Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

BURST OF RAGE - 2014 Sampler // Interview- Burst Of Rage's Jack Daut

BURST OF RAGE 2014 SAMPLER


Genre: youth crew, hardcore punk
Year: 2014


Last year as I stood outside the tiny Brooklyn venue "Saint Vitus" waiting for the intimate one-off JUDGE reunion show to begin my eyes were drawn to a young spirit standing lean and uncomfortable in front of the venue. I went and introduced myself to the kid. He had taken a bus all the way from Connecticut to NYC only to find out the show was 21+ and his ticket would not be recognized at the door. Luckily the legendary PORCELL came to the rescue and got Jack in to the show. This bold move marked my first encounter with JACK DAUT. My second encounter happened this summer. Our van broke down on tour in upstate NY.  We ended up stranded in a town called Poughkeepsie and stayed with the lovable Max Garnot and his crew of goons, one of which ended up being Jack Daut. After 5 days of fun and games (literally) with the Poughkeepsie crew, Max, Jack, and the others had earned permanent places in my heart. Just a few weeks later I come to find out that Jack is now singing for a band called "BURST OF RAGE" and are opening the Boston Edge Day show. I had many questions, and now you all have many answers......


1. I hung out with you just 2 months ago and you were not in a band, now you are!? How did this happen? Tell us tales of BOR's genesis

BURST OF RAGE is the result of one weekend in the vast Pennsylvania wilderness. Sometime around mid April, Stick Together had a record release show for their LP. I was fortunate enough to stay at Ned Russins house after the show with some other cool people. In the morning I asked Ned to see his basement. Low and behold I had found his drumset and asked Austin Stemper to play Backfire. He did and I grabbed a cheese grater and starting singing and going off as if we were doing it live. Few more covers went by and Ned joined us on guitar and Dan Horres, on bass. Crucial John (CJ) convinced us to do a cover after their GIVE set that night since GIVE was playing with Rival Mob in Asbury, NJ. Rival Mob dropped and we did the cover after the GIVE set. We all went off including Nick Hinsch who was playing an uplugged guitar and going crazy. 5 months later me and him are doing it still with him servicing the bass duties and me staying put on the mic.

2. Also within that 2 month period BOR was able to play the highly coveted Boston Edge Day show. Tell us how this came about!
I had known about the Boston 15th Anniversary Edge Day since February and we were actually supposed to play Saturday's show but due to time restrictions and other blockades, we ended up playing a very sick show the day before in a VERY ill spot at New Bedford. That show was awesome as that was my first ever performance in a band, EVER. Austin Stemper and Pat Flynn were practicing for the show the next day a few streets down from the venue and they said since they didn't get to see us play they would donate 5 minutes of their set time to us so we can rock the funky stadium for the nice people. So we ended up playing two first shows, one on 10/17/14 and one on 10/18/14.


3. I understand some members of BOR are in other bands, what are they?
Nick YOUTHxCORE / Funk - plays guitar in Nuclear Age and sings in Stand Off. Primal Connor / Crunch - plays guitar in Primal League and some other band from Texas that sounds badass. Double G (MMM) / Skins - rocks the drums for Stand Clear too.

4. Other than skating, what are you singing about?
The vast majority of the lyrics I write are a manifestation and culmination of instances that have happened in the distant past that for some reason always come back to haunt me. I write about emotions and try to put my own twist on it. A song on the sampler has lyrics that my dad wrote and I found them in a secret journal in his room. Lightning Struck is about being confused and being angry at myself. I write what I feel and I like using metaphors.

5. This demo sounds like it was recorded in 1988. I love how it sounds, tell us about the writing/recording process!
We recorded that demo September 27th, 2014 at a cool Maryland kid's house named Nathaniel Salfi. We set up about 2-3 mics and recorded it track by track. I really hate the quality of it, but I'm really grateful we have something out that at least people can get a sense of what we are about. I think there is a lot of honor in urgency and rushing to get things out. I lost my voice a few hours we recorded and thats why it sounds so harsh. I always lose my voice......

