-Interview- Deestruction 8/30/08

Deestruction
(Unsigned)

Genre: Alternative rock akin to Story Of The Year.
Interviewed on: 8/30/08
From: Melbourne, Australia
www.myspace.com/deestructionmusic

www.myspace.com/deestructionusic


1.How you guys doing? You guys excited to film a video for "We Shall Not Divide", what can we expect the concept to be for the video?

Hey Steve, yeah man we are really pumped for our first video clip. It’s going to be live footage from our upcoming show FATE 08 at The Ding Dong Lounge on August 27, which is great because it gives everyone in Melbourne a chance to get on TV and of course get into an anthem song like “We Shall Not Divide”.


2. When can we expect "Metastasis" to be released? Have you been performing any new material live? How has the reaction been if so?

We are going to wait a couple of months to do a launch for Metastasis as it has just been completed. We will be selling the cd at shows independently for now and hopefully everyone can see and hear the story behind the band which is all about our brother Dee Hudson who died of cancer 9 months ago. We haven’t started playing shows yet, after the Runaway Boys we gave it a rest and decided to cut this record and then start gigging around.


3. How did the band come about and form? Who thought of the name "Deestruction"?

As I said before, the band was formed to immortalize and pay tribute to our brother Dee Hudson who died of cancer. Dee was the one who thought of the name (DEE-struction) and would have used it if he was ever going to have a solo guitar album.


4. Any crazy show stories?

Not yet, ha-ha. But I’m pretty sure we will have a lot to tell you in the near future.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Definitely Saosin (We actually talked to Cove Reber a few days ago!)
Motley Crue and Story of the Year and A7X.
Is this rhetorical? Because my birthday is coming around ha-ha.


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

No time to watch fat guys sweat!


7. What are your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

If you love the bands you’re listening to, you wouldn’t download their music, you’d go out and buy it! The sound quality is never the same downloaded either.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Kid: Resurrection. First track of the record and I love the way it gets the listeners moving.

PD: Calling Me. I love opening with this song. Feels like jamming with mates no matter where we play it.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Kid: I am currently listening to Wake Up by Story of The Year.
PD: A Little Piece of Heaven by Avenged Sevenfold.


10. What's next for Deestruction?

We are yet to launch Metastasis which will happen over the next few months.
Lining up a few Melbourne shows and we are currently preparing a tour of California so we will keep you all posted on that. www.myspace.com/deestructionmusic


11. Any shoutouts?

BIG shoutout to Trev @ Deestruction’s Street Team – Doing an awesome job.
All of Deestruction’s fans and listeners…thank you.
Any record companies out there who want to give us a shot.


-Interview- Swallow The Ocean 8/30/08

Swallow The Ocean
(Forgotten Empire Records)

Genre: Progressive Metalcore akin to Twelve Tribes or old Deftones..
Interviewed on: 8/30/08
From: Yorktown Heights, NY
www.myspace.com/swallowtheocean

www.myspace.com/swallowtheocean


1. How you guys doin? You guys are from New York, how is the music scene up there now?

I’m doing alright. I’m from CT, the rest of the band is from NY. I’d say that the music scene in CT and NY are pretty different from each other… or maybe it’s just that NY is a bigger state and I’m more familiar with the music scene in CT cuz I live here. However I’d say that the present economy has had more of an affect on the music scene than the actual music has due to high gas prices, bands sometimes have to be a bit more “choosy” about shows, tour packages not consisting of local/lesser known bands, promoters/venues have also been a little less active or calmed down a bit… That’s probably happening all over. We’ve been a bit less active cuz we’ve been working on new material for our next recording.
My head is just spinning from everything at the moment as I’ve just finished college, took me 7 years and I’m not a doctor hahahahaa. It’s all been a weird balance of being extremely busy or just floating in calm water; being content or discontent which drives us to work harder. “the modern man must hustle”. Music is awesome and everyone should go out and support it and enjoy it.


2. You guys are heading into the studio soon to record? Is the new album titled at all? You guys excited to lay down the tracks?

Yes, we are heading into the studio soon to record. It looks like we’re going to be recording 4 songs, and shop it to labels to release our next cd. The new album is not titled yet as far as I know haha. I’m pretty friggin stoked about it. It’s been tough times as far as scheduling goes, but we’ve all been working hard on the new material. I was not on the band’s first EP as I joined right after it was recorded, so I am definitely looking forward to entering the studio this time around. I feel that our new songs are an intensified yet natural progression from our first EP. It’s gonna be sweeeeeeet.


3. How did you hook up with Forgotten Empire Records?

How did we hook up with Forgotten Empire Records? Hahaa. We had a few offers back around September 2007. I believe our myspace or word of mouth got to Brandon at Forgotten Empire Records and he contacted us. We decided to sign with Forgotten Empire Records because we felt that they really understood our music. We signed to Forgotten Empire Records in October 2007, our cd was released at the end of January 2008. We’ve been in great need of a second pressing since March 2008, and we still haven’t gotten it yet… so that’s how that’s been going hahaha.


4. Any crazy show stories?

I don’t know if this qualifies as “crazy” as it is funny to me, but we played a show at the Peekskill NY Elks Lodge towards the end of October 2007. It being kinda close to Halloween, Rory, Joe, and I went to some family Halloween shindigs before the show. Basically, all I consumed the whole time before the show was pizza, candy, and beer… not a good combination. I was mixing nerds candy in my budlight, which I must admit was a tasty delight, but it is NOT tasty when you’re barfing it up in the elks lodge bathroom right after playing a show hahahahaa.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

I would love to do a tour with Tiger Flowers, Voyager, and the Perennial cuz they’re amazing bands and all those guys are good friends.. I know it’d be a fun time. Seems realistic too.


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

I really don’t pay attention to sports, but to be honest I’ve been watching the woman’s gymnastics and it’s pretty awesome. It just blows my mind seeing these women doing all these crazy flips. It makes me think “If I could flip like that I’d be a ninja”. I’d be a sweet ninja and I’d just flip and kick ass all day long… I was also pretty stoned when I was watching it with my homies.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

The Pros and Cons of music downloading kind of have equal weight to me. Personally, I like having the actual CD with all the artwork n stuff, I like to support the bands and often some of the CD’s I purchase would be hard to find in the average music store, so it kinda makes it that much more valuable to me. I almost never download music cuz I don’t like to bother using those file sharing programs; fuck that noise. However, downloading music still helps bands gain fan base and getting music to people’s ears, which is awesome and very important. If a band could get by by having all their music available for free then hell yeah I’d be all for it, but that’s not totally realistic.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

We haven’t played our new material much live, but “Hands Folded Eyes to the Sky” is probably my favorite song to play live because Scott has a beard.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

I am currently listening to…

The Roots – Rising Down
Jedi Mind Tricks – Army of the Pharaohs
Kettel – Myam James Pt. 1
Meshuggah – Obzen
Protest the Hero - Fortress


10. What's next for Swallow The Ocean?

Record so we can find a better label to release it. Hopefully be able to tour sometime next year. Play shows and rock out with friends, high fives, laugh, drink brass monkey, smoke weed, work hard.


11. Any shoutouts?

Tupac and Biggie, one love… oh and check out La Cosa Nostra from Mahopac, NY www.myspace.com/lacosanostra44, and Jacobi Wichita they’re so friggin awesome.


-Interview- Summerkill 8/29/08

Summerkill
(Unsigned)

Genre: Hard rock akin to Killswitch Engage or Last Winter.
Interviewed on: 8/29/08
From: Union County, NJ
www.myspace.com/summerkill

www.myspace.com/summerkill


1.How did Summerkill get together?


Well Nick and James used to play in a band called Sublevel 7 back in 1999 to 2003 , throughout the years of playing, Nick crossed paths with Ryan , now the bass player of Summerkill. He was in a band called Lowklas . When Sublevel 7 split up, James decided to start up a new project , with two guitar players and a drummer. He then call Nick to see what his plans were. Ryan of Lowcklas had just left his band so Nick and him decided to work together . It was perfect: James needed Vocals and a bassist and we need guitars and drums, so we thought, “Hey lets try it!” Now, two original members are gone , guitarist was replaced by Ryan Stibz and our drums by Nick Zac. Ryan Stibz has been with us for about two years now and Nick Zac for about one year. Four years later after the start of the five band members that we put together, we have a strong band and have done some amazing shows with some sick acts for a local to be on , such as Lost Prophets, Kittie, Taproot, A day to Remember ect...


