Montag, 9. November 2009

Purify Interview




1. Hi, first of all, could you give us a rundown on Purify – who is who, how did you guys get together and what was the reason to start a band?
In the beginning, we all played in many bands from various music styles.We all knew each other before we decided to play together.
We just did it due to a lack of motivation from some members of our last bands we played with.

2. In which bands did the member of Purify played in the past?
A lot of bands but the last ones were Time Has come, Out For The Count, And The Angels Die, Kickback & more...

3. What are the band's main influences?
So many bands people probably don't know the existence of, so we will give you just these words to redefine PURIFY :
Anger, dirt, unholy things, loudness...

4. What are some of the topics you touch in your music and how important is message in hardcore for you?
We like hardcore and metal music as long as it stays near our influences. We play in a band defined as a hardcore/metal band but we really don't give a fuck of this scene and even the other ones, and of course people involved in it. So we don't have any message to share with them. Our lyrics are not about typical hardcore bands like "unity", "brotherhood", or typical hardcore bands faking to be tough and talk about "gangs", "guns", "brassknuckles"... Our words are just some themes about "suicide", "dirt in this world", and all around the words we said in answer number 3.
5. What makes your first record significant and what can we expect from it? When do you will release it?
We planned to start recording in 2010. We have a lot of ideas for this record and how it should sounds. We don't want to communicate anything else about it, just wait & see cause we don't want to tell stories about something that's not released yet.
6. How do you think the genre of hardcore has evolved over the years? Do you think it’s all going in the right direction?
From an external point of view, we think that the hardcore scene is today what the "neometal" scene was 10 years ago.
Kids begin to listen to hardcore very young, buy some "Terror" stuff, come to hardcore shows. For people involved in this scene we think it must be great, but like we said, it's just our point of view.
If you want to know if they're all going in the right direction, we will answer "yes". Just because they all are going in the same direction, good or bad we don't care, because this is not the direction we decided to follow.

7. What are tour plans for Purify?
We'll just make some shows to promote the name of PURIFY until starting to record our full lenght in 2010.
Some shows we were supposed to do got reported in 2010 so we can keep working on this record.Next crib we will play is a fest in London called "Warfare fest" in the end of november, next ones will follow in the beginning of 2010.

8. What is your label situation?
We are dealing with many labels.
We will work with the one who will be able to fit our needs, not necessary the biggest one, but the righteous one with a same vision of the music we play.

9. What are the bands plans for 2010?
For dumb people who didn't understand : Shows, record, shows.

10. Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?

No.

Donnerstag, 5. November 2009

The Platoon Interview



1. Could you give an introduction of the band for all who don’t know you? How long you’ve been around and what have you released so far?
Alright, so The Platoon is based in Germany and we're around for a some years now. We released a split cd with Luca Brasi a couple of years ago on MadMob
from Berlin and did an EP called "Like Hyenas In The Desert" last year on FWH Records. Besides that we did some some songs here and there that were available on our myspace so
that's about it.
2. How would you describe The Platoon to someone who has never heard you before?
Angry, honest, heavy music. Don't know what else to say.
3. What is your main inspiration when writing?
Everyday life. I mean this is what hardcore is all about, right? When it comes down to the music, well everyone of us listens to different stuff
which is always an influence if you like it or not. But there's no gameplan for a particular sound or whatsoever.
4. Can you tell us some bands that have influenced your style?
Like said we all come from different musical backgrounds but on the bottomline it's still hardcore with some other flavours thrown into. I personally listen
to that new york/east coast stuff like Crown of Thornz, Rag Man, Madball, Integrity etc.when it comes down to hardcore music besides the other styles of music I love.
I guess that's also where things are heading with the band somehow.
5. How do you feel about the hardcore scene today?
Actually the scene is doin' pretty good in this part of Germany. Lots of shows, lots of bands poppin' up. Sometimes I get the feeling
that the fact that so much is going on somehow spoiled people and made them less openminded towards all the differrent styles of underground music that are out there.
But like in any other scene there's always stuff you yourself feel wrong or different about then back in the days. We keep doin' our thing and support our friends in doin' theirs.
6. You guys played with a variety of bands, small shows and festivals. What are some most memorable gigs?
Since we don't play that often every show is kinda good and fun but that release show we did for the "Like Hyenas" EP was totally off the hook.
We didn't expected anything and kids were going nuts. What else can you ask for.
7. What are the bands plans for the future?
Right now we're writing new material for the follow up to the hyenas EP. Already finished some songs and see where it will take us. There's no tour or anything like that on focus
cause we try to come up with a new release in the first half of 2010. After that we'll see or we get bitter,hahah.
8. Anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for your time and good luck with the zine.