6. It looks like the members of BOR are scattered all over. Who is from where and where is the band officially located?
I live in Connecticut, Connor is in Boston cause he goes to school there but he lives in Texas. GG and YOUTHxCORE live in Maryland a few minutes from each other. I say we are from Connecticut and DC because those two locations have an extensive history. Especially when concerning the bands we live. It's tight. I'm gonna move to DC soon. 

7. What is next for the band?
What's next is in 4 days I go to wedding, then I come back and book a trip to DC so we can write and practice more. We're looking to release an extensive tape with at least 8 songs. Each clocking at no less than 90 seconds. I'm hoping to record it before Thanksgiving so we can have it before Xmas. There is power in urgency. Next up is playing more shows and spreading the good words.

8. You are quite the connoisseur of the core. How did you get into hardcore, and at what point did you realize this was gonna be a major interest? What is it about hardcore that attracts you? The message the energy? What bands are pulling your heart into it?
I didn't really get super stoked on hardcore until late 2011, early 2012. Before that I had heard Bad Brains and I liked a lot of older heavy metal and stuff like Motorhead and Black Sabbath but I had never heard of anything Straight Edge Hardcore. I was doing bad things and focusing on negative impulses rather than cherishing every day as if it was my last. I was listening to, and still am listening to, a lot of Impulse! Records 1960s jazz, 90s rap, turntablism. I started listening to hardcore extensively when I stopped getting high, which was January 1st of 2012. I knew it would be a large piece of my heart when I heard JUDGE. My absolute favorite thing about this music is the shows. I have way too much energy which often times channels itself into manic outputs. I like going to shows and losing my mind. Coming out and having the whole show be a giant blur. Every band has a different message, which I love, I'm HUGE into lyrics. In 2014, my favorite bands are like this - Caught In A Crowd, Sweet Jesus, GIVE, The FLEX.

9. You are a well known kid in the scene, and you are traveling for shows all over the place in the northeast. Is it hard to keep relationships that are long distance and/or rarely getting to see these people?
I don't really know, I don't think about most people that live long distance unless you've had a profound effect on me. I get caught in whats going around me. Which shouldn't be seen as an insult, most people I meet once or twice at a show and have a 2 minute conversation with do not cross my mind.


10. What do you do outside of music?

Work a few jobs and jump around in my room. I started writing a lot more. And I like to read comic books. Sometimes I will go on a quest to get lost in the woods and my objective is to get home safe.

11. Let's say divine intervention prevented you from any involvement in music, what would you be doing instead?
Had I no music, Jack Daut would be one fuckin blank canvas. Because auditory stimulation is the only thing I look forward to. I remember in high school I would be most excited for the 4 minute transition period between classes so I could play a song or two on my listener. I'd probably be on a street corner in Phoenix, AZ preaching about something abstract and indifferent to most people. I don't know. That's a scary thought.

12. Will you show anyone in your family BOR, what will they think/say?
Yeah my grandma really likes it. She wants to buy a t shirt but she doesn't like the screaming. She showed me jazz so she gets the crazy shows and incessant passion. My dad thinks it cool but lowkey probably makes fun of it to his friends at golf. My mom kinda hates it. My sister is indifferent.

13. What's your most starstruck core moment? (if any)
I saw about 20 kids in CIAC WAGED WAR 00 EDGE DAY jerseys going OFF to CIAC. The biggest starstruck moment though would HAVE to be when I realized that a hardcore show is a series of large and soft vibrations, they make their way into you and you can either ignore them or let them vibrate you. I realized when I can do exactly how I feel, I feel best. It's really something sincere.

14. What do you think a full grown adult Jack Daut is gonna be like?
I will be young until I die. I will be jumping off things and screaming when I am 40 years old. Maybe not in the same format but my passion for internal expression will be prevalent. I'll still be listening to Dag Nasty Demo, X Marks The Spot Comp, You're Only Young Once, Schism 1-4.

15. What's the worst thing you've ever done?
I said something extremely vulgar to kid that sat next to me in Spanish class sophomore year. I got a week of in-school suspension. That was the worst thing I did. 