2. You guys a few weeks back played a sold out show opening for A Day To Remember (Victory Records), how did that go?


It couldn't have gone any better for us , their fans really gave us such a great response it was insane , most of them not knowing who we were screaming and pitting like we were the main act, it was sick. A Day To Remember is a pretty similar sound to our's , maybe the most similar to us then any other band so we knew the crowed was going to go for it , thank god they did it made the 900 degree show alot easier to play. It was so hot in the venue two girls passed out in the bathroom, but the energy and adrenaline kept us going and we played a great set. Just for the record, A Day to Remember is a pretty awesome group of guys besides being an awesome band , very chill and gave everyone the time of day with autographs and pitures. They were really cool with us as well. We had a blast and cant wait to do again.


3. The band has a very unique sound to it that's comparable from everything from Breaking Benjamin's melodies to Killswitch Engage's vocals, what are your influences?


We all have very similar influences. They range from Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet for my Valentine, Story of the Year to stuff right out of the 80's like Skid Row, Motley Crue, and all the other awesome hair metal bands.


4. The song "City Lights" is a fan favorite and a very personal song to singer (Nick), you guys shot a video for it a little while back, what made you choose a video for that song in particular and where is all the concert footage from that is featured in the video?

Well , the video turned out nothing like we had envisioned it , we had talked about making a video for City Lights for a few months but never took the ideas past paper. We did a show at Gramercy Thearter in NYC and we had such great footage from the show. James decided that he was going to do a test run with some of the footage before attempting to shoot the real video we had originally planned on. Well he did such a good job we were like “Umm , wow dude thats awesome lets just keep this!” Once we get the label we’ve been searching for , were going to definately re-make the video and it’s going to be a pretty sad one at that. Nick had some pretty dark, but very good ideas, so we pray that a label picks us up so we can make the video happen ...


5. You guys are from New Jersey which is a traditionally known state for talented rock bands, is there any bands that you guys were hooked to when you were younger from NJ?

Oh yeah , we were big fans of 40 Below Summer and Ill Nino , in fact, we all use to play together before they were signed , so long ago Christian (vocals of Ill Niño) was on guitar back then, and they were called el Niño .We’re also were fans of Thursday and My Chemical Romance . Sucks that we’re not out there like them but that’s just how the cookie crumbles , but we’ll get there , the key is to keep on playing and making noise in the scene and someone will hear you . We hope!!!!


6. We saw that there are a few newer songs up on your Myspace, when can we expect a release date for the new album? Is it titled?

Well, the new album isn’t done yet, yes we did title it. It’s going to be called "New Breed Soldiers”, we would like to record five more new tracks before we release the album. We should be in the studio recording the five tracks sometime in October, due to a change in style, we really want to make the next few songs alot heavier but still have a “City Lights” and “Goodbye” type of sound , so were really working on that. We don’t want the new music to sound to far off of what we have now, but we definitely want it heavier. So what’s in the works right it totally awesome and different from what we have been doing and were diggin’ it ALOT!!!


7. You logo is very unique, who thought of the design and how did it come about?

Well this one could start with an argument between Nick and James, but the logo's idea stemmed from Nick, with James creating it. Nick will think of the design and James will create it on the computer. The Superman SK logo was the most recent one; we always wanted a logo that people would remember, even if they never heard of us before and we wanted a logo that people would wear whether or not they even like the music. The shirts sell everywhere to every one, we totally pulled off what we wanted which was a logo that everyone would know and recognize, now so people don’t get confused. On the back of the shirt, there is the little superman symbol but instead of saying superman going up the side of it, in the SAME font it says SummerKill. We really hope we get sued so from DC COMICS so maybe get a labels attention!!!


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Hmmmm , I think “New Breed Soldiers” is a band favorite. It’s so easy to play and so freakin’ catchy, it’s a song we could just shred…on it’s awesome!!!!!!!!


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Ryan bass like's alot of more melow stuff, he's a huge fan of Anberlin and Angels & Airwaves. Nick Zac is a fan of Carnivol and As I Lay Dying. James is a little more old school and listens to alot of Sevendust and Non Point. Ryan Stibz is a huge fan of Story of The Year and Bullet for My Valentine as well as Nick is a huge fan of Bullet. Nick is currently listing to alot of All that remains , Bullet 4 my Vallentine , In This Moment and everything in that genre .


10. What's next for Summerkill?

WE NEED A RECORD LABEL, as many shows as we can play and go to really, more promoting and some sick new music for your ears......


11. Any shoutouts?

Dude, we wanna shout out Wsou 89.5FM and That Guy the DJ there , thank you guys for all your help and support through the year's , Eric @ Axis lounge in NJ great people and venue , Campout of NJ for hooking us up with tour trailers all the time , Off Axis Studio's in Aberdeen NJ , All our friends who continue to show up at EVERY show thank you all so much our families for all their support . Hollywood Kills , Halogen , Croc Rock Cafe PA Tom Taylor , DAA promtions , Joey Jackie Mac , Keith always throwing it down , Shadows Lie , Thank you Lauren for reviewing this interview befor we sent it back and thank you Abilitees Unlimited for the awesome T-shirts we thank you all , NOW LETS ALL TAKE THIS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!!!!!


-Interview- Revival 8/29/08

Revival
(Unsigned)

Genre: Screamo rock akin to Bayside or Circa Survive.
Interviewed on: 8/29/08
From: Kings Park, NY
www.myspace.com/revivalrocks

www.myspace.com/revivalrocks


1. How's everything going? We saw you played at the Crazy Donkey the other night, how did that go?

We're great! The show was a blast! We played with a bunch of talented bands.
We're insanely busy with other shows actually, and are booking more at the moment.


2. How is the new material coming along? We saw you posted a song called "Written By Ghosts", is the newer material going to sound similar to that song?

The newer stuff is actually a lot more intricate. We're taking alot of time out to write the new material, making it heavier and experimenting with alot of different blends of sound. Our newest set of bandmates really helped with this, from Mark's knowledge of jazz guitar to Gordon's 8 years of cello playing and theory study. It's kind of like were doing more of the thinking now,
rather than just making a riff and playing along to it. We're really going out of the way this time. They're really pushing Revival farther than it has ever been.


3. When can we see a release date on the upcoming album?

Well, we'd really like to raise the band funds, and go to
a professional recording studio to complete the process.
As of now, all we can do is record with a Mac. and a home
mixer. We're trying to decide whether it'd be easier to wait,
and make a deal with a Label, or if we should actually self-release it.
But, we're planning on releasing it within a years worth of time.


4. What does the band wish to accomplish by the end of the year?

Have a kickass album, and following.
Plus, Madison Square Garden! :P
But, besides that..we really want to play as many shows as we can,
and just put our name out to Long Island. We want to make it big!


5. What are some of your influences?

Well, with five differen't guys it's pretty hard to assume that.
But, we'll break it down to this;

Clarke O. = Bayside, Circa Survive, Coheed & Cambria, Saosin.
Gordon = Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Zeppelin.
James O. = Drop Dead, Gorgeous, From First To Last, Zeppellin, Underoath.
John L. = Atreyu, Chiodos, The Devil Wears Prada, The Used.
Mark W. = A Day To Rememeber, Atreyu, Dream Theater, The Fall of Troy.


6. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Well, once again...all of us have different views...

Clarke O. = I believe it actually expands the fan views in time, it's a process..
Gordon. = Its cool to get a free sample of a band you're interested in hearing, but people should really buy music from the bands they like.
James O.= I think if it expands the fan base, it's alright. Because, that will lead to album purchasing!
John L. = MUSIC SHOULD BE FREE!
Mark W. = I think buying cds is the way to go! :D


7. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Our favorite tune to play right now would probably be,
"Written By Ghosts."
Because, it is the one of our newest tracks
and it's insanely crazy to play.
It really catches the audiences attention.


8. What are you guys currently listening to?

Clarke O. = Bayside, He is Legend, and a Warped Tour Compilation disc!
Gordon = Dredg, Jack Johnson, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Stone Temple Pilots.
James O.= Anthony Green, From First To Last, and Revival!
John L. = Anthony Green, Chiodos, the Devil Wears Prada, Drop Dead, Gorgeous.
Mark W. = Drop Dead, Gorgeous, Emmure, From First To Last, Underoath.


9. What's next for Revival?

Practice, some more practice. Booking shows, creating newer material,
and playing those booked shows!
Most importantly, working on raising the funds to record in a professional studio!


10. Any shoutouts?

All of our fans, and family!
We'd like to especially give a thank you to Electric Zombie clothing.
Sunken Meadow's Teen Night!
And, a few of our friends who have been helping us out with Media work!
But, most of all...you guys for the great help you have given us!


-Interview- By Morning 8/28/08

By Morning
(Unsigned)

Genre: Progressive rock akin to City Sleeps or Incubus.
Interviewed on: 8/28/08
From: Asheville, NC
www.myspace.com/bymorning

www.myspace.com/bymorning



1. How you guys doin? You have a show with Hand To Hand (Lifeforce Records) coming up, have you guys played with them before at all?

