Here is a band to get psyched about. I love hardcore, and I really like xSolidarityx, here is a newer hardcore band that gets it. No gimmicks, no crap, just straight up hardcore. Straight out of Sacramento, California, xSolidarityx has a classic hardcore sound, with influences including No Innocent Victim, XLooking ForwardX, and Figure Four. xSolidarityx is a Christian hardcore band that loves Christ and is not ashamed to admit it. Everyone needs to go check these guys out live. They have a show coming up with our friends Call to Preserve.
Band Name: xSolidarityX
Music Style: Hardcore
Location (Home Base): Sacramento, CA
Q: When and how did xSolidarityx form as a band?
A: We formed about a year ago. I (Andre) am a youth pastor and Christian (guitar) and Anthony (guitar) were in my youth group when they were in Jr. High. I had wanted to start a band and they were in a previous band that had broken up, so they asked if I was down and the rest is history
Q: What does everyone in the band do during down time?
A: Like I said I’m a youth pastor and a preschool teacher, and I have been married for 3 years. Anthony and Christian are in high school. Our new drummer Eric works with kids with disabilities.
Q: Explain the name xSolidarityx, how did you come up with that name?
A: Basically, solidarity means unity/togetherness. We really want to see the Sacto scene grow, Not only Christians bands but the scene as a whole!! We love Sacramento and hardcore in general and would love to be apart of kids/bands coming together for one common goal.
Q: You guys definitely have a great classic hardcore sound, who has influenced the band musically?
A: In a nut shell;
N.I.V, Figure Four, xDisciplex, Shockwave, Seventh Star, Point of Recognition, Once for All, xLooking Forwardx, etc. A lot of stuff, those are the main ones though.
Q: I noticed that you have played with Venia, and have a show coming up with Call to Preserve, what other bands have you played with?
A: Haha yeah, Venia was dope! We have played with xLooking Forwardx, Hoods, Sovereign Strength, Braveheart, Die Fighting, Your Pain My Victory, Take Pride, plus a few more. The xCTPx show should be fun we are excited, they are our homies!!
Q: xSolidarityx labels itself a Christian straightedge band, anyone ever give the band a hard time about that at shows?
A: Not really, we try and be examples by our lives. For the most part kids/bands are cool. We respect everyone (regardless of their views) so we would hope to get that same respect. So far we have, its a huge blessing for sure.
Q: Do people ever come up to you guys after shows to discuss Jesus?
A: You know, we are always ready to talk to kids and be what God wants us to be for each individual. If that’s talking about God; then we are ready, if that’s listening, we will be that ear and if its just kicking back and having fun we are stoked off that too. Either way God is in control and we hope to be as moldable as possible. God knows what each kid needs and we want to be open enough to His leading and respond how He wants us to.
Q: How has the bible influenced the message xSolidarityx conveys in its music?
A: Well, we have a strong anti-legalism tone on the e.p. I know that during the writing process God was doing things in my life so that contributed a lot. Mainly Galatians was huge and how Paul kind of warns the church in Galatia about legalism and reminds them to bring it back to what saved them (love and grace). More than anything we want people to know that we are messed up and need help just like anyone, WE AREN’T PERFECT. We want to love people, I cant remember where but the bible talks about how a person can have all the gifts, knowledge, etc. but if they don’t have love it means nothing. That’s kind of where we get our influence.
Q: There seems to be a lot of Christian hardcore and punk bands coming out of California these days, how is the scene there in Sacramento?
A: The scene is getting better!! For sure. For awhile there wasn’t a whole lot of Christian or non Christian hardcore bands coming out but then within the last year its popped off. I’m not trying to speak for all of Sactos Christian bands but I think a lot of us are trying to bridge the gap between Christian and non while also being unified in Christ. Its frickin’ dope what God is doing….GET STOKED SUCKA!!
Q: Tell everyone about the EP you guys put out, what are the bands favorite songs and why?