16. It seems like you are at every sick show up there, what is the threshold for you to decide to sit one out?
The threshold is very slim. I try to make every show, even if I only like one band. I travel to shows because I don't wanna ever look back and think I could've done it better.

17. If you could give one message from your heart to other guys in their early 20s about living their best life now what would you say?
DO WHATEVER YOU LOVE. HOLD ON TO IT. STRECH IT OUT. EXPLORE IT. DRAIN IT. DISSECT IT. VIEW IT FROM 13 DIFFERENT SIDES. Then make sure to do it exactly how you want, without outside influence. We will all die someday, and when that day comes we will be proud that we stayed true to ourselves.

Thanks Jack! Can't wait to see what is next for BOR!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

New Gods - Sex & Destroy


genre: punk, garage

year: 2014

tracklist:
1. Sex & Destroy
2. Kludge
3. I May Not Always Be Right


New Gods is a Seattle based punk band whose new EP is gonna make you crave the digital pipes of "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater". Today we have a titillating interview with front man Alex Klump, who became a candidate for New Gods after the band saw YouTube videos of Klump's stage diving & moshing. From the clog clad cover art to the curious slow-mo music video: "I May Not Always Be Right," I was very curious to see what's inside the mind of Alex Klump.

Q. Describe the genesis of NG
A. New Gods came about through the dissolution of the band the guys had been doing. Ian called me in late May of last year with that news and that they would like me to front the new band he, Che, and Qyn were doing. I had never been involved with any musical endeavors prior to New Gods, which only worked to increase my excitement about the proposal.

Q. What are you singing about?
A. I feel uncomfortable writing about things that are not personal experience. I would suspect that to be universal? Well, this means, basically, that the songs I write will be (and are) mostly about things going on in my dumb brain. One of the few exceptions to this happens to be the namesake of our new record. Sex & Destroy is my dissatisfaction with societal views on sexuality. Sex is completely and unsubtly ingrained in all our lives. It is a natural inclination that, for the most part, hurts no one and has no bearing on others. And yet, there are those that want to deny the universal nature of sex and sexuality by shaming and shunning it. This could be for any number of reasons, though I specifically touch on self-hate/self-repression in Sex & Destroy.

Kludge (and to a degree I.M.N.A.B.R.) is dissatisfaction with myself. As mentioned earlier this is typically the place where I get most of my “inspiration”. I can’t help but over analyze and second guess myself. These are things I try not to dwell in, but self-doubt doesn’t really care how I would like to feel.

Q. Where do you write your lyrics?
A. I have trouble purposely sitting down and banging out lyrics. Ideas usually “hit me” then I extrapolate on them from their inception. I have written a few songs on the ferry over to Seattle on the night of a show or right before recording. Sex & Destroy was written the day before we recorded and I think it is the best song I have written. My process, from idea to full song, is simple, but I always have to be 100% on the final product. To use Sex & Destroy in another instance, sometimes the lyrics work instantly and they don’t need to be reworked (in any substantial way). Other times the idea is there but the lyrics borne from the idea are all over the place. The lyrics are the one major piece that I contribute to and have to vouch for so if they are not “there yet” then why use them?

Q. Will you show anyone in your family "Sex & Destroy" and what will they think?
A. I think my immediate family would appreciate Sex & Destroy. I am a completely open person and I would not write things that I would not want to share with others, whether they are my family, friends, or strangers. My mother has also been hounding me to read my lyrics so I am going to throw everything at her at some point. She had reservations about the band being called New Gods, but she trusts and understands my viewpoints and I would have to assume that she and others would view my ideas as valid.

Q.What factors determine whether you'll attend a show or stay home?
A. My show going is bound completely to my place of residence. I live a ferry ride over from Seattle and as punks are wont to do they start their shows late. Because of the ferry schedule I either have to leave shows early or hope they are on the weekend. I have actually driven down to Tacoma a few times recently for weeknight shows because why the hell not?

Q. What do you do outside the band? Do you date?
A. I work at a daycare and by years ends I will have completed my Bachelors in Communication. If I knew how to date I suppose I would be keen to the idea.