Dienstag, 3. November 2009

Cold Existence Interview




1. Hi, can you introduce Cold Existence for our readers and let us know where you are from?
Bobby: Cold Existence is Anthony SOSF on Vocals, Bobby Blood on Guitar, Phillip "Blood" Gonzales on Guitar and Larry "Blood" Red on Bass. We hail from Sin City! Las Vegas, NV


2. When you will release your first stuff and what can we expect from it?

Bobby: We have finished our first E.P. It's called Mob Firing/Six Terror Six. It is 5 original tracks and 3 cover songs that we recorded for a movie soundtrack. It is being released world wide through Filled With Hate Records. We have no release date yet, but we are shooting for a mid December release. I have a very simple concept and formula for Cold Existence and the music I write for us. We keep it raw and we keep it simple. We play what we want to hear. We're not going to be showcasing skills and we're not going to be showcasing fashion. We look at our recordings as little more than a way for people who want to have a great time at shows to know our songs and be able to participate in the show. At the same time, we take a lot of pride in the quality and production of anything we release. We are a DIY band and we do everything we can to keep our business inside our hardcore community, but nothing gets released unless it is worthy. So to wrap the question, expect a very raw, well produced, in your face E.P. that is a solid representation of what the band sounds like live.




3. How would you describe the lyrics and where do you find your inspiration?
Anthony: The lyrical content of Cold Existence comes straight from the streets. It is based upon real life situations that I have dealt with growing up. Las Vegas is a melting pot for crime which has molded my point of view since a child. I've gone through situations which many people might have gone through also and I write the way I do hoping that others can relate. From being in gangs, writing graffitti,Family,Brotherhood, selling drugs, murder, death, and anti-racism
I try and hit all aspects of issues that we deal with on a daily basis in this city we call home.The world is a cold fucked up place and you wont make it out alive without struggle and sacrifice.


4. Which bands have been the major inspirations in developing your style?

Bobby: My guitar style mostly comes from some of the earlier Death Metal stuff like Napalm Death, Obituary, etc. Not really the fast stuff just the slow heavy stuff they do. As for music in general, Biohazard is a big influence and definitely Suicidal Tendencies especially their first record. Lots of vintage punk bands like Black Flag and Fear. Can't really say our songs are structured or toned like any of that stuff but those are definitely where my style comes from.

Anthony: I dont even know where to start. A lot of bands that have inspired me and made an impact on my life are older bands like Cold As Life, Fury Of Five, Bulldoze and All Out War. A lot of east coast hardcore, none the less, I also have always loved and respected hiphop and rap music. Rakim has been one of my favorite lyricst since I was a kid. The way he would paint pictures with his words and metaphors, like an artist would use a paintbrush, would always intrigue me and make me bug out. Anybody can sit down and write about bullshit, and thats what I stray away from, because theres a lot of it everywhere. When I'm dead and gone, I want people to look back and say he wasn't full of shit and he kept it real. I speak the truth whether you like it or not!!

5. What is the hardcore scene like in Nevada?

Bobby: We have a very good scene here in Nevada. We have guys like Dustin Shaw of Suffer The Loss who has almost single handedly kept the local scene going for years by finding and providing venues for bands to play, including his own house. We have the band Folsom also from here who's singer Stu did a very similar thing for many years before they started spending so much time on the road. Now we have an amazing venue called Eastside Joe's run by Joe who is a great supporter of the scene that really helps keep things going. Most importantly we have a pretty strong number of loyal kids who come to the shows and support the local bands as well as the touring bands. All in all we have a great thing here.

