And in this band specifically, I'd say the travel opportunities are a definite perk, too.
When you are playing a show and you look out and see the faces of these people whoyou can tell are really into it, how does that make you feel?
Well obviously, it feels pretty awesome, but this question doesn't apply to Die Young very much these days. It's rare that anyone is into us at all anymore haha.
How were you introduced to hardcore music?
Oddly enough, through seeing a Sickofitall video on Beavis and Butthead, and also seeing Earth Crisis on an Ozzfest home video. So basically we all have Mike Judge and Ozzy Osbourne (or maybe Sharon Osbourne) to thank for me being here to do this interview with you! Weird, huh?
www.myspace.com/dieyoungtxhc
www.myspace.com/dieyoungtxhc
www.myspace.com/dieyoungtxhc
How did you guys come up with the name Die Young?
It was really my brainstorm long before the band had ever gotten together.Sorry kids, it's not a reference to Black Sabbath, Circle Jerks, or American Nightmare. It's just a phrase that I felt represented my attitude toward living when I was 18 or 19. I didn't care about graduating from school, getting a job, starting a family, owning things...and I still don't, pretty much. I just wanted to 'throw caution to the wind' and not give a fuck about my future; to live in such a way that if I died today, tomorrow, or really soon, I could be content with the life I attempted to embark upon. I also wanted a name for the band that could offend or scare old people--something confrontational (like I wanted the band to be--both musically and lyrically)...something that signified rebellion. So yeh, "Die Young"haha.
How did you start out?
The early days could be a very detailed story, because we switched members up quite a bit back then. Basically though, Die Young began as my brainstorm. I had some songs already written in Summer/Fall of 2002,and naturally I asked some close friends of mine to get the band going with me. I had been itching to start a band that I could sing in so that I could vehemently attack organized religion in a public setting.Initially the lineup was James Nealy (Burning Inside/Your Mistake) on bass, Eric Gibson (Offset Proof, Finer Truth, Will To Live) on guitar,Rayhaan Traboulay (Gameover) on guitar, Gomer of Burning Inside/Your Mistake on drums, and me. Gomer quit one week before we were to record our first demo and play our first show, so RJ of Finer Truth (my best friend since 3rd grade) picked up drum duties quickly. I remember Houston kids used to joke and call us the "all-star" Houston hardcore band when we started up, because we had all been in prominent Houston bands during the late 90s. I guess all that status kind of helped us pick up where all our old bands left off, both locally and on the tour circuit. That lineup only lasted one tour haha, and then from there things got ALL FUCKED UP haha.
What is your favorite album you have released and why?
I'm definitely most satisfied with our newest full-length, Graven Images. I think it exhibits us at our best and most diverse songwriting to date,and it is easily the best quality recording we have done thus far. It's also our first cohesive full length album, whereas The Message was a full-length comprised of different recording sessions, some of which were almost a year apart. With Graven Images, I was able to focus a lot more on the music, artwork, and lyrics as one big statement, and I was able to concentrate on making the experience of the album a lot more engaging in all aspects than our previous releases. It's hard to really drive certain points and themes across to the listener when you've got songs that were written and recorded a year apart from each other.
What is the best experience you've have had while on tour?
We've done a lot of touring over the last 5 years, and along the way we've accomplished some things as a band that I never imagined I would do in a hardcore band as a younger kid starting a band. My family says I need to write a book about all the crazy stories I tell them, but I really don't want to be any more of a little Henry Rollins rip-off than I perhaps already am. It's hard to pick one experience above all others because we've been lucky to have so many amazing experiences, abroad especially, whether we were playing a show, seeing sights, or eating some great meals! Climbing waterfalls or snorkeling in exotic places like Mexico or Puerto Rico, running around with wild monkeys in Thailand, surfing in Costa Rica, or standing on top of a volcano in Costa Rica looking down on the clouds and the rainforest...yeh, those things are at the top of my list. You know, sometimes we've just stopped and looked at each other when on this exploration or that exploration, and been like "What the fuck! This is our life? This is incredible! How the fuck did we pull this off?!" And I know there's still so much more to come. It's way too hard to pick, man.
What is the worst experience you've had while on tour?
We actually have a saying in this band that came from our old bassist,Chris "Hasp", that goes: "Misery is funny!" We generally think that if something bad happens, it will only be something to laugh about later...like when the van breaks down, or when a shit ton of shows get cancelled, and we're fucking broke, and we have no place to sleep, or when we have some extremely cramped and sketchy drive in a foreign country. You name it. I know we'll only be able to look back and laugh if we survive haha. However, I'd say that just being on tour in general in the US these days is a pretty disenchanting experience, because there's so much drama and violence happening all over that it really makes you reconsider your involvement in the current scene. I mean, I know why I was drawn into hardcore and punk as a kid, but what I see going on these days is nothing like what I saw when I was just becoming acquainted with this underground. And overall, it's that kind of stuff(which has never even happened directly to our band) that I can't just shake off and laugh about it later. That's definitely the worst stuff that happens on tour.
