Band: Unshackled
Music Style: Punk/Street Punk/Oi!
Home Town: El Paso, Texas
Facebook Myspace Bandcamp

Q: I was reading that Unshackled formed in 2006; how come in 2011 we are just now hearing of Unshackled?  Give us some detail about how the band formed.

JEROME: Short answer just had not committed early on during the bands formation, I personally always wanted to move it forward but I never really had any idea how to go about it. Well everyone is probably hearing about us now because a lot of what Dusty and David have been helping us with and also a more focused core of Unshackled moving forward. The band formed after Victor’s and my first band broke up, around the same time Eddie’s band was breaking up as well, I asked Eddie if he wanted to play with us and he was all about it. We wanted to add another guitar which was Tick who was playing in a really good ska band called the Intellijents and the rest as they shall say is history.

TICK: We’ve mostly concentrated spiritual warfare here in the city of El Paso. We’ve been blessed with a great following of kids from the scenes here and they all deserve alot of love. The only reason I can think of as to why 2011 is the year the ministry has expanded beyond the borders of the Bordertown is because God is blessing the march forward.

Q: What is the significance of the name Unshackled?

JEROME: Well our drummer was listening to a Christian AM station and the radio program was called “Unshackled,” and at the time we were working on a name and that one seemed to fit.  It really means a lot to me because of everything I have been through, along with some of the guys in the band our personal testimonies, victories, and what we have been delivered from. I also see it as a banner of hope that we can become liberated from the oppressor.

TICK: It’s who we are, truly. Spiritual beings having a worldly experience & not worldly beings having a spiritual one. Unbound by the enemy’s hold on this world, free. if I may say so myself, it is rather short, sweet and to the point, I enjoy simplicity.

Q: The band is definitely Christian, I can tell by the awesome lyrics and song titles, do you guys consider yourselves a Christian band or Christians in a band? What is the purpose of Unshackled?

JEROME: When I first heard that term many years ago with a band called Lugnut I really disliked the fact that it was not a Christian band but Christians in a band, and after a several years of maturing in my faith I look at it this way and I told the guys the other day, “If a Christian makes a sandwich it does not make it a Christian sandwich, it’s still a sandwich.” We All laughed after I said it. The purpose of this band since day 1 has been to preach the good news of God’s awesome saving Grace, and loving people as they are. More importantly what He does in our lives daily, share our faith, and speak about our cultures and what it means to hardcore, punk, skin etc.

Q: When I listen to the album that Dave at Thumper Punk Records gave me I can hear so much influence of early punk and Oi! I even hear a lot of modern type punk in your stuff, what bands do you compare your sound to and what bands have influenced you guys?

TICK: To be honest, and we’ve done this, we’ve talked about it, we really can’t compare our sound, it’s different when it’s yourself on the CD y’know? We had to ask other people but the consensus resulted in answers that typically looked like this: “it depends on who’s song it is” we all have our own styles that we implement in songs we write individually, then we bring it to the table and work on them together. They usually evolve into something better than our own puny individual ideas. Well, ‘better’ by our standards heh. But to answer the question the best way I can, we get alot of Minor Threat, The Havoc, and Officer Negative. Like I said, we all have a different base of influence, Connor has a lot of indie/punk 3rd-wave Ska roots, Joe is the biggest Hardcore fanboy I know, Eddie is our friendly neighborhood Brutal Metal Monster, I’m the old school snob, too cool for new school… it just goes any which way sometimes. some of my personal influences include Toydolls, Cocksparrer, The Havoc, The Adicts, & The Angelic Upstarts, I pull a lot of musical ammunition from them, I even throw props their way in some songs we write, I’m just hoping for the day that someone will catch on and call me on it

Q: Unshackled had an EP that was released a while back called “Overcome” and I know that you recently signed to our pals at Thumper Punk Records & Caustic Fallout, when can we expect a full length?

JEROME: Really soon, August 3rd, 2011 BABY! OH YEAH! CD release party is on August 6th with FBS!

Q: So I know that there are certain spots in Texas that have pretty decent hardcore and punk scenes, although I am not sure about El Paso, how are things down there?  What is the scene like?

JEROME: The scene is amazing here for a smaller scene compared to others across Texas it’s amazing, we get a lot of compliments that El Paso is really friendly. The different scenes in el Paso know it’s not huge so you get a lot of Punk kids going to the hxc shows and Hxc kids going to punk shows so we all work together and support all the bands and help out as much as we can, now of course you have those guys that think that they are better than everyone, they hardly come around which is ok by me. I’d rather see two kids moshing their heart’s out than have 100 egotists standing doing nothing haha.