6. What bands, labels, crews are the most active in your area?

Bobby: As far as hardcore goes the main bands around here would be Folsom who are pretty much on the road all the time now but still do some great shows in Vegas when they're home. Suffer The Loss are a great band who are active both headlining shows and being used to help draw on the bigger tours that come through. Rule Of Thumb are some good friends that get on a lot of the bigger shows with the popular touring bands. Them and their fans are a lot more metal friendly for the venues and security. Stay Cold are great friends and have done a lot we're hoping they can work it out and get back together. As for Cold Existence, we know it's not gonna work out if we take our shows into the Vegas metal venues so we don't even try. Nothing against them but they don't understand our thing and the way our fans are at the shows. We're not trouble makers but we hold it down strong for us and ours and we know where we belong and where our people can be themselves without people who don't understand getting themselves wrecked. We're just not trying to spread our appeal to those other genres here in Vegas. When we're on the road we will respect other peoples home turf and house rules but at home we already have the fans we want. Everyone is welcome, but if anyone is interested in Cold Existence and what we do and stand for, they will find us.
Anthony: The most active crew in our area would have to be my crew SOSF (SWING ON SIGHT FAMILY). We have had a chapter in Vegas for a few years now and our impression has definatly been felt in our scene. From beating up nazis and bullies at shows, to organizing hangouts and bbqs for all the kids in our scene, to setting up shows and getting our friends bands from outta state to come through and play. It is all built on respect and we show respect to a lot of people in our city. If you take that for granted your gonna get rolled over no doubt!!
We are a world wide family with chapters all over the world including: Ohio, Pennslyvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Japan, and Germany. There is also going to be a SOSF compilation coming out soon with all SOSF related bands so keep your ears open in 2010!!

7. What is your label situation?
Bobby: Our primary interest as a band is to keep everything DIY as much as possible. There are some things we cannot do ourselves though, so we have partnered up with Filled With Hate Records to oversee the release and distribution of the new E.P. For what we are doing, they are the perfect partners in crime and the missing piece of the family we were searching for. They are putting our CD in the places we will be touring in 2010, and that is all we need. We will handle the rest.


8. What are the future plans for the band?
Bobby: We are filming a video for the song Fueled By Hate in 12 days. Then we will be announcing a release date for the E.P. We have already started getting our plans for 2010 together. We are doing the Summer Of Hate Festival in Ohio next year, and we are piecing together a tour through Europe as I type this. We will also be writing for the rest of the year and will do a full length recording in the near future.




9. Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?

Bobby: Thanks the interview, it is very much appreciated! We really look forward to getting out to Europe in 2010 and hanging out with everyone. Keep an eye on our myspace page for updates myspace.com/coldexistence
SEE YOU ON THE ROAD! THANKS!

Sonntag, 1. November 2009

SOSF Interview





1. First of all, what does SOSF stand for?

Rob:The original meaning was Swing On Sight Family, it simply meant that you were down for your brothers, through thick and thin. The letters or numbers (59) can stand for a couple of different things now, but the basic beliefs are still the same; defend your letters and defend your crew.

Rene: i start this interview with a qoute by my sosf bro ACE from Las Vegas:"when theres problems, theres no need for words. talking shit is weak, if your gonna fight just swing on sight."


2. Could you give us a rundown on the SOSF Germany – who are the members?


Rene:
The staff is located in Western Germany, the so called Ruhrpott.
We have a clear hierarchy, so that we can organize stuff easily and only a few guys will decide the important stuff.
Iam the so called national head. i mainly talk to the guys from america and i meet monthly with my 5 national advisors. I tell them what our brothers from america are planning to do and besides we dicuss national stuff.
The advisors are Olli RBS from IBWT, Sandro from DLS, Samis DRM/RBS from Reduction and Mark DRM/RBS from BAM. They all run different types of Chapters. the smallest chapter has 5 people the biggest over 20 guys.
Each Chapter has the goal to gain bigger and stronger. Besides that we are planing to create new Chapters. But we dont hurry to become bigger, because future member and chapter have to prove themself to be worth to rep SOSF letters.


3. Can you tell us something about the SOSF? Where did it start?

Rob:It was based primarily out of the youngstown, ohio area and some surrounding cities, like pittsburgh , pennsylvania , and erie, pennsylvania. There were other city crews that weren't very serious , just friends hanging out at shows. We decided around 2001/2002 that we needed to combine everyone into one united front. Then it secured our friends in other cities, since we had friends everywhere. People who were cool with us , were cool with our friends in other cities, keeping peace between crews/kids in our combined areas.