Hey, we are doing great! A little hungry but doing good. Yeah, we have played with Hand to Hand before. They are great guys! We played with them in Raleigh, NC at The Brewery and in their hometown of Orlando, FL at The Backbooth. We try to keep in touch with them as much as possible.


2. The album artwork for "The Migration" is very simple, who thought of it and what was the meaning behind it?

Lee thought of the idea. He is a graphic designer for his "real" job. We wanted to go with a simple, strong graphic. We liked how the fish seemed to be migrating. In the song Madeline, there is a line that mentions a fish in a bowl that wants to be free. So it was fitting. Lee does all of the bands graphics and designs. A lot of bands have designers, or at least people that are creative in that area in the band.


3. With the EP recently released, how has the reaction been to it? Any new material in the works?

Lee : Oh yeah, we have gotten a great response to The Migration EP. The online sells have been a lot better than we had imagined. Originally, the songs were just for demo purposes. After hearing the final product, we knew that we had to get the tracks into public hands. Just recently we have been selling the EP at shows.

Brandon : I'm just so excited people wanted more from us so soon after it's release.The three new songs are very strong and all the new material is something i am very proud of.

Burney: I've noticed it's bringing new and different fans to the shows. The first note of Madaline seems to reel them in the first time they hear it.

Lee : We are constantly writing new material. Since the recordings we have brought 3 new songs into our live set and they are getting a great response! At the last home show, people were singing along to them. The only way they could have known the words was to either go to every show in the past 4 months or watch our videos on YouTube.


4. You guys recently hooked up with Shell Shock Apparel, how did that relationship come about?

Shell Shock is Lee's baby. He started the company with a friend of his, Rick. They are really pushing the line. By Morning just gets the perks due to Lee playing in the band. Free stuff is good! Shell Shock is looking for bands to work with. They also do custom printing work as well.


5. Being from North Carolina, which has raised some great bands over the years, what were some of your favorite local bands to watch growing up?

Lee : Wow, that is a big question! There is so many bands that we are fans of that are from NC, lets go ahead and throw SC in the mix as well. There is a great movement of NC/SC bands right now. A lot of talent that people should keep their eye on. Locally in Asheville, there is Sanctity, Lewis, The Nova Echo, Einstein's Dream, Kings of Prussia, and The Broomstars that are rocking our socks! Growing up though, we have all been part of the local scene for over a decade, so we have seen a lot and been part of many bands.

Burney: I loved Cry of Love out of Raleigh ( my home town ).

Brandon : Damn, that is hard to answer. I was a huge Swift (winston salem) fan when i was younger. I think this state makes some of the best musicians in the whole world. The sweet tea's good too.

Tim : I actually grew up down the way in Charleston, SC, so my favorite bands growing up were The Working Title and Owen Beverly. I'm actually kind of friends with them now, which makes it pretty amazing to listen to them. When I first moved to Asheville, I came upon Secret Lives Of The Freemasons, and I really loved what I got from them. From there, I met pretty much everyone in the scene. As for now, my favorite local bands are The Goodies, Lewis, Sanctity, and The Campaign 1984. I love playing shows with those guys now, it's completely amazing


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

Lee : I watched enough to realize that I am a fat ass. I tired of hearing about Michael Phelps within the first 10 minutes. SO I stayed on Cartoon Network and ate burgers.

Burney: Football season starts soon. That is all I need.

Brandon : I am huge into the gymnastics! I don't think the body should do the things they make it do. So impressive. I was big into the track and field competitions too.

Tim : I haven't really any of the Olympics, but I am amazed watching the gymnastics part. I read about a runner who was 41 and smoked people in the Olympic trials while her 4-year-old daughter watched. That was really something to be stoked about. I love watching the volleyball too, those women have amazing bodies, plus it's a great sport to watch. Dara Torres also sounds like a badass, even more than Michael Phelps, and she's 41!


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Lee : That is a tough one. I look at it as to tape trading in the 80's but to a very large network. I know that some people have downloaded our stuff illegally, sure it takes money from our pockets. But then again, if it makes us new fans . . . it gets tough to decide on what is right. If someone got our music illegally and then came out to a show and bought a shirt or two, we make more off of the shirts. For me it is more important to have someone that is really into our music and supports us at shows. I really like what NIN did, they are giving their new music out for free on their site. I would like to see By Morning offering free music online, like B-sides or live tracks. Bands are just going to have to get creative with how they deal with it. Make special things in the physical CD or special iTunes offers. Of course that doesn't stop people from putting it back online to "share", but you are not going to stop that.

Burney: Artist deserve to be payed for their work. You also want as many people to have your music and you can't control how they get it.

Brandon : I agree with Lee in so many ways. It's a double edges sword. I think the road is where the paycheck is for most artist. Live shows are still bigger than ever.

Tim : I don't do it, but I don't blame people who do. I want to make money playing music, but I also really just want to get my band's name out there. I constantly pay for people to get into our shows, and I give people By Morning CD's for free, which I, of course, turn right around and pay for. I've probably spent over $100 in the last year paying for people to get in to shows and giving away CD's. I love finding music online, and I don't really mind paying some of it. If someone puts their music up for free download, I'll take it, but I don't mind paying for it to support.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Lee : I really like playing About You and Passenger. About you, I can get a little heavier and push it more, plus I like seeing people sing the chorus! With Passenger, it is a little funkier, I have some little solo spots in the song that I use a wah on that I like enjoy playing with.

Burney: "Feel it break" it's just a powerful song. i also like to play the new songs. "Passenger Please", it has a great chorus, "Screws", It's just fun, and "Geese", for all of the same reasons.

Brandon : Huge fan of Madeline. It's just a build up powerhouse of a song to me. I feel it every time I sing it. Granted, there are some nights your just not into it and it feels like you just stepped up to do Karaoke, but I never feel that way with madeline.

Tim : I love "Nashville", because of the energy and the words. I remember how electric it felt when we wrote it, and I still carry that energy now, even in practice. I like getting people into it when we play "About You", and I still love the energy of "Madeline", "Migration" and "Geese". I guess I really love them all.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Lee : I am currently listening to War of Ages - Arise and Conquer and Pride of the Wicked, Sleeping Giant - Dread Champions of the Last Days, and the new Slipknot - All Hope is Gone. I have also listened to the new Metallica tracks. It is good to hear them back on their game again. Stanley Clarke - School Days, nothing in the world like Stanley Clarke. The man is bass guitar!

Burney: "No world for tomorrow" by Coheed and Cambria, "Physical Graphitti" by Led Zeppelin, "Best of Marvin Gaye" by Marvin Gaye

Brandon: Alt country. That's all I can say!

Tim : I just started listening to Owen Beverly's new CD, and it's amazing. I've been listening to August Burns Red, Killswitch Engage, Hand To Hand, Pantera, and Arch Enemy when I'm on my runs, and I can't seem to get enough of those bands. I love discovering those guys, especially Pantera and Arch Enemy, it really gets me going. Other than that, I love singing to Ryan Adams and Owen Beverly.


10. What's next for By Morning?

Lee : Writing, touring, new merch designs. We are looking for a producer for a full length. It would be cool to have a video done before this time next year. We will have to see what our wallets look like after Christmas.

Tim : Rocking even more faces. I want us to put out a great CD again, and play more shows like the last three local shows we've played, the two at The Orange Peel and the one at Stella Blue. I feel like we've received a good bit of recognition over the past several months, and it feels great. I think that our next move is to make more of what makes this band great, which is making amazing music, and that's what it's always been about.


11. Any shoutouts?

Lee : My lovely wife. I want to shout out to our boys in Aside Oceans in Pulaski, VA. Great guys that are working hard and need your attention.

Burney: Hey mom!

Brandon : Um to the fans man. It's been a good coupe of years and we want to continue to do this for a very long time. I really hope that if they take an interest in any form of music, they stick with that group and grow with them. I am so thankful to have friends and fans who have done that with us. So, thanks to them!

Tim : Anyone who has come out to shows and rocked to our music, as well as supported us. Stella Blue, The Orange Peel, Bad Ash . . . I'm loving the city of Asheville.


-Interview- Be Your Hate 8/27/08

Be Your Hate
(Unsigned)

Genre: Thrah metal akin to Lamb Of God or Chimaira.
Interviewed on: 8/27/08
From: Sao Paulo, Brazil
www.myspace.com/beyourhate

www.myspace.com/beyourhate



1. How you guys doin? How did you guys hook up with Danilson Farisato to produce the record?

First of all thanks for the oportunity. We choose Danilson Farisato because he´s a great professional and one of the few producers that works with this kind os music here at São Paulo. Beyond being a big friend of us.