TICK: Come down n’ visit sometime! this really isn’t the best city for musicians, if you’re in a band and you’re local, you will usually play for free so if you wanna be a rockstar outta here…heheh… good luck. This sure isn’t Denton. But oh my gosh, these kids are so supportive of their scene despite the shakey local music industry. The scene here is friendly, a bit small, we all mostly know each other, if not personally then by association but we’ve all run into each other at least a couple times. It’s laid back and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a bit of a refreshing turn from the overbearingly politically-driven grievance-fest I’m so used to. Perfect recipe for real fun shows, even when they’re small, scratch that… tiny…

Q: I saw that you guys have shared the stage with some decent bands like FBS and Fight To Die, what other bands have you played with, what shows have been the most memorable and why?

JEROME: Man we have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many awesome bands, some of my all time favorites as well. Bands like For Today, xLooking Forwardx, OCD, Rotting Out, Lionheart, and Call to Preserve. I have two shows that I want to share the first being this band Useless Kids last show, just so many things went awesome that night spiritually. Seeing kids sing along to “Awesome God” piling on with tears in their eyes singing along to the other songs with kids standing in front singing Overcome…such an awesome moment. The second show was we were playing inside a house we called the gym and we were playing “Overcome” and I had just gave my testimony and I saw this kid kicking back against the wall, and I went and grabbed him and I gave him the mic to sing. As soon as he was about to sing he burst into tears I hugged him and he prayed with me to accept Christ as the band and kids were still singing, such a sick moment for him.

TICK: We’ve also played with The Remnants, The Last Hope, The Krum Bumbs, Flatfoot 56, The Great Commission, The Independents so so so many, I can’t remember them all the time but honestly, every show seems to get better.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: Does the band have plans to tour at all? Will we see you guys at Cornerstone next year?

TICK: Goodness, we get asked this so much, we have procrastination problems it would seem. We always try to but circumstances never turn out the right way for one reason or another: Money, work, personal/family needs, but we are planning realistically, for once, for a Cornerstone romp for next year. The only thing that would solidify that for me is if Ballydowse shared the stage w/ us. Hands down, my favourite band… RIP…for now

Q: Tell us some good inside dirt about the band.  I am sure you guys have a funny story to share about a show that went wrong….

JEROME: You know we run a pretty tight ship when it comes to shows and composure and mishaps. I’m really trying to think and the only thing I can think of is when I broke the stage and this venue called No Man’s Land haha. I was jumping getting rowdy, and I slammed my foot down and my ankle went through the stage I quickly recovered and went on with the show. I also Chipped my tooth with the microphone. I had fallen of the stage as the pit was coming my way I tried to jump out of the way as I did that my knee met my elbow because the pit came crashing into me chipping my tooth.  I even held the piece in my hand hahah PUNK ROCK haha!

TICK: Dude, happens to everybody, Poppin’ strings, cables going out, kids slam dancing into our equipment, stolen equipment right out of the back of Eddie’s truck on our way to a show in Anthony during a 10 minute pit stop for drum heads at Guitar Center, speakers blowing up, it just happens, none of us have fallen off the stage yet so at least we have yet to embarrass ourselves that way. *knocks on wood*

Q: So being a band that preaches the gospel, where does everyone get their inspiration from in the bible, what verses do you want to share with anyone reading this?

JEROME: What really got me going again and again is 2 Timothy  6-8;  “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” I read the word quite often and I fall in love all the time, everything that I read always confirms what I am going through daily it’s awesome.

TICK: God’s not dead, His word is alive, His entire word is an inspiration. There’s a verse in Luke I really like though “ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you” God knows our hearts, our desires, our needs. We seek Him, we find our joy and freedom we asked for; we knock on the doors of truth, the pearly gates open up to us.

Q: Being a Christian punk band in a punk scene that is normally pretty anti-everything must be tough at times, how is Unshackled received in general in the scene?  Anyone ever really given the band a hard time a show?