Q.Last song listened on you iPod?
A.The last time I used my music device I was on a big M kick. From most recent: Merchandise’s (Strange Songs) In the Dark. Before that it was Milk Music’s Beyond Living and The Men’s We Are the Men.

Q. What's your diet like?
A.Mostly peanut butter.

Q. What's the worst thing you've ever done?
A. I cannot think of anything off the top of my head, which pleases me. “Worst” seems relative anyway so instead I’ll keep with the “I’m a super open and down dude” theme and give you what I think is the wyldest sexual experience I have had. Now, keep in mind I do not have too many sexual experiences as it is. That is why I think this stands out particularly.

Once, whilst at a partner’s residence, the lady asked me to straddle her while she lay on her bed. In the process of her performing fellatio in this position she stopped and said, bluntly, “Step on my face.” I was both taken aback and intrigued. I believed the position we were in to not be conducive to such a maneuver, but, with dong in mouth, I was actually able to get my foot onto her face. As I write that I see that this story also applies heavily to “Sex & Destroy” (in both name and lyrical content). Funny how things work.

Q. If everything went as you would have it, what would happen to New Gods?
A. This is an interesting question. I like to let things come. I hate prognosticating and expectations exist only to be seen unfulfilled. I hardly ever think about the future as it relates to things that are not yet realized. I’ll stop dodging now and try to offer an actual answer: In my ideal world people will like things that are good and I (ever modest) think New Gods has a good thing going. I want to play in front of people that are interested and I want to put out music we as a band are proud of, intrigued by, and pushed forward through. I don’t care about superfluous details as it pertains to quantity. I want everything New Gods related to be quality. Does that answer the question decently enough? I think that makes sense.

Q.If New Gods ended today what would be the one thing you would remember?
A.The first thing that I think of when it comes to New Gods, at this moment in time, would be how exhilarating it is to play music and put ideas I care deeply about out there for others to take in and make their own unique judgments concerning. It is a combination of nerve-wracking and self-actualizing that lets me know that I am capable.

Thanks for the interview and thanks to anyone who checks out and supports the band. It is and always will be greatly appreciated.

Thank YOU Alex! Check out New Gods on their spring tour!

5/2 - Seattle, WA @ The Nuthole w/ Ill Intent, Nudes, and Bricklayer
5/3 - Eugene, OR @ The Boreal w/ Skeeve
5/4 - Oakland, CA @ The Hive w/ No Limbs
5/5 - San Jose, CA @ Cielito Lindo w/ Violent Reaction, The Flex and Permanent Ruin
5/6 - Sacramento, CA @ TBA
5/8 - Murrieta, CA @ The Dial w/ The Coltranes and Half Goon
5/9 - San Diego, CA @ Dog Haus
5/10 - Tucson, AZ @ TBA w/ Man Bites Dog, Psygoat and Get a Grip
5/11 - Flagstaff, AZ @ The Cottage House
5/13 - La Puente, CA @ Bridgetown w/ Deadbeat and Feel Nothing
5/14 - Fresno, CA @ Chinatown Youth Center w/ Gorilla Stomp and Reunion
5/15 - Chico, CA @ Basement of Frustration

-Mason Mercer



Sunday, July 22, 2012

Gianluca Sironi (Set Me Free) Interview



RYE: First of all introduce yourself and what band you are in for people who don't already know
Gianluca: Hi, my name is Gianluca and I play in Set Me Free with my friends Dan (vocals), Gabriele (guitar) and Stizzo (drums).
We are from Milan, Italy, and we play an old school Hardcore influenced by bands like Youth of Today, Chain of Strength and Wide Awake. 
The band started in 2009, we published under Youth Crew Records our first EP called Only One Flag (with our first singer Francesco), and now after more than one year we're out again with two new releases: a split 7" w/ Motivation (Honest for Truth Records) and Walkin' The Line EP under Open Up Records from Belgium. In these years we shared the stage with local bands, and also some international bands like Gorilla Biscuits, CIV, Supertouch, Truth Inside, Currahee, Risk It and many more.