2. You guys playing any shows soon?

We made some EP´s launching shows and we´re gonna keep with this "divulgation shows" until the start of December passing for diverse cities of the State of São Paulo.


3. How has the reaction been to the new record "Face It"?

People from here are liking it. We are receiving many compliments personally and through the web. It´s coming even from the public as the other musicians, producers and the specialized critical. That makes us very grateful.


4. What is the music scene like in Brazil?

The music scene at Brazil is very weak. There are a lot of good bands but there´s not union between them. About the public, people don´t give the deserved importance to the underground scene. Just show up at international shows or consolidated bands shows.

5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

The first one is Machine Head for sure. We´re big fans of them since a long time. They wtih certainty are one of the bands who we must have influences that is still on the road. Besides we know that they like some drinks like us.....( laugh ).....
The second one is Soil Work that is a band who is surpassing themselves to each work becoming a big inspiration source to Be Your Hate.
And the third one is Pussycat Dolls.......oh Pussycat Dolls.......( laugh )........they have much talent.....if you understand me......( laugh ).....


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

All of us have been very busy. We just watched soccer that is the craze at the country.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

We placed 3 songs to download. It was a great evolution to the artists liberates their own songs to anyone around the world listen to. But someone who does it without your permission is ridicule.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

We have two favorite songs. "Face It" is the music that people set a rudge mosh pit and that is the kind of thing that motivates us to play it. And the second one is "Respect Yourself" that is one of the most recently compositions of us that shows a big evolution about the arrangement and with that we´re receiving a lot of compliments about this song.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

We´re listening a lot of things. Since the simplest song to the extremest. Lately we have listened a lot of In Flames, Soilwork, Meshuggah, Mnemic, Textures, Sybreed, Cryptopsy, Machine Head, Chimaira, Lamb of God, Hatebreed, Devil Driver, Walls of Jericho, Pantera, Slayer......


10. What's next for Be Your Hate?

At this moment our objective is to show our music to the biggest number of people as possible. Play erverywhere we can and make a big contact list with United States and Europe to plan some tour to the end of 2009. Prallel we´re composing and making the pre-production of our full album.


11. Any shoutouts?

Thanks again for the oportunity. Good luck with From The Depths Entertainment. Check our songs at www.myspace.com/beyourhate! We hope to meet you very soon who knows on tour at United States.


-Interview- Double Dragon 8/27/08

Double Dragon
(Truth Inc Records)

Genre: Melodic metalcore akin to old As I Lay Dying or In Flames.
Interviewed on: 8/27/08
From: Adelaide, Australia
www.myspace.com/doubledragonheavymetal

www.myspace.com/doubledragonheavymetal


1. How you guys doin? How has the reaction to the new material been?

so far so good, we havent really had the chance to get out and tour it yet due to some unforeseen internal dramas, but we have some big shows coming up and really we have putting off playing until weather warms up!


2. The album artwork is very cool, who came up with the concept and design?

Roads, our guitarist came up with concept and ADelaide designer Matt Hede did the actual design, basically we wanted a character as such to represent the emotion in the songs, and yeah that big crazy warrior is what we got!


3. Any thoughts in touring here in the US? Any crazy show stories?

Definately looking to tour the US, first of all we need some distrubution for the album so if your a label that has that capability and want to put out our album email us @ doubledragononline@hotmail.com


4. What's your thoughts on the explosion of musical talent from Australia that everyone is talking about?

Um, thats great that people are talking about Australian music, personally I didnt know that but thats always a good thing. I think Australian music is very under rated as in my eyes there are hundreds of amazing bands playing in Australia, just like there is in the US. I mean, we have instruments too you know - i think alot of people from outside Australia put too much focus on where they are from not the music, because if it was about the music the world would know alot more Australian artists.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Hmmm today I would say Metallica / Slayer / Dark Tranquillity


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

Yeah watched the olympics, obviously had a keen eye on the swimming like most australians but yeah missed out on a lot of good stuff due to shitty australian tv, would have liked to see some more basketball but what can you do!?


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

I used to be all for it, in many ways I still am, but if you google "Double Dragon Devastator" and see the squillions of torrents sites and sites from other countries selling or just giving away your stuff sometimes you think, "you motherfuckers!" - for the briefest of seconds before you realise that its a good thing that people are trading your music and it does bring other opportunites in terms of merch. The world has definately changed in terms of music and downloading, but at the end of the day the more people who can access your music the better, and if your going to download something for free always try and give something back to the band by buying a ticket to a show or grabbing some merch.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Depends on the night, and my mood at the time, im diggin playing Straight Into Hell, Black Sails Of Armageddon, songs with lots of groove that gets everyone moving.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Hmm, we listen to alot of Gojira, Mastodon, alot of Australian artists such as Emma Dean ( who sang on our album ) Truth Corroded, A Red Dawn, we like the old classic kind of stuff, Iron Maiden, Testament , Slayer , Pantera, I mean the same bands as most metal heads around our age, we dig swedish metal too, amon amarth, meshuggah, dark tranquility, as long as its played with passion and not confined to any kind of trend boundaries we will get into it


10. What's next for Double Dragon?

We are now looking to write our next album, tour Devastator as much as we can, play with as many good bands as we can and just keep writing, keep playing and keep creating more music. If the metal gods are kind to us, maybe we can open our US account sooner rather than later.


-Interview- According To You 8/27/08

According To You
(Unsigned)

Genre: Emocore akin to Emery or House Vs Hurricane.
Interviewed on: 8/27/08
From: Goes, Netherlands
www.myspace.com/acccordingtoyounl

www.myspace.com/accordingtoyounl


1. How did the band get together and form?

We know each other from high school! I’ve known Maikel (the singer of the band) for whole my life and we started playing guitar together. When we were going to high school together, we met Hubert and Roald and they were having the idea to start a band. First we’ve played for two years in an other formation with another singer, but that didn’t work out. Then we decided to put Maikel behind the mic, and According To You was born.


2. You guys are recording a new album, hows that going and is it named yet?

The album is ready! We released it in june, and it is called “The Key To Our Broken Hearts”. Guess what? The most songs are about love! Can you imagine? We are very, very proud of it!


3. How does the writing process come together?

Most of the time we’re starting with a guitar riff. We are focussing on the melody. When Maik or me came with a guitar riff, we’re putting it all together in a band rehearsal. Sometimes we are making pre-recordings, to see if something works out the way we want it. When a song’s ready we keep playing it until it’s stuck in our heads!


4. How is the scene for music in the Netherlands?

Well, I guess you could say it’s quite dynamic. Booking agencies and venues are most of the time “playing on safe” by booking something that has become popular yet. This results in very various line ups. Most of the venues are not booking just one genre, but just everything that’s popular at the moment. So when you hear something on the radio, the chance is big that you have the opportunity to check it out within two months. For a band, this means that you really have to earn it to get to the bigger avenues, but there are a lot of taverns and little avenues that are providing a stage for starting bands. You can always start making music! The thing in the Netherlands I like most is that this country is small. Taking the train from north to south doesn’t take you longer then about 2/3 hours. No venue is too far away! The diverse booking of venues is also cool, sometimes you can go clubbing and see awesome deejays at the same venue where a cool rock-gig is planned the next day.


5. How would you say the new material compares to the old EP?

I think it might sound like more of the same, but we’ve written the music to be more melodic. You can notice this in catchy lines in the choruses, and some soft bridges.. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not rocking anymore! For the fans of the older hardcore-ish work like “In The End Of Time” and “Light” there is enough to offer! Consider the new album poprock with a twist of hardcore.


6. What's your take on music downloading?

Well.. I’m not denying that I am guilty. For ATY it’s now a matter of getting many shows, not of making lots of money yet.. When you’re a true fan, you can pay, and when you’re just curious you can download something I guess..? It’s your choice! I’m not blaming anybody!


7. Any plans on touring in the summer in support of the album?

We couldn’t set up a summertour because the album was released very late, we’ve learned that touring the festivals in the summer should already be fixed somewhere around in January or something.. that was to early to come up with new material yet. But we’re hoping on a summertour next year!


8. Are there any Netherlands based bands we should check out?

Definitely! We’ve recorded our album with the guitar player of Destine. Check them out! They sound very fresh, very poppy and they are very good on stage! Good music for fans of Sherwood and Mae and so on. We are also good friends with a band called Sense Forward, they’re making some kind of southern rock, like He Is Legend or Norma Jean, but with a melodic European twist. One of our favourites is also The Hot Stewards, this band’s covering all famous eighties artists like Paula Abdul, George Michael and even Abba, in dirty rock and roll!