TICK: We normally have a pretty laid back atmosphere in this scene and are received fairly well, like I said, these kids are great! However, there will always be people who try to make us lose sight of what we are doing and why. We, however, just keep in mind we are not just playing music for the simple fact of playing. We are trying to open people’s hearts to the Father and when doing that you will always face opposition. this is a rebellion, a war we’re conducting in spirit, we’re gonna get a few bloody noses… It just isn’t those peoples’ time yet to receive faith, but we won’t stop trying to reach out, even if it’s just one person at a show. (which it sometimes has been…at many a show) There was one instance where a Skinhead brother of ours, Abel, was attacked by a group of thugs for a reason I’m still not clear on, but this gentleman has been the target of many a cast stone for his rough-and-tumble aggressive faith. Hell, he ushered me in to the kingdom, I trust him with my life. I only wish I were there to share the beating, he didn’t deserve it.

JEROME: By God’s grace we are received really well, people are really receptive we have been blessed to impact a lot youth’s lives and churches that we have the privilege of playing and praying for. Off course we have a lot of ankle biters and vipers, but it’s to be expected. I had one guy make fun of me because I was wearing an “I still believe in God” shirt, but that’s about all I can remember. Everyone is willing to listen because they want to know Jesus, it’s just coming to terms with accepting and letting their guard down and letting Him love them.

Q: Fun time:   What are the most embarrassing albums we would find on your iPods/MP3 players or album collections?

TICK: Tegan & Sarah: “The Con: and Alanis Morissette: “Jagged Little Pill”

JEROME: I don’t know about this one hahah…Um…I would have to say Two Door Cinema Club, The Sounds, Yellowcard. I say these because people don’t see me as the indie or pop music listener.

McDonalds or Burger King which is better for relieving tour gut?

JEROME: Neither, I would say Whataburger which is a Texas national treasure but if i had to pick i would say Burger King.

TICK: Neither, they’ll both give me bubbleguts even more.There’s something unnatural about a single food item from certain places that accounts for the total caloric intake a fully-matured human being should consume per week…

Who would win in a fight, Chuck Norris, a Ninja, or Nancy Pelosi?

JEROME: I would say Nancy Pelosi, she fights dirty hahaha!

TICK: I’m pretty sure everyone else in the band would say this: Chuck Norris. Seriously man, the guy grinds coffee with his teeth and boils the water with his own rage… Our practice shed has a big poster of Chuck Norris facts…

Q: What message do you want to send to the punk scene?

TICK: Acta Non Verba…

JEROME: It has not and will not be about religion, Christ has had a horrible image painted by many people who say that they live for Christ, but don’t base your faith on a human, not even us, because we will all fail from time to time. Really seek out God ask Him to reveal His love for you and get to know your Creator seek out His heart and know that the God of Elijah and Noah and all of our fore fathers is not dead. He is very real and He speaks all the time. If He can love a chump like me, He is capable of loving any one of you awesome people out there, don’t settle for less than what you are worth,

Q: What bands should we check out?  Who are you guys listening to or playing shows with we should know about?

JEROME: Right now I would Say Media Blitz is really awesome band from Cali, DEBTOR (BLOOD AND INK RECORDS) , Kingdom Front is another local band (I drum in Cheap Plug hahah).

TICK: Ballydowse, Justin Hinds & The Dominoes, The Pogues, The Jesus Skins, and The Levellers. Been listening to Symarip and Bomb! the Music Industry a lot lately. I love Symarip, you should too!

Q: Feel free to give some shout-outs, etc, share whatever you want!  Thanks for the interview guys!

TICK: A shout-out to whoever reads this. especially to those who got something out of it. Bless.

JEROME: If anyone wants to get in touch with us hit us up on facebook, twitter, Bandcamp

Facebook.com/UnshackledTX
@Unshackled915
UnshackledTx.Bandcamp.com
xkingdompridex.webs.com

MUCH LOVE TO THUMPER PUNK, CAUSTIC FALLOUT, FBS, THE HOAX, FALSE IDLE, THE WAY, AND ALL THE BANDS THAT CAME BEFORE THANK YOU FOR BEING THE WATCHERS…
BRING THE MOSH.

Thank you Josh!  YOU RULE!

Band: Break The Curse
Music Style: Hardcore
Home Town: Chicago
Facebook Bandcamp Stereokiller

Interview by John Jackson

Q: So, tell me the history of Break the Curse?  I’ve learned from Alex that you met in Rockford of all places and now are in the Bolingbrook area.  Ironically, both are close to my heart as I grew up in Rockford and lived near Bolingbrook for about 10 years.  Were any of you in other bands?  Any side projects currently?

A: A long, long time ago, in the Gold Coast Blended island of Bolingbrook (IL) sat four men doin an interview. Jah boi’z don’