A: Our favorites? Probably” Solidarity” and “Crushin” we like a lot. All In was our first song and we have an attachment to that. I love “Down for the X” and “Victory” a ton. Our new stuff will be cool I hope kids are into it.
Q: What future plans does the band have for releasing albums?
A: We are praying about what God wants to do with us so it is in His hands!! Pray for us and with us. We are currently writing some new jams so be on the look our for that.
Q: Is xSolidarityx signing with a label?
A: We wish!!! Strikefirst where you at?? HAHAHA (for real though)
Great Video of xSolidarityx Live
Q: What was the bands take on the recent Presidential race?
A: Wow your going for it on that one, ha. We as a band have chosen to stay out of it. I will say that God was not a republican (or a democrat) and no Christian should ever claim a certain party speaks for Christ!! We love Jesus and are apart of Him not a political party. Often times people are persuaded to lean a certain way rather than look into issues intelligently and with a broader world view. Just be smart and pray about whatever decision you make. God Bless the WORLD!!
Q: Any future plans to tour?
A: We are praying about that. I am married and have a youth ministry so my family comes first. hmmm we will see.
Q: If xSolidarityx could give a message to the hardcore scene, what would it be?
A: For Christians: Standout in the scene! Not necessarily by words but by actions. Stop pointing fingers and embrace people like God has undoubtedly embraced us all. Be the church that God lays out for us in Acts 2. Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
For hardcore as a whole just be open. You don’t have to agree just respect people for who they are!! KEEP IT EDGE SUCKAS.
Q: If you guys want to add anything else, shout outs, etc, feel free!
A: Support Sacto Hardcore and your local scene!!
Listen to YOUR PAIN MY VICTORY…..They are our boys
SPIRIT-FILLED STRAIGHT EDGE 2008
Big ups to Unlikely Alliance, Second To Last, Hands of Hope, Take Pride, Sovereign Strength
Peace, LOVE , & Action
You can checkout xSolidarityx on their myspace page
If you want a copy of their self titled EP, hit them up through myspace and ask them for it!
The songs are great, hopefully I’ll get ahold of ther Ep, but sadly right now I’m broke.
i havent heard of a spirit filled hardcore band in sacramento since anguish unsaid, and that was a long time ago. Looking back, its crazy to see now the trends and fashions hxc now relies upon. hopefully get to see these kids soon.
these dudes are trying I guess but their music is so amateur it hurts. Don’t get my started on the lyrics, they are just boring as hell. They also sound ridiculously lame. They only talk about God (which I don’t mind, but come on, overkill much?), straight edge (way overdone), sacramento hardcore? I mean come on dudes, none of you have been around long enough to really start preaching to come together to us. Stick around and see what it takes to throw DIY shows every 2 weeks just to keep kids around in sacto and you’ll see whats up. Your words are weak and reflect on character. Pick it up and stop singing songs about sacramento because they will just sound irrelevant in other cities.
It’s cool if you don’t like our music, but it bothers me that you have misunderstood what we’re about. Yes, we are a Christian band. I’m not quite sure how we “overkill” Christian lyrics when our sole purpose as a band is to rebuild the church and preach the Gospel. Yes, we are straight edge. Call it “overdone,” but there really haven’t been too many straight edge bands in the Sacramento/Nor Cal scene since Set It Straight. As far as Sacramento hardcore, it doesn’t take going to many shows to see that the Sacramento hardcore scene and music scene in general needs rebuilding. There are so many kids in the scene that are hurting and have so much hate built up inside. Our guitarists may only be 17, but they’ve been part of the Sacramento scene for a few years. Our vocalist is 28 and our drummer is 22; both of which have been part of the Sacramento scene for at least 8 years, weather it be punk or hardcore. So before you bash us for a song that will sound “irrelevant in other cities,” think about how irrelevant your comment will sound since you obviously don’t know what we’re about
Hey alex gomez is my friend and he said that his brother was in this band… Hmmm the music is alright… Just not my cup of tea… But it’s nice to have a hardcore Christian band around for other kinds of people.. Peace god bless you