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

When we’re on the road with the band most of the time we’re listening Saosin, Before Their Eyes, As I Lay Dying and Underoath. It’s very and energetic and nice to hear when you’re heading for a gig! When I’m just relaxing I like to listen poprock bands like The Spill Canvas, Anberlin, Acceptance and so on.


10. What's next for According To You?

We’re focusing on our release party with Destine and Sense Forward, October 11 in a venue near us, that’s gonna be great! Besides of that, we’re planning to play a lot of gigs and meet a lot of other bands and people. We want to bring our music to the people!


11. Any shoutouts?

Yesss! Check our MySpace and let us know what you think! We appreciate that a lot! You can listen some tracks, check some pics, that would be awesome! And ofcourse, when you want, try to get our new album! Anymore shoutouts, did I forget something? A lot of LOVE from ATY!


-Interview- Flowers For Whores 8/27/08

Flowers For Whores
(Damage Done Records)

Genre: Thrash metal akin to new Shai Hulud.
Interviewed on: 8/27/08
From: Prague, Czech Republic
www.myspace.com/flowersforwhores

www.myspace.com/flowersforwhores



1. How you guys doin? You guys are heading out on tour soon including a date with August Burns Red, you guys amped to head out?

Hi, it's Tomas - singer for Flowers For Whores. I do pretty well, thanx. Just traveling around Europe with Pulling Teeth. They're a killer band to watch every night, so I can't be happier at the moment.
Yeah, we do short Czech-Slovakian tour in October including 2 shows with August Burns Red. We're stoked about doing Slovakian dates again. Kids go nuts at the shows up there. Playing with August Burns Red in Prague and Bratislava will be blast.


2. How did you hook up with Damage Done Records?

I run this label called Damage Done Records. It's always easier to skip the "middle man" and have control above the stuff you do. I started a couple years ago putting LP for this band Guided Cradle and kept doing label till now. Putting out records for band I'm part of was the easiest option for us.


3. How did the cover art for "Equilibrium" come about?

We wanted to do something different than bands playing this kind of music usually do. I had this idea of traffic jam and feeling that something bad is gonna happen. Like the last scene of Terminator 1 when Sarah heads horizon in car and you can see dark clouds above the mountains. Every time I watch that I had that bad feeling about the future. Lyrics for our song called live Together, Die Alone fit this cover. When you flip our CD to the other side you'll definitely get what's the whole idea about.
This artwork was done by our friend Bourek who did an amazing job for local bands as Balaclava and GNU.


4. What's the music scene like over in Prague?

There's bunch of bands playing different kind of music in Prague being part of punk scene in the same time. If you want to go deeper you should take whole Czech scene. Czech Republic is such a small country to do differences between scenes in the cities. Come to Prague and get to 007 klub. That's the best venue to find good bands playing.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Taste of every single person in Flowers For Whores is totally different. If I pick 3 bands it would be Doomriders, Clouds, and Misery Index.


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

To be honest I hate all that madness about watching sports on TV. I haven't seen anything of Olympics this year. After I quit playing soccer for FC Praha Podoli when I was 16 I got more to individual sports as biking, working out. I used to work as a bike messenger for 4 years in Prague. That was my most intense sport experience so far.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

I have no problem with that. I don't care if people download our music. The gap between upper and lower class is getting deeper and deeper and people have to spend more and more money on food, apartments, clothing. If you're fan of music and support bands you love, do it. If not download it. We have no problem with that. It's all about personal priorities not about corporations trying to rip you and bands on their own label off.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

I love all songs we've done. I feel awesome when we play A Game On Shells and Live Together, Die Alone. Once You've Gone Black, You Never Come Back have special meaning to me.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

I'm blown away from last Harvey Milk album, new Clouds are amazing, Pulling Teeth play every night for me and check new Pennywise album - it's great for driving.


10. What's next for Flowers For Whores?

After we finish our tour in October we'd love to record 2 new songs for split release with Slovakian band called Feed the Vulture. We gonna do Eastern European tour in February 2009 with Canadians Gravemaker and then hopefully record our first full length.


11. Any shoutouts?

Thank you very much for this interview. We truly appreciate your interest for our band. Hope we can play in your town soon.


-Interview- Coma Lies 8/26/08

Coma Lies
(Skull And Bones Records)

Genre:Metalcore akin to August Burns Red or old Emmure.
Interviewed on: 8/26/08
From: Newcastle, Australia
www.myspace.com/comaliesnc

www.myspace.com/comaliesnc


1. How you guys doin? Hows the bassist search going?

We're all super busy working multiple jobs at the moment but we're all great. The bass player search is going very well, we've had lots of emails and interest which has been great.


2. You guys have any shows coming up? Have you guys been playing any of the new material live? How has the reaction been?

We haven't been playing many shows or playing the new songs because we don't have a bass player who knows them yet. We're really focusing on get everything ready for the album. Eg, new merch, band lineup, new songs.


3. When can we expect the new EP to be available? Is it titled?

We have a Demo that is ready to go, we're just waiting on some artwork and printing. Its close to being available and its just to show the direction which the band is moving. Its different to the EP 'A Churchwell Killing' in that its more heavier and more intricate as well.


4. How did you guys hook up with Skull And Bones Records?

We toured in Brisbane and we were lucky enough to get noticed by one of the label guys, we we're one of the first bands to join the label but since then they have acquired some amazing bands. I'm pretty sure that's what happened


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Cult of Luna, most beautiful heavy music ever, it would be amazing to see 8 swedes every night. The Dillinger Escape Plan, I'd start as many fights as i can and get Greg to fight them for me. Also so i can steal their guitar parts. And probably Safe Hands, The best bunch of dudes we've ever met and it would be the most fun ever.


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

Ping Pong, the best Olympic sport ever.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Buy a damn CD and support a band.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Serpents of Eden, i get to go into my own world in the soft section, then i want to punch everyone in the crowd and break my guitar in the next, the song makes me want to grow a rad beard and smoke 18 cigars.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Eternal Kingdom by Cult of Luna, very amazing. Burst, The Chariot, Mindsnare, Poison The Well. You know the usual suspects.


10. What's next for Coma Lies?
We're currently writing our first album and discussing who we're going to produce it. We are going to be doing a national tour early next year before the album and we're just really concentrating on the quality of our music and live show.


11. Any shoutouts?

Those guys who tried to break into my house the other night, thanks for that guys. The Carnivale Series for making me want to destroy HBO for canceling it. All the guys and Gals that have helped us out so far.


-Interview- Martyr Defiled 8/26/08

Martyr Defiled
(Unsigned)

Genre: Death metal/Hardcore akin to Bring Me The Horizon.
Interviewed on: 8/26/08
From: Nottingham, UK
www.myspace.com/martyrdefiled

www.myspace.com/martyrdefiled



1. How you guys doin? How is the music scene over there in the UK?

Good man, everything in the UK is peachy. There are always people at shows, people buying merch. Everyone complains, but the scene in the UK has never been so good and probably never will be again - we should be enjoying it as much as we can.


2. How did the album artwork for "Condoning Innoculation" come about?

Theres a long story behind that. We spoke to BeforeHisFall Media about getting our demo cover done, which we paid £100 in advance for a 4 page booklet, CD and a back cover, basic cd stuff. We then spent around 2 months trying to get the artwork or our money back off beforehisfall as he stopped all contact with us. We ended up having to start a full campaign against bhf to try and get his attention.

3. You guys are recording your EP in a few weeks, you guys excited?

Yeah, we really wanna get our new stuff out there, hopefully get signed and start making our way into the national scene.


4. Any crazy show stories?

Our vocalist Matt has a habit of getting wound up and getting in peoples faces- he once attacked a guy in mansfield while on stage for bullying another kid!


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Whitechapel, Suicide Silence and Necrophagist!


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

Our drummer is a basketball player and a semi pro footballer (soccer for yanks), so he's been interested in those ones!


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Independant labels and DIY bands suffer because of illegal downloading - bands survive on a combination of shows and merch sales. Downloading their music makes life so much harder for bands to function and affects everything that everyone has worked hard to put together over the last couple of years.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Barren, or Condoning Innoculation because when we play it, people know the words and its cool to see the reactions we get!


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

We're listening loads of stuff - Ali and Euan are on stuff like Panzerchrist, Necrophagist, Impending Doom and Cryptopsy whereas Matt, Rick and Dave listen to stuff like Suicide Silence, Molotov Solution and Whitechapel. We all listen to each others stuff, so it all influences us.


10. What's next for Martyr Defiled?

We've got some big tours in the pipelines, and we've already got a couple of dates with Annotations Of An Autopsy in the UK. Hopefully after we release the EP we'll get signed and start getting recognised on a national level.