Do you or any one else in the band play have any side projects?
Our current bassist and guitarist--Kayhan and Jeff--are from Alabama, and at home they have a great band called Legion, that is somewhere along the lines of Infest. It's definitely more on the powerviolence tip than anything Die Young has ever come close to doing. Definitely worth checking out. James, our drummer, was also doing LMF, but they recently broke up.
What city or cities do you enjoy playing the most and why?
At this point, after 5 years of constant touring, we're happy to play anywhere outside of the United States, simply because it is not in the United States. The attitudes people have at shows in this country ought to certainly get shoved right back up their asses most of the time. And I know that sounds like I may have a bad attitude in return, but anyone who thinks that about me saying what I am saying ought to put themselves in my shoes for a year or two, and I challenge you to try and not get jaded on what's going on in American hardcore right now when you have to endure it 200 days a year. I'm not saying things are perfect elsewhere, but we see less fighting and inter-scene violence elsewhere, and for us, kids seem to be more welcoming and open to the idea of a hardcore band getting on stage and actually speaking their mind about this or that. They seem, to me, to care more about consciousness, and about the message as much as the music. But I am sorry, I can't pick a specific place or places. Things change too much all the time. A few years ago, I would have said certain places--even Houston!--but being from Houston yourself, perhaps you catch my drift...
What would you like to say to kids who are new to hardcore?
I am glad you are here. Together, we are part of something that can be truly life-transforming. Please do your best to see the full scope of what this music and lifestyle can be. It has a rich history, and now you are part of that. Your involvement here will be part of furthering that history and leaving a legacy for the next generation of kids who are going to identify with the rage that we feel right now. Let's do what we can to keep this alive and meaningful in a positive way, but let's never neglect all the negativity we feel. Let's always be honest about those feelings, and do our best to make something incredible and cathartic of them. There are a lot of people (perhaps even me haha) who may say this or that about what hardcore is, or what it means, but in the end, all that matters is what you make it to mean on an individual level. If it was anything different, it would be completely useless.
How do you feel about violence at shows?
Unless it is against some white-power/racist asshole, or against some guy who did something inexcusable to a girl or child (I'll even dare say to an animal also), I think violence at shows is the stupidest shit ever.Dudes acting macho=stupid. Crew violence=stupid. The list goes on. I understand kids coming to hardcore shows with violent tendencies,because this music is built on agression, but more often than not that agression is badly misplaced. We ought to take those violent inclinations, rally ourselves together, and go burn down police stations or shopping malls. You know what I mean?
What bands influence you the most?
Easily: Catharsis, Integrity, Trial, Indecision, Tragedy, Ringworm.
If you had the chance to give a kid 5 albums from your personal collection to influence them, what would they be?
Catharsis:Passion. Catharsis: Samsara. Trial: Are These Our Lives. Indecision:Release the Cure. Earth Crisis: Destroy the Machines. Integrity:Humanity is the Devil. Bad Religion: No Control. Sickofitall: Built toLast (that's maybe not their best, but it was my first album from them). Hot Water Music: Fuel for the Hate Game. Okay, so that's more than five. So shoot me, haha.
What is the best part about playing in a band?
Just being able to express yourself in a constructive way, and let all that negative energy out. And in this band specifically, I'd say the travel opportunities are a definite perk, too.
When you are playing a show and you look out and see the faces of these people whoyou can tell are really into it, how does that make you feel?
Well obviously, it feels pretty awesome, but this question doesn't apply to Die Young very much these days. It's rare that anyone is into us at all anymore haha.
How were you introduced to hardcore music?
Oddly enough, through seeing a Sickofitall video on Beavis and Butthead, and also seeing Earth Crisis on an Ozzfest home video. So basically we all have Mike Judge and Ozzy Osbourne (or maybe Sharon Osbourne) to thank for me being here to do this interview with you! Weird, huh?
What do you hope to accomplish in the future with the band?
To keep traveling and seeing the world. To keep eating a lot of awesome vegan food everywhere we go. To hopefully maintain some meaningful relationships with the kids we meet along the way. To keep learning about the world, other people, and other cultures. And certainly, to keep conveying what hardcore and punk music means to us, and to hopefully make some positive impact in the world and in this community along the way.
What do you hope to get across to people with your music?