RYE: How was the recording process on the new EP Walkin' The Line?
Gianluca: We started writing new stuff from the beginning of 2011,  while Dan was learning the old songs. In April about 8 tracks were ready, so we went to Cellar Door Station, to record them. The songs were quite easy, and we finished everything in the afternoon, so we wrote and recorded other two songs for a total of 10. Dan took the summer for the lyrics and in September of last year we came back to finish the work. 6 of them are in Walkin' The Line and the other 4 in the Split.
The recording process went well also thanks to our friend Gianluca Amendolara of Cellar Door, he's really full of experience.

RYE: Have you guys been on any tours or played any memorable shows recently?
Gianluca: No tours for the moment, but we hope to play around Europe as soon as possible. We have to find a good moment for everyone of us, specially because our drummer became father last year and he's always busy with work (he's a tattoo artist). One of the most memorable show for me was a "last minute" show in March with Truth Inside from Florida and Currahee from Manchester ... a bunch of crazy guys! And of course the one with Gorilla Biscuits, they are awesome and people were singing and jumping everywhere with them.

RYE: Seeing as we were just talking about shows and how the majority of people who visit my blog are from the US, how is the hardcore scene over in Italy?
Gianluca: That's really hard to explain! Every city is different from each other: Milano is full of bands, from metalcore to crust punk, even if we're not so united among ourselves. In other cities like Trento there are less shows and venues than here, but when I played there with Upward (my other band) there were twice more people than hereBy the way, today there are lot of cool bands all around Italy: Traces of You, Strength Approach, Jungle Fever, La Crisi, La Quiete and much more, even if there's not a big Straight Edge scene anymore.

RYE: So, more about your music. What is the general lyrical matter about? Obviously a bit is about straight edge seeing that you guys are a youth crew band. 
Gianluca:
Well, all the lyrics are written by our singer, so he probably can tell you more about it. We decided to not focus ourselves only on the same stuff, you know, straight edge, drug free etc even if we're all edge. I think his goal was to make an overview of everything around us, from "the scene" matter, to what's under the eyes of everyone. 

RYE: How did Set Me Free start up? What made you guys want to do the kind of music you guys play? 
Gianluca: I started this band with a couple of friends when my old band broke up. When the project became more serious Stizzo and Gabriele joined me and our old singer. Even if he left the band we decided to continue with Set Me Free cause we were sure that this band had something more to say. I always wanted to play (and always played) old school because it's my favorite kind of music, and I think that Italy need more old school / youth crew bands. Our drummer started playing more than 10 years ago and same our singer... they have Hardcore in their veins! 

RYE: Do any of you guys have other projects? I saw you earlier said you were in a band called Upward.
Gianluca: Yes, I play the bass in another Youth Crew band called Upward. We just released our first 5 songs cassette EP titled Pushed Aside and promoted it with a small tour in Germany. 
Our guitarist started playing from a couple of months in Point Break, a melodic Hardcore band for fans of Bad Religion and Good Riddance. They recorded some demo songs a few weeks ago!

RYE: Where can people who like the music get ahold of your guys music/side projects?
Gianluca: We have a facebook page and a blog updated by me. We're also on Bandcamp with all our releases.

RYE: Any releases that you're looking forward to this year or have enjoyed this year and would recommend?
Gianluca: I ordered yesterday The Boston Strangler LP, and I'd like to get The Rival Mob - Mob Justice tape ... rad! I also can't wait to listen more stuff from Giant (Oslo), their demo was great.

RYE: What is lying ahead in the future for Set Me Free?
Gianluca: As I told you, I really hope to play around Europe before the end of this year. We're probably going to play with Strife when they'll start their european tour (the show in july was cancelled). We already started writing new stuff cause we really can't stop working, and I think it would be awesome to find a label for the future!

RYE: Any last comments?
Gianluca: Thanks a million for this interview and for the support! Good luck with your blog :)
Download their newest EP Walkin The Line here for free!

Also, this was my first interview ever.