11. Any shoutouts?

Our crab basher bros in Many Things Untold, and Kettle from PMP for his 1am phonecalls!


-Interview- Forgiven Rival 8/25/08

Forgiven Rival
(El Shaddai Records)

Genre: Screamocore.
Interviewed on: 8/25/08
From: Melbourne, Australia
www.myspace.com/forgivenrival

www.myspace.com/forgivenrival


1. How you guys doin? You guys been watching the Olympics at all?

Hey doin well dude, yeah been watching the Olympics a little, that Phelps guy is whooping our butts!


2. You guys are opening up for Underoath soon, you guys excited?

Yeah we're really stoked. They've been a favorite band of ours for ages and we're heaps keen to meet and chat to them as well if we get the chance.


3. You're from Australia, which recently has been a place known for its musical talent, we heard you guys are coming over here to the US to tour soon, is that true and you guys amped up to play over here?

Yeah there are a stack of great bands from AUS at the moment which is great cause we get to play, tour and watch a lot of really good bands. We're coming over to play for Canadian Music Week in late Feb early march 09 and we're organizing a Canadian tour for before the festival and a US tour for after wards. we are so stoked to be traveling outside of AUS to tour and see how things are in the US!


4. How did the title and design for the new record "This Is A War" come about?

A lot of the lyrics are christian based so the title "This Is A War" came about when thinkin about the battle between "good and evil" and we wanted the design to mirror that in a visual way so we got a friend of ours to design the album artwork based on that concept.


5. You guys shot a video for "Like The Effects Of The Wind", how did the concept for the video come about and how was making the video?

Making the vidoe was a really cool experience! This is our first video so it was a big learning curve for us just to see behind the scenes of how you actually make a music video. it was really hard work, we did around 8 hours of filming so you get pretty tired but the company we worked with (Room 3 Media) were great to work with and made the whole experience really fun. As far as concept goes we didn't want a story line as such for our first video just a kickin performance clip that people can get into.


6. What are your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Well its kind of bitter sweet for bands I think cause on one hand people are getting your music and you're seeing no financial gain from it but on the other hand if that same person shows your CD to 5 friends and they like it, come to a show and buy some merch you get new fans, your money so it has its pro's and cons. honestly I'm stoked if people are listening to our music no matter how they get it


7. Any crazy show stories?

We hit a kangaroo at 110 k/ph on the way home from a show recently that was crazy! Felt like we hit a brick wall and scared us all half to death ha ha.


8. What are you currently listening to?

I'm skipping between a band called Brighten and the new Misery Signals album "Controller".

9. What is your favorite song to play live?

There's a song called "in case of ignorance" on the album and I think that would be my favorite because it has really fun guitar parts to play and I get to do a wrap around in it. (wrap around being me throwing my guitar around my body, catching it again while playing)


10. What's next for Forgiven Rival?

at the moment we are just trying to get out on the road as much as humanely possible both in AUS and abroad and also working on new music for the new album.


11. Any shoutouts?

Do yourself a favor and check out a couple of bands called HOUSE VS HURRICANE and CITY ESCAPE they are great Aussie bands.


Interview- At Long Last 8/24/08

At Long Last
(Unsigned)

Genre: Metal akin to old Dead To Fall.
Interviewed on: 8/24/08
From: Souderton, PA
www.myspace.com/atlonglast1

www.myspace.com/atlonglast1


1. How you guys doin? How did the guitarist search going?

We're doing pretty good these days. The guitarist search has slowed us down a bit, but we can't complain. Finding a replacement for Jeff isn't going to be easy, he's one of the best guitarists I've seen on the local level, but we do have a few pretty impressive prospects.


2. Have you guys been working on any new material?

We have a few new jams in the works. We should be posting new DIY recordings of two of our new songs, "Stillborn"(Butchnasty), and "Upon the Shoulders of Atlas", sometime in September. On top of that we have two other nasty new songs in the works. We're taking the music in a slightly different direction, but much like lucky charms, the jams are still magically delicious.


3. How did the band come about and form?

Bob Hunsberger and Ian Jerdon, having been in previous defunct bands, were looking to get a metal band going. They approached Jeff Cassel and Ryan Braun about getting something started, and thats how it started. Soon we added our bud, Dave Dry, on bass to round out the sound. That initial crew hit the local scene pretty hard for a while. Aaron Throop eventually replaced Dave on bass, and we've been jamming with Chris Fox on drums for a few weeks and we really like what he is doing. The search for a replacement guitarist has been narrowed to a select few, but no one has been named yet.


4. Any crazy show stories?

More of the craziness happens on the way to the show. About 3/5 of the band members have questionable driving abilities, so there's a couple of dents on our vehicles that have some interesting stories. We're all a little nuts on stage, so if you watch the entire set, I'm sure you'll find something to put in here.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

I would say At the Gates, All Shall Perish, and either Knights of the Abyss or The Black Dahlia Murder. All of those bands have influenced our band musically, and to share the stage with those guys would blow our young minds. Plus, I think that'd just be a sick show to see. Imagine all those bands together, it'd be such glorious mayhem.

6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

They play sportscenter a lot where I work, so i catch the highlights of most of the events. Mikey Phelps and Usain Bolt are just insane. Its always sweet watching people shatter world records. Its some quality programming.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

If the artist you're downloading doesn't approve then you shouldn't do it. Feel free to download us illegally.... if you can find our music anywhere haha.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Out of the current set our favorite song is one we call, "leatherface". Our fans love it, and we have absolutely foolish dance moves mixed throughout. Its always a good time.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Everything imaginable. We draw inspiration from a lot of different genres. Right now, I'm in a pretty big Necrophagist stage. Whitechapel is always a safe bet as well. I recently discove-red Impending Doom's album, Nailed. Dead. Risen., and I've been listening to that pretty regularly. Jedi Mind Tricks satisfies our need for more urban jams.


10. What's next for At Long Last?

Hopefully big things are in the works for us. We've recently rededicated ourselves to writing challenging and nasty metal. We want the world to hear us.


11. Any shoutouts?

Of course! Gotta give our boys DWAthePUNISHER, Fats Domino, and the BIG HEFTY a shout. They've supported us from the beginning. They're handsome.


-Interview- City Escape 8/22/08

City Escape
(Unsigned)

Genre: Screamo rock akin to Hawthorne Heights or Emery .
Interviewed on: 8/22/08
From: Melbourne, Australia
www.myspace.com/cityescaperock

www.myspace.com/cityescaperock


1. How you guys doin? You guys are playing alongside Thrice soon, you guys amped up?

Good thanks, Yeah we are super pumped. Thrice has been our favorite band since high school so its incredible to be
sharing the stage with such an amazing band.


2. How has the reaction to the new material been? Is the new album titled at all?

Well its still in the works of being released, but we put a short sample of all the songs up on our myspace,
And the feedback we received was great. People were really digging it and it was getting a heap of plays everyday.

The EP will be entitled 'Avalanches'


3. Being from Australia, what do you guys think about the explosion of musical talent coming from Australia as of late?

I think its great, there are so many good bands going places over here so to be getting noticed in the mix of it all is really sweet.


4. You guys have any plans on touring the US?

Hopefully one day we can get over there and play all over the place, but as for right now I dont think we've even thought that far ahead!


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

For me it would have to be:
As Cities Burn
VersaEmerge
House Vs. Hurricane


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

Yeah I've been obsessed, I was really into the hockey and basketball.
But I've watched so much of it its not funny.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

I don't have a problem with it, unless its something like a band has recorded an album and before its released
it's leaked onto the internet for people to download. I would be very pissed.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Hrm. I'd say one of our newest 'Now, The Hard Part'.
Haha it has a bit of a vocal solo at the end and people seem to go crazy for it.
So its always fun to play that one.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

I'm not sure about the others but currently I'm playing
Lower Definition - 'The Greatest of All Arts Lost'
VersaEmerge - 'Perceptions'
Misery Signals - 'Controller'
As Cities Burn - 'Come Now Sleep'


10. What's next for City Escape?

Well we will be looking at having a release date for or EP and will be making loads of trips interstate.
And who knows what else!


11. Any shoutouts?

Sure, to anyone who's supported us thank you!
And thanks mike for this wonderful interview.
Cheers!


-Interview- Man With Target 8/21/08

Man With Target
(Unsigned)

Genre: Metal/Southern Rock akin to Fight Paris or He Is Legend .
Interviewed on: 8/21/08
From: Ajax, Canada
www.myspace.com/manwithtarget

www.myspace.com/manwithtarget


1. How's the tour coming along?

The tour was an incredible experience. We were out for three weeks to the east coast of Canada, and we had the opportunity to meet a lot of really cool people and make some new friends along the way. I think with any experience like touring, there are positive and negatives. Unfortunately, our windows on our new van got smashed twice, and there were a couple of busted shows too. On the other hand though, we were on tour listening to our best friends and one of our favorite bands in Endast, played some really successful shows, and hung out relatively carefree in new places along the east coast. Beyond that, there were always people who were willing to help out to such an unimaginable extent, you can't help but feel fortunate and bewildered by the kindness of people at times. The tour went very well, and we're excited to do it all over again.