It all really boils down to "thinking for yourself." That's our message above and beyond anything else. I know people often think of us as some kind of "political/arnarchist, atheist hardcore band," but fuck labels.We don't have a specific platform--never have, never will. I don't write the lyrics I write, nor do I get on stage and say the things I say so that people will heed my words and live by them. I'm not trying to indoctrinate anyone of anything. I just want kids to think about things. I'll be the first to admit, and I'm sure anyone reading this interview knows, that I am a complete jackass of a kid. I don't know shit. I wish I did. I try to know things, but at the end of the day,I'm just another fucked up kid trying to make sense of this world we're all living in. I'm just trying to communicate. As much as I love to potentially inspire some young kid coming into the scene, I also depend on that kid to inspire me. It's a two way street. Nobody has all the answers, and ultimately all we can really do as individuals is think...THINK!...and try to communicate about the thoughts we're having. Maybe something can come of that. I hope so.
In your opinion, what would be the perfect line up for a show?
If it's a show we're playing, it'd probably be us and a bunch of our friends: Dead City (best live sound in hardcore right now period),Wisdom in Chains, 7 Generations, another Trial reunion, and Bad Religion as the headliner. If it's just a show for me to watch, I only want to sit and watch Loreena McKennitt for hours. No one else.Just her and her band. That's all I listen to in the van these days.She takes me away to simpler times of humanity, and I envision myself as some pagan running around in a forest of old Scotland.
Do you have anything planned for the future as far as releases or tours?
As I write this, we're 3 weeks away from one last Eastern US tour for the year, which will also include our third visit to Puerto Rico for one weekend. Next year will be two trips to Europe, a visit to Iceland, and hopefully a return to Asia. We also have to play all of Canada come summertime, because we had to cancel quite a bit of shows there this year due to getting banned from the entire fucking country last January in British Columbia. When the ban is lifted, we are going to pillage!Seriously, fuck customs (of every country for that matter). As for releases, I don't know man. Everything's been such a blur lately since Graven Images came out. I've got a couple new songs written, but we still have quite a bit of touring to be done on Graven Images, so we probably won't have another album out till 2009.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
For someone who is into hardcore: it's vocals that wish they were Catharsis, with riffs that wish they were Integrity or Ringworm. For someone who isn't familiar with hardcore: It's loud, crazy headbanger shit.
What is one of the craziest things you've had happen while playing a set?
One time there was this midget in S&M gear...
Do you have any shows coming up that you are really excited about?
All shows out of the country.
Hardcore can be explain in many different ways by many different people, but what does it mean to you personally?
I know for some people hardcore is an end, or a destination. It's an escape of sorts from the workweek, the daily grind, and after the show,after the weekend, everything goes back to normal. And that's fine. I'm not discrediting that, because to each his or her own, and in some ways I feel that way about it too, but to me, hardcore has always been more of an open door to new places (literally and metaphorically). For me,it's not an exclusive club of dudes. It's not just for the strong, or brave, or whatever. It's for whoever wants to embrace it and get something out of it, and in turn give something back to it. It was because of hardcore that I have been fortunate enough to go to many places and connect with many kids through the energy of the music. I have learned so much through that process alone. I have made so many friends through being involved with this underground. The music itself has always inspired me to seek out my dreams and to seize the day, while the community and lifestyle have given me great company along my that path, and so many memories I don't even know how to begin to tell.Hardcore has helped me to make many changes for the better in my life,be that introducing me to animal rights and vegetarianism/veganism, or by introducing me to a drug free lifestyle, or just by introducing me to new perspectives and ways of thinking. As a young teen, it was hardcore and punk that really got me to question things: religion,social issues, what it means to be human and have the consciousness we have. What do we make of all that? It can be overwhelming, but I think hardcore gave me a base or haven for all of that, because I've found so many people here over the years who share my sentiments. So in that sense, hardcore has always been a movement to me, something that inspires revolution in people one by one. I don't mean any specific kind of revolution beyond that of personal revolution, because revolution is a lofty word and can be taken in many different directions. But the fact is that hardcore has inspired many awakenings in my life, for better or for worse, and because of that I will always do what I can to keep that spirit alive, because though modern hardcore has many faults, I still think it's an incredible and empowering alternative to the hollow western culture most of us are brought up in.
www.myspace.com/dieyoungtxhc
www.myspace.com/dieyoungtxhc
November 10, 2007
Sixteenyards interview with all the band interview by Sean WWTO
How did the band come to be named Sixteen Yards ?
Ryan and Jon were jamming in the band room and decided to record what they were messing around with, and wanted a name to go with it that was both memorable and ridiculous. SixteenYards was born.
who are some of the bands main musical influences?
there's so many to name, heres just a few important ones to us:
Job for a cowboy
Casey Jones
Stand And Fight
Never Back Down
DonnyBrook!
Shark Punch
Quiet Riot
are any members in side projects other than Sixteen Yards?
Yes, our vocalist is in a shitty screamo band,
Our guitarist Chowder is in Man-Fuck,
and together we form the project Verb the Noun
how many cds eps 7 inches split cds and demos has the band currently released?
We've put out 3 demos. we live in concord. we don't get out much.
how long has the band been together?
1 year 7 months and 26 days
what do you base your lyrics on when writing new material?
Everything that we see around us that makes us angry, between school, work, and shows we have to deal with a lot of shitty people, and its a constant reminder how pathetic mankind is.
is there a large and thriving scene in the Concord area as well as throughout California?
Definitely throughout California, but in concord theres really only two hardcore bands, us and Murder Practice.
is this the original lineup and if not what is the current lineup?
No this isn't the original lineup. Jon and Ryan started the band as a two-piece in March 06, then Mike joined in the summer of 06, and Chowder joined the summer of 07, we're planning on adding another guitarist in the summer of 08
if you could have anyone do guest vocals on your next recording who would it be and why?
Chowder: B. Spears
Mike: Rod Stewart
Ryan: Johnny from Job for a Cowboy
Jon: Christopher Lee
in only one sentence describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before ?
All-American, Unstoppable Onslaught of Manly BONER Inducing Hardcore.
how were you first exposed to the scene and what made you say i want to be in an band?
Chowder: "I was bored"
Ryan: "5 years ago i saw Our Turn, Allegience, and The Physical Challenge, at the Grange Hall and liked it."
Jon: "Ive always been into music, but Ryan forced me to listen to DonnyBrook!. i liked it"
Mike: "What was the question? I liked it"
when the band is on tour in the van what is usually playing in the cd player?
RBL Posse
Gravy Train
ya know, the usual.
where do you see the band in 3 years from now?
hopefully signed and touring.
who are some of the up and coming bands from the Concord area as well as throughout California that we should be on the lookout for ?
From Concord Murder Practice is getting big, they're signed to West Coast, but not enough people listen to them. They're an awesome fucking band.
Unchained and True At Heart from San Bruno, Lionheart from the Bay Area and 5 Characters in Search of an Exit are an amazing band but they never get as much credit as they should, definitely check them out.
when on tour and driving from city to city what is some of the weirdest shit you have seen happen or pass by?
guys ALWAYS hit on Chowder...
and this old, cracked-out lady hella warned us that we were going to get mugged. we didnt.
the term hardcore has become so overused that any band putting a breakdown into a song is considered hardcore but explain to the readers what hardcore means to you?
Angry aggressive music that says its okay to just let it all fucking go.
How can the readers from around the world contact you about ordering merchandise?
Message our Myspace, http://www.myspace.com/sixteenxyardsx
Come to our shows (if thats possible)
What is your most memorable show and why?
Chowder: Juice Zone, because that little brick ledge i could put my foot on, and my first outside show ever.
Mike: Sacto Huge Fest, it was in a fucking warehouse that was converted into a skate park.
Ryan: Sacto Huge Fest, and the sound system was fucking amazing, and sounded so fucking good. The crowd was really into it and it was just a good time hanging around the skatepark that day.
Jon: Our second SFSU show, where at one of our breakdowns the crowd went insane, shouting "Oh Shit!!" and pulling their hair out.
what is your favorite city to play shows in and also your least favorite and why?
Fremont favorite. FOSTER CITY FUCKING SUCKS. we drove 2 hours to get there, brought hella people, and the venue took all the money. And hella creepy girls go there... There was nothing allowed in the venue. no movement, no swearing.. it was pretty fucking lame.
where else besides myspace can the readers go to to findout about upcoming shows and other band related information?
http://slick.org/theList/
What advice can you give to some of the newer bands starting out that maybe having a tough time and thinking about giving up?
For the love of God, tune before you play! and pay attention to your tone, concentrate on song writing, and be persistent.
where do you think you would be right now had you not been exposed to the hxc metal scene?
Mike: Salt Mines
Chowder: DEATH metal scene
Ryan: successful
Jon: still in a shitty screamo band...
what is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to the band when playing a set?
Our old vocalist. Tyler "Tall T" Wing...
why do you think that people always associate violence with hardcore shows and it always gives hxc scenes and shows a bad reputation?
It SHOULD be associated with hardcore shows. Hardcore is about hate and violence. Its fucking annoying when you hear all this aggressive music with all this fake happy lyrics. It's about the real fucking raw aggressive emotions that you feel.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?
Playing with Recon and Thick as Blood in Modesto on November 12th
Murder Practice and Frequency Murder in Concord on Nov 16th
Is there anything else that you would like to add that i may have forgotten to ask that the readers should know about?
We don't care about your zany windmills, or how you look hardcore dancing, or why you're wearing your sweatshirt in the 100 degree venue. That's not why you're at the show. Whatever happened to listening to the music and not caring about the fashion? When a bands playing it's not about you.
and stay the fuck away from our stickers.
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