Rene: SOSF Germany startet 10/10/2009. I met some of SOSF guys during our tour in america in 2k7. Everyone i met were awesome dudes, they showed hospitality and it was cool to hang out.
This year we played a short tour with represent, and i tried my best to make their stay as cool as possible. After that i wrote some mails with them and Rob, and we found out that we share the same goals.



4. What was the reason to start the SOSF Germany? Do you still growing up?


ROB: There are SOSF chapters in multiple cities , including Tokyo, Japan, so international expansion always made sense to us. This crew is all about brotherhood, no matter what country you are in, so Germany just made sense to us. SOSF members over here told me about interest from Rene and others from In blood we trust after they toured here. It had been talked about for a while, and after an SOSF member came back from tour from Germany this year, we made it official. We aren't into recruiting but recognizing people that are the same as us , just in different areas. RBS/DRM showed us nothing but respect and brotherhood, so we decided to return the favor. We will continue to grow , when and only it makes sense to the SOSF.

RENE: As i said before, i met some of them, and knew that they are all cool. After Rob asked me to run this Germany chapter, i was excited and honoured at the same time, and i thought about the connections my friends and brothers from different Bands and crews have and the connections we can build when we are linked and/or be a part of a crew from america with a japanese chapter.
SOSF Germnay is an independent Crew with members all over Germany. On the one hand we have individuals that were not in a crew before, but who did alot for hc music and on the other hand we have brothers and friends from other crews that run the SOSF Letters and their Crew letters at the same time. Like the National Leaders Olli, Mark, Samis and me are RBS. Besides that Mark and Samis are DRM too. But Sandro were never in a crew before but was a close friend for years.
We work together with DSA RBS/DRM to set up shows, and get bands and brothers from america over here, and make sure that they will have a great time and must not care about stuff like "where can we stay tonight".
Besides we want to bring german bands and friends to america, to play shows and to hang out with our 5 9 amigos.
Our stedy goal is steady growth. We just build up the base. 5 9 Germany wants to have connections all over Germany, and recruit people who are worth it.
A Example for this is, that we made the whole DSA crew a 5 9 Chapter. These dudes are all awesome and try their best to put hardcore on the north germany map.
But everyone can get in touch with us, and apply as a member. the national chapter will discuss it and make them prospects when we have a good impression and see sense in making people sosf.

5. What bands and labels do you support?

Rob: Band wise myspace.com/SOSFbands also widom in chains, stout, enemymind, suburban scum, cdc....labels , Hardass Records/Filled With Hate records

Rene: Besides the stuff Rob mentionend we support all RBS DRM and DSA Bands. Check our topfriends on www.myspace.com/sosfgermany, to get to the crew pages to check the bands!
It is simply to much to mention here6.

6. How do you think about other crews, like the RBS or DRM?

Rob: As far as other crews, i don't put too much thought into them; we are cool with most u.s. crews and as far as we are concerned , they do what they do, and we do what we do. Nothing but respect to our friends in other crews around the u.s. As far as RBS/DRM , we have nothing but respect for them and the things they have done in the german hc scene.

Rene: 3 words: FRIENDSHIP LOYALTY RESPECT.

7. I heard something about a SOSF Compilation. Can you say something about it?

Rob: There has been a u.s. one in the works for a while, but now with the addition of german and japanese bands, its looking like it will be a worldwide release. Might take a while to get out, but it should be great when it finally gets released.

Rene: Right now theres a lot of stuff to handle. And i cant say any details, because i dont even know them yet.
Every Band that has SOSF Member, can or should put a song on this comp.
It is planned that it will be released online. So that you can just download it.
But you will hear all the details, like release date early enough.


8. What do you think about the HC-scene today?

Rob: Im almost 30, so to me hardcore in the current state is about as weak as it could be. Theres no sense of brotherhood or comraderie in the scene that i see around me. Just kids that have no interest in reality, but in the fake image or sound they are told to buy into on a messageboard. Its their lives so they should live them however they want to, but i think the hc scene is terrible. SOSF came out of a scene where alot of people were weak fakes that have long forgot about hardcore ethics or values. They became what they hated and faded into society. We still live by the same values we always have and will.

Rene: Well it is true, that the hc scene has a lot of fake ass kids that suck cock to gain scenepoints. BUT that are kids i dont know and i have nothing to do with them. Every Scene has faggots, look at the metal, punk scene or whatever.
Hc can be fucked up, like internet thugs, that run their mouthes but are never be seen at a single show. BUT HC has it good sides too, like friends you can rely on and it is easy to get in contact with people around the world because of this music.

its funny, while iam writing this answer i feel, that i could write stuff about the scene till tomorrow.
To come to an end, the the scene, like my scene, is one of the most importants things in my life. And iam not talking about just the music, iam talking about the guys, friends and brothers, that are going to every single underground show for years, when kids thought that hardcore is dutch tecno. haha fuck that


9. Whatare the future plans of the SOSF?

ROB: We will continue to do what we've always been doing; expand when it makes sense, hold it down for our brothers worldwide, and rep our letters where ever we go. We are takin things to the next level where ever we are at.

RENE: 5 world domination 9

thanks for the interview!

Samstag, 24. Oktober 2009

xRepresentx Interview



1. Hello, give us a brief introduction to xRepresentx. How did the band come about?
In 2003, I decided to keep the long lasting legacy of Erie Straight Edge alive in my own way. We've always had a lot of sxe bands, and I had some ideas of where I wanted to go musically and what I wanted to say. So i put it together with some friends, and after many years, and member changes, here we are still today.

2. When it comes to your roots, what bands and styles in particular have influenced your sound?
A lot of real deal hardcore bands: Buried Alive, xDISCIPLEx, Ringworm, Earth Crisis, Figure Four, really the lis could go on forever. In a time where there's so much crap, we strive to be a view on what a true hardcore band should/could sound like.

3. How would you describe songs on “The new inquisition”? Lyrically and musically
Musically and lyrically, I'd say this album was the matured next step from True at all Costs. Both hit hard and fast, and both have well put lyrics, I feel atleast, but I really took a lot more time to say what I wanted to say on this album. Musically, ultra-hard.


4. How did you come up with the name of the album?

It's in reference to the Inquisitions of the middle 20th-century, as insane of an idea as they were, their job was to rid the land of heretics and non-believers. In comparison, the name is referring to ridding the lands those tarnishing the name of straight edge.


5. What are some of the topics you touch in your music and how important is message in hardcore for you?

Obviously we sing about straight edge. I feel I hit on subjects not said 1000 times by other bands, or atleast in different ways. I try to be thought provoking. Not comforming to the public ideals and not killing each other based on religion are also some things we've written about. I think it's a great travesty to hardcore to not be able to come up with some type of proactive message. This is a genre of people trained to open their mind and live outside of the box, so to speak. To drone on, talking about basically nothing, is a waste of a chance to make a difference.

6. You are on famous xseventh daggerx label. How works the collaboration with them?
Great. I love Danny and the Label. He's a fantastic gentleman, and every chance I've had interacting with seventh dagger has been top notch!!


7. You’re straight edge. What means straight edge for you?

Straight Edge means personal liberation from the shackles of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Not everyone becomes an addict, but those who do I'm sure wish they could re-think their first life destroying experience. And with so many people visibly destroying their lives, straight edge only makes more sense. However, I'd like to point out the main test of someones edge in my eyes. Some live clean because they chose to be straight edge, but the truest will be straight edge because they chose to live clean. The title shouldn't be the reason you are poison free, it should be a badge of honor once you've decided to live against those poisons.

8. xRepresentx were a long time in Europe in 2009 on Tour. What can you say about the tour? What do you think in special about the German HCscene?
Hands down, German HXC shows were always fantastic. I speak german, so maybe I'm partial, but I loved every one. Scotland was also great, belgium too. So many great places, and so many awesome people. I'm happy to say the Euro Hardcore scene is thriving from what I've seen. To anyone reading this that came to one of our shows, thank you. It means a lot. Not every band thanks the people at the shows the right way, but you are the only reason we could pay to get home and eat. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.

9. What's the scene like out there in Erie/PA at the moment? Are there a lot of newer bands we should keep our eyes out for?
Erie has always had a thriving hardcore scene, what can i say, I love it here. Lots of good shows, and lots of cool kids. Huge straight edge scene too. Keep and eye out for domestic war, and taste the steel. Maybe TTS will rejoin at sometime.

10. Thanks for the interview, any final thoughts or statements for the readers of my blog?
The only way to keep hardcore alive , no matter where you live, is to support any legit hardcore show that comes through. If As I Lay Dying wants to charge 30 euros or something, fine, but when some smaller(but good!) legit hardcore band comes by you, GO SEE THEM! Tour isn't cheap. If you know them, they'll be back if they see love. If you don't, you may like them. And if promoters know they won't lose their ass, they will book more and better hardcore shows. Support you scene, because if you don't, who will? It's everyone's job!

Freitag, 23. Oktober 2009

Strength for a Reason Interview



1. Hello, tell us a little about the history of your band. How did SFAR get together?
SFAR started back in 1997 when the guys from Out 2 Win (Mushmouth at the time) and our singer Karl got together and began fooling around and writing songs. They wrote two songs together, Strength For A Reason and Never Knew, played a show or two together, and then Karl got his own permanent members. The story goes from there to where we are today. Lots of great times, great friends, and more to come!
2. What are some key elements and influences that have shaped the band over the years?
I would say the key elements and influences would be our own personal experiences in our everyday lives. When we write songs, we incorporate what we are going through at the time, which relates to alot of people out there as well. We've stayed true to our sound and message and I think that is what keeps our fans loyal and brings us close to the new kids out there.
3. Were there specific musical influences for your last album?
Not really. We have been just progressing and evolving on what we have been doing over the past 13 years. We strive all the time to take things to the next level, while not stepping outside the bounds of the hardcore sound that we are known for.
4. You've shared a stage with a wide range of bands. What were some of the memorable gigs you’ve played?
Personally, I'd have to say probably Warzone in our early years, just because of the message Raybeez had and how much I personally admired him for overcoming the struggles in his life. Their shows were always fun too! We also had the privledge of playing CBGB's a few times, which is a honor. More recently, I would say probably Pressure Fest this past summer. It was insane and the kids there were awesome. They showed us lots of love and we appreciate it alot. It helps us to keep this thing alive!
5. You had a successful Euro-Tour in 2009.What do you think about the euro HCscene?
Right now, the Euro hardcore scene is where its at. I love how the kids are really appreciative of the music and what they have over there. They don't take it for granted and give every band on the show a chance and help them out in any way possivle. We are missing that over here in the States. Its all about fashion and popularity over here right now, which I hope Europe can stay away from.
6. Last Saturday your tourmates from Cheap Thrills had the last show. Do you want to say any words about them?
Those guys were for real! Awesome guys and we miss them alot. Cheap Thrills was one of the best bands we've had the privledge of touring with and we wish them well in the future endeavors and careers. Its a shame that they had to call it quits, but sometimes life can step in the way. We will see them again though and have a blast! Can't wait..
7. What can we expect from SFAR in the future?
You can expect alot because we have no plans on quitting what we love. We are looking forward to coming back to Europe in 2010, so keep your eyes open for news on that. We have a new guitar player too, his name is Nate and yes ladies, he is single!
8. Any good, upcoming bands everybody should check out?
Nate's other band is Concrete Reality. Awesome guys and definitely worth checking out. Our boys in Not Without Resistance are keeping things alive in central Pennsylvania. Steel Nation hail from Pittsburgh and are hard as hell! And of course, Wisdom in Chains. If you don't know, now you know..
9. Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?
Thank you SIB for taking the time to consider us for this interview. We appreciate it. We'd also like to thank Axel and Nils of Filled With Hate Records, Jamey Jasta and Stillborn, the Euro HC scene (We love you guys!), Martijn and No Heroes Bookings, the rest of the crazy guys in No Turning Back, Gerwin, and all the friends we've made in Europe and the world. Keep your eyes on http://www.strengthforareason.com and follow us on Twitter, http://twitter.com/SFARPAHC to find out what we are up to. See you again in 2010!

Mittwoch, 21. Oktober 2009

Interview with IH8YH aka. Naggi


1.First of all, can you introduce yourself for the people, who don’t know you?

My name is Joerg, i did bootleg videos for a couple of years of the european hardcore scene, i do graphics and some artwork stuff. thats basically it.

2.In the European Hardcorescene you are much asked for design cd cases, booklets, websites or merch designs. How did this come about?

Well first of all its not THAT much, i do Shirts for german bands from the ruhrarea every once in a while, some flyers for the Proberaum shows and for Rico17stitches. I know all these people from the hardcore scene. Some i knew even before that time, like Samis Reduction, I know that guy for ages. Its the usual way... word of mouth you know. you do something for someone, another one notices or asks around who can do a flyer or a shirt and they get back at you. Once you've done something good people always come back. guess i have proven myself reliable to always make something that sells or looks decent haha. It was the same with the CD Artworks that i did. I made some shirts for Six Ft Ditch and Peachey then asked me if was able (and wanting) to do the artwork to their next record. I took that chance and it came out pretty nice. I think thats also how the Fallbrawl and Bun Dem Out Artworks came together, they are both friends with SFD and me aswell and liked the stuff i did for SFD and so they asked me.

3. Where do you draw your influences when you design something?

That basically depends on the band. If it is a band that I am familiar with like Six Ft Ditch or Reduction, I just think about something these guys would like. With SFD is particulary easy since they all share my interest in Serial Killers and the love to 70s and 80s horror movies as you can clearly see in their lyrics. Reduction is also very easy.. just take something evil and disgusting, something that will have people say "oh you can't do THAT...". Its harded with other bands but i always try to get inspiration via their lyrics and other stuff they had, like their record artwork or older merchandise. I try to come up with something that is new but still kind of fits to their other stuff.

4. How do you think the genre of hardcore has evolved over the years? Do you think it’s all going in the right direction?

Personally I think it totally went downhill. There are good bands for sure but the amount of real bad bands, ungeneric ones has more than trippled in the last few years. also the fans are mostly just scumbags scenestars who are just in it for the image and "the mosh". you can clearly see that in all these "i mosh in front of my mirror on youtube" videos and such stuff. Of course there are also some new people that are pretty cool and are in it for the values of hardcore, the same stuff that i felt when i started. They've got it in their hearts, whereas I would say 80% of the people in the scene today are just in it for bout 2 years maximum and then they are off to the next trend. It really isn't the same anymore. Bands that deserve attention don't get it (like Cheap Thrills R.I.P.) and others are just jumping onto the trendwagon and people are kissing their asses for basically no reason.

5. How do you look upon the Internet and music, free mp3s, filesharing etc…? Is it a chance for a promotion ?

Thats maybe the toughest question ever. Of course its a great chance for bands to promote their stuff and reach a worldwide base with only a click. On the other hand its a real pain in the ass as you can see with FWH Records for example, they wanna change their way of distribution to a more digital format and only do a limited number of physical copies of a record. THAT is even the worse part for me as a designer because the booklet will be redundant someday. people will download the files, theres a cover and a txt.file with the lyrics. thats it. no artwork. and thats a shame cause i think a record and the artwork is kind a of a unit, the artwork tries to enhance the music by giving it a visual component.
The sad part about filesharing is the fact that theres people who have maybe one or two records at home and the rest is just downloaded somewhere. I have nothing against people downloading a record every once in a while. I do it myself but I have (or had.. sold most of them) about 1000 records here that i bought over time. so you get the thought. i hate it when people ONLY download and there seem to be an awful lot of these idiots.

6. What bands, labels, crews do you support in your area?

Quiet a lot since i am friends with most of them haha. Basically its the DRM (which i am no member of, just to clarify!) and all its bands, the RBS (which i am also no member of, just to clarify!) and most of its bands. Theres the newly found german chapter of the SOSF which i am a member of. In London its the LBU and all affiliated bands. Label wise it just comes down to three basically and those are Massive Bloodshed Records, Filled With Hate and Rucktion Records from London.

7. You are straight edge. What it is about straight edge that makes it a lifestyle for you? What was the main reason why you said no to drugs and alcohol and smokes?

The mainreason for me was my Dad. He was an alcoholic since i can think and i just started to get to know him after he had an heartattack and was forced to change his "way of life". before that he was just the guy who came home late and passed out on the couch. I swore to myself to never become someone like that and thats basically it.
As for the "lifestyle" thing... it aint really a lifestyle because i don't buy any new SXE shirt, I don't listen to a lot of straight edge bands (in fact i think bands singing bout partying and shit are even more fun, like No Reedeming Social Value or german thrashgods Tankard). I may have a Straight Edge Tattoo but as with all tattoos I did that one only for myself, kind of like a bold reminder to myself that i can see not to become my father.

8. Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?

listen to Bastard Lovechild! FUCK MEDIA CUNTS
myspace.com/bastardlovechildukhc

and thx for the interview!


Dienstag, 20. Oktober 2009

Brutality will prevail Interview



1.Hello,introduce your band to our readers,please and tell us where your bands from?
We started in 2005, with a very different sound and members. We did two demos,but nothing ever released properly.Then we finally released "forgotten soul" in march 2009. We are from south wales CCHC!
2. What bands have been biggest influences on your music and lyrics?
No bullshit..Forgotten Soul musically was heavily influenced by Life Long Tragedy,Rise and Fall,Shipwreck,The Banner, Converge. Just bands that we all love and listen too. The lyrics are directed at people fading out, changing for the worst, hateing how the world is changing, being in a state of depression, forced to listen to lies, never being the voice that's heard.

3. Could you tell us something about your upcoming album?
We have about five songs finished, Its along the same lines has FS,just more planned out and more grown up.
>
4. What would you say about the european hardcore scene today?
Mainland Europe is amazing! Shows are always packed out, the promoters are friendly and work very hard. People care a lot more. When US bands come over, they all say the same. The rest of the world have a lot to catch up with.
I have put a few shows on, I found it very stressful!!
Right now,the UK has a very good bunch of bands,and good shows too offer, the scene is good. Lets hope it lasts!!

5. What can we expect from BWP in the future?
Us and hang the bastard are just starting to record our split 7inc on PURGATORY RECORDS, fully syked on it! It will be out late December time. We have just pretty much sorted who is doing our album release, so we hope 2010 will be a good year. Lets see what happens


6. What are tour plans for you? Are you planning any trip to Europe?
We have a 10 day tour with your demise in Dec, that's around the UK,we are trying to sort some euro dates to promote the split 7inc in Jan. Then tour all 2010, any venue, any city, any country haha

7. Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?
check out www.myspace.com/purgatoryrecordsuk
and fuck media hype shit bands! you know who you are..

thanks for your interest.and all the best with your blog

Hang the Bastard Interview



1. First of all, could you give us a rundown on HTB – who is who, how did you guys get together and what was the reason to start a band?

Band is Chris - Vocals, Sam Hell - Guitar, Sina - Guitar, Stu - Bass and Simon - Drums
Me(Chris) and Sam started the band Summer 07, we were in another band that wasnt exactly what we wanted to do so we decided to start a band that was a mix of all the bands we were listening to and really loved at the time. So basically we wanted to sound like a cross between Integrity and Black Sabbath with a lot of classic rock influences.
We're still very much keeping the same formula but with members changing over the last couple of years, influences have changed. We still love Black Sabbath though!

2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

A mix up of modern hardcore with Sabbath style riffs. Dark, aggressive and menacing!







3. Can you tell us some bands that have influenced your style?

Theres quite a lot but I suppose the following - Black Sabbath, Integrity, Crowbar, Life Of Agony, Pentagram, Trapped Under Ice to name a few.

4. What’s the most important part of hardcore scene to you – the message, the people, the music or something else?

Thats a hard question, seems like hardcore doesn’t really have much of a message anymore. All that matters to me is that the band and everyone involved in the hardcore scene are sincere about what their doing.

5. Any good, upcoming bands everybody should check out?

NeverxAgain, Abolition, Brutality Will Prevail, Burning Love

6. What are the bands plans for the future?

We have two split 7"s coming out by the end of the year. One with Aboliton from London and the other with Brutality Will Prevail from Wales.
We've just started to write a new e.p for early next year which will be out on Holy Roar records.
Other than that, we'll be touring loads next year and possibly writing an album.

7. Thanks for the interview, any last words?
Listen to Black Sabbath

The beginning

Yes,
a new blog is born. haha
The idea of this blog is to show interviews with different HC-related Bands and guys from all over the world and in special from the Ruhrpott Area.

So prepare for interesting interviews in the next weeks and months.