2. How has the response to the new album been out on the road?

The response has been pretty good so far! We sold merch at every show, and typically managed to get rid of at least a few new dics too. It was cool to come back to certain towns and have kids know and request the new tracks from us. The new album is only an E.P. though, so it's 6 songs and just shy of half an hour. So instead of boring ourselves blind playing those same six songs everywhere we go, we make sure to keep a few old ones from the last album in the setlist too.


3. You guys hooked up with Nick Zampiello (Converge, Against Me) to master the album, how did that relationship come to?

It was really simple actually. We're good buddies with everyone from I Hate Sally, and they had their album mastered by Nick. They referred us to him and it was as easy as dropping him a quick email and asking when he was free. He gave us a time, and we sent him the files and he took care of the rest. The dude puts out a good product, and has good pricing too. Considering we finance everything ourselves, having reasonable prices for mastering was a pretty sweet deal.


4. You guys were on the cover of Cort Magazine, how did that come about?

A: Well, on our last east coast tour, we stopped at a little music store in Riviere-du-loup, and we were just messing around with the instruments killing time before the gig. That day Dave picked up a Cort guitar and was legitimately surprised about how well it played. So, when we got home, Dave emailed Cort telling them about how much he liked their product. Talks continued, and ultimately we decided that a business relationship with Cort would be a mutually beneficial endeavour, so we did it. Part of the agreement is cross-promotion, and with the new tour and new album they were happy to hook us up with their July cover. It was really cool of them to help us out to such an extent.


5. Any crazy show stories?

Absolutely haha! Firstly, on this last tour, we played an outdoor show on reserve land in New Brunswick at a venue called "Chief's". Not only was there a huge bonfire (made even more awesome by lots of gasoline), but there was hotdogs, corn, beers, burgers, and a huge pit that had a hill next to it (people could slide down this thing in the rain. Awesome). We played another show awhile back for where there was a pit happening in an in-ground swimming pool. One of our buddies busted his nose pretty bad doing flips off things in there and crowd surfing in the water. Plus, there have been other shows where we play to a smaller crowd on a big stage, and we just pull everyone up on stage with us and they hang around my drumkit, the amps; wherever really. Those are the types of shows I prefer - they feel really alive and intimate, and I think everyone has more fun and enjoys the set a little more.


6. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

I don't think any of us mind it really. For us as a band, it doesn't really damage us at this stage of the game. We're just happy to have people listening to us. Plus, once they've listened to us, they're more likely to come out to a show, and buy merch and an actual hard copy of the album there. The reality is that technology has a pretty substantial effect on society, and the internet facilitates things like media piracy. It affects the large-scale corporations much more than it does the indie bands (and those guys make enough money off our hard work anyways, don't they?).


7. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

I think that entirely depends on the night. Most nights, our favorite song is our closer, Hunt For Killer. It's the last track on the new E.P. and it's pretty drawn out and has more of an epic feel than some of our other tunes. By the time we get to the end, there's a great energy in the tune which makes it awesome to play. Another favorite is also on the new disc, called Penngabungan. It's a mix of a number of different styles, like sludgy-metal, funky tapping, and even a ruthless 80's style rap. It's fun to play and goes over surprising well with some crowds; a few crowds have done some cool breakdancing in the middle of the pit, and that's fun to watch for sure.


8. What are you guys currently listening to?

Everything. We've got an awesome and simultaneously awful set of eclectic musical tastes. We listen to everything from Pantera, Opeth, Alien Ant Farm, Johnny Cash, Marilyn Manson, Redman and Method Man, to Fuck The Facts, I Hate Sally, instrumental tunes and jazz. Each of us listens to different stuff, but we all have certain areas that overlap as well. Hopefully it lets us come up with some interesting stuff...that or it turns out awful I guess haha!


9. What's next for Man With Target?

We're finishing up our August dates and then it's time to start writing again!! We're going to work through a number of new tracks, and start pre-production in the jamspace ourselves (Dave does our recordings). Once that's done we'll decide if we're going to do the entire full-length ourselves, or if we'll send it out to others for mixing and mastering or whatever. We've got plans to hit a west coast tour with Endast, and we're hoping to get a few other ones in as well. We're also working on getting a few more companies and endorsers on board with us. We've got a lot of ideas and objectives (like label-shopping and getting a grant for a video), but the primary focus is writing the new record. We're a live band, so obviously we'll be playing shows quite frequently as well.


10. Any shoutouts?

Absolutely! To Endast, Ninja Spy, Fuck the Facts, The almighty Jesus Mullet, EndProgram, Empty Chamber, and our friends formerly of I Hate Sally! All awesome people, great bands, and family as far as we're concerned.


-Interview- Glamour Of The Kill 8/21/08

Glamour Of The Kill
(Siege Of Amida Records)

Genre: Alternative Rock/metal akin to new Atreyu or Blessed By A Broken Heart.
Interviewed on: 8/21/08
From: York, UK
www.myspace.com/glamourofthekill

www.myspace.com/glamourofthekill



1. How you guys doin? You guys recently did a Iron Maiden cover ("Two Minutes To Midnight") for Kerrang, how did that go?

yeah we're very good thanks. The maiden cover was a lot of fun. A mixed response like you always get with these things. You've got the people who appreciate what you've done with the song and then the die hard maiden fans who wouldn't even give you time of day no matter how good it was.


2. The album artwork for the self titled album is very unique, how did the concept come about and who thought of it?

Yeah we were really happy with the artwork. A guy called Steve (www.cowgummy.com) came up with the concept of the whole evil meets glamour concept. To be honest it had very little to do with us. We have the combined artistic talents of a 5 year old.


3. Any plans on coming over to tour in the US?

Yeah, We do plan to come to the US definitely. Nothing is set in stone yet though so we would hate to even try guess when that'll be.


4. You guys are from the UK which has exploded with musical talent recently, what is the scene like over there?

The music scene is definitely on the rise again over here. For example the City we're from (York) must be one of the smallest cities in the country and is absolutely fuckin bursting with amazing bands.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Firstly, Avenged Sevenfold (again). These guys are by our reckoning the most talented band on the planet. Plus they're awesome guys too. Iron Maiden - Surely that speaks for itself... IRON-FUCKING-MAIDEN!!!! Finally our brothers of rock Black Tide (again) we had a really awesome time out with these guys the last time they were over here but unfortunately we were restricted to 5 nights. Could definitely do with more hang time with them.


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

No. Do they do a competition for Goths?


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

To be honest money isn't really in record sales for most bands nowadays, so if it helps our music get out then we're all for it!


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Every song we have. If we didn't have enough enthusiasm for all of our songs we simply wouldn't perform it. And if we felt like we weren't putting every bit of effort into every song we played we wouldn't be doing our job right.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Glamour of the Kill


10. What's next for Glamour Of The Kill?

We're knuckling down in the studio for the next month or so to begin writing our full length album. Then we'll be doing a headline tour at the beginning of october over here in the UK.


11. Any shoutouts?

Nope


-Interview- The Bridal Procession 8/20/08

The Bridal Procession
(Unsigned)

Genre: Death metal akin to The Black Dahlia Murder or Between The Buried And Me.
Interviewed on: 8/20/08
From: Paris, France
www.myspace.com/thebridalprocession

www.myspace.com/thebridalprocession


1. How you guys doin? How did the band/name come about?

Pretty good, working a lot right now to get money for tour, and practicing the new songs.
Our band name just came from both our guitarist and vocalist making fun about the whole "bridal" process and everything involved in it, nothing truly meaningful i guess.


2. You guys are heading out on tour soon, what are some things that someone has to take before leaving to tour?

Money, a lot of money. Unfortunately promoters these times aren't safe, so you need money to tour if you want to get to the next city. Warm and comfy things to sleep well. And some home food when it isn't the same at all in some countries.


3. Any thoughts in coming to the US to tour?

We actually have plans on coming to the US next year, for the promotion of our album before summer 09, with our friends in Salt The Wound and a secret headliner.


4. What is the music scene like over there in France?

Music scene in France is all about techno, indie rock, rap and all that. metal / hardcore scene was big when it was trendy, now it's not and you can see it. No venues accepting metal shows, no promoters, no decent bands, except the huge ones like the amazing Gojira or Benighted or Kronos.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

In the huge bands I'd say, Between The Buried And Me, Black Dahlia Murder and Misery Index. In others I'd well enjoy a tour with Born Of Osiris, Veil Of Maya or After The Burial.


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

I've myself been watching it everyday haha, really got into it even if as always our beloved country is just shit. I used to be a long time swimmer so I've been watching swimming a lot. Hands down to Michael Phelps but for once to the frenchies too.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Music downloading is yet another way to promote a band, even if it affects it, it's promoting it. But buying cd's isn't as expensive as before so buy cd's !


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

I'd say While The Carnival, since everyone knows the words when we play it. But musical wise I'd say "Impending Decimation" one of our new songs.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Recently really got into the new Lionheart cd (On Jamie Jasta's label Stillborn Records) really sick. As well as some old ones, Death Cult Armageddon by Dimmu or Diminishing Between Worlds by Decrepit Birth.


10. What's next for The Bridal Procession?

We're actually just writing our debut album, set to be recorded early next year. And getting ready for our European tour with Salt The Wound.

11.Any shoutouts?

Yeah, once again...France sucks at any sport.


-Interview- An Evening At Elmwood 8/20/08

An Evening At Elmwood
(Unsigned)

Genre: Emocore akin to Emery or old The Used.
Interviewed on: 8/20/08
From: Perth, Australia
www.myspace.com/aneveningatelmwood

www.myspace.com/aneveningatelmwood


1. How you guys doin? How is the weather over there in Australia?

Hey we are doing great thanks, the weather her sucks and then it rules and the next day it sucks again, but ultimately it’s pretty nice.


2. You guys are playing with The Getaway Plan soon, you guys amped? Have you guys played with any national acts before?

Yeah we are totally amped for that show, it’s going to be the first time we have played with those guys so it’s gonna be good. We have been lucky enough to play with a bunch of national acts as well landing some pretty huge supports with bands like The Used, Silverstein, Alexisonfire, Thursday etc. So yes it’s been a pretty big year.


3. Have you guys had any plans to come over here in the US to tour?

Yeah we keep a bag packed at all times just in case we get a call to head over there.


4. The album artwork is awesome, who came up with the concept and what was the inspiration behind it?
Cheers it was done by an Australian artist Joe Whyte who has worked with lots of cool bands like AFI and alkaline trio, we gave him a listen to our EP and he came up with that concept.


5. If you guys could tour with three bands, who would they be?

Defiantly have to say Underoath, mayday Parade and maybe Timberland if he was lucky


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

Well we have been stuck in a rehearsal studio for the last two weeks so we haven’t seen much of it but our guitarist Colyn has been taping all the men’s hockey.


7. What's your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

Well we live in one of the most isolated cities in the world so unfortunately we are not always able to buy music from great bands from different countries, so a lot of illegal downloading gets done here . we would rather people download our music and enjoy as opposed to not having it at all because our ultimate goal is to have people here our songs.

8. What is your favourite song to play live and why?

Our Favourite song to play at the moment is Secrets, as it’s just that song that everyone knows and goes nuts whenever we play it.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

At the moment we have all just bought the new Skylit Drive album, an amazing band with amazing hair!!!


10. What's next for An Evening At Elmwood?

We are hitting the studio again next month to record a new single then setting out around the country to play as many shows as possible.


11. Any shoutouts?

“Um that’s correct Wendy we all wear masks metaphorically speaking”


-Interview- Shaped By Fate 8/20/08

Shaped By Fate
(In At The Deep End Records)

Genre: Metalcore akin to Misery Signals or August Burns Red.
Interviewed on: 8/20/08
From: Cardiff, UK
www.myspace.com/shapedbyfate

www.myspace.com/shapedbyfate


1. How you guys doing? How is the tour coming along?

Touring is great right now. We recently completed our tour with Parkway Drive, Suicide Silence, and Bury Your Dead which was unbelievable, been playing some awesome festivals out in mainland Europe, and are about to head back up to Scotland to play some sweet shows there. So yeah, all good!


2. You're from the UK which is becoming a place known for its up and coming bands, how is the scene over there?

The scene here is ok, there’s plenty of up and coming bands that loads of kids are into but, to be honest, not many of them are particularly good (with the exception of Architects, who are awesome!). The best bands in the UK are the ones who unfortunately aren’t getting all the hype and becoming overnight myspace phenomenons. THE MIRIMAR DISASTER, BRUTALITY WILL PREVAIL, THE DEATH OF HER MONEY, BOSSK, BLACKHOLE, BURNING SKIES, THROATS are all incredible UK bands who deserve to be huge but aren’t because they don’t have stupid haircuts.


3. You guys are touring with Cult Of Luna, Architects then My Minds Weapon and later on August Burns Red, what is the craziest show you guys have been a part of? What happened?

There have been some pretty crazy shows in the past but the worst I remember was in a town in Wales called Bridgend. We were playing to around 500 kids, everyone’s going crazy and moshing hard and it’s a good show. However, the security had been letting drunken chav kids in to the show as well and inevitably fights start breaking out. This gets worse and worse until literally the whole venue is brawling and the show gets stopped. The fighting spills outside and escalates into a full blown riot and then things start getting real bad. Fire engines get called and are using their water cannons to try and disperse the fighting kids. The drummer from Bullet For My Valentine gets hit and put in hospital, and some kid running away from the fighting jumps in a deep, powerful river to escape and goes missing/presumed drowned for a day until he is found washed up a mile downstream.
Was a pretty messy night overall.


4. Is there any update with the DVD? Is it titled at all?

Nearly done!! The guys who filmed it have also had to do the Gallows DVD, and surfing festivals etc that they’re getting paid way more for than ours but hopefully will have finished the editing by the end of the month. Then, it’s just down to the label to release it which would be a pretty fast process. So we’re probably looking at it being out in a couple of months. No fixed title as of yet but probably something with the word ‘Jive’ in. Like “I believe in a thing called Jive”, “The shape of Jive to come”, “Live fast, Jive young” etc etc. (You’ll understand when you watch it…).


5. You guys recently had a video for "They Told Me You Were Dead", what was the inspiration behind the video?

I think the director Adam had wanted to try out the whole rotoscoped animation idea for a while but had yet to find a band suitably rowdy in their performance to make it work. Along we came, and it all fell into place. We loved the theme and are extremely proud of the results!


6. Have you guys watched the Olympics at all? If so, what sports have you been most interested in?

All the sports in which Great Britain have been kicking everyone’s ass in, namely all of them!! The cycling has been crazy with the UK team becoming the most successful team in Olympic history. Other than that, mostly anything to do with fighting of any kind: Wrestling, Judo, Boxing, Fencing etc.
The opening ceremony was pretty unbelievable too.


7. What are your thoughts on illegal music downloading?

To be honest, I’m not a fan. Nothing to do with the fact that we don’t make as much money as a result either!! When I was a kid and getting into Hardcore etc, the only way of finding out about underground music was to pore through Fanzines, read about bands that sounded cool, then try and find a mail order distro that would stock said records. When the albums would arrive, you’d still not know what they were going to sound like and that initial anticipation was an exciting time. Now kids just download 100 albums in 5 minutes, probably never listen to half of them and it seems to just take the special unknown element out of record buying. That’s just me though.


8. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Probably ‘Swarm Of Wolves’ from ‘The Unbeliever’ LP. It’s got a real loose trashy feel to it which means I can pull out the stops on the performance front without having to worry about any tight tricky sections. Also we play it near the end of a set so kids are usually riled up and going apeshit by then.


9. What are you guys currently listening to?

Right now I have been mostly rocking out to…
KINGS OF LEON - Because of the Times
NORMA JEAN -The Anti Mother
TORCHE - Meanderthal
FUCKED UP - Hidden World


10. What's next for Shaped By Fate?

Our main goal is to complete our 2nd full length record. We’re about half way through the writing process and so far it’s sounding loads faster, a hell of a lot louder, and significantly cooler than anything on ‘The Unbeliever’. We aim to have it all finished and recorded by the end of the year.
In-between the writing sessions, we will also be heading out to tour Sweden and Finland with our friends in DEAD REPRISE this October which we are extremely excited about. Then we have about 3 days off before we join the AUGUST BURNS RED tour, then after that it’s off to Europe for some headline dates and then hopefully (if all goes to plan) to Canada which would be the best thing ever!


11. Any shoutouts?

Yep, a big shoutout to Mark at IN AT THE DEEP END RECORDS for being both an awesome dude and mighty record label. The guys in DEAD REPRISE and THE SETUP for being our new favourite people! And finally to our fallen comrades in BOSSK and RAGING SPEEDHORN, 2 amazing bands who are heartbreakingly going to be calling it a day soon and splitting up. Make sure you check them out before it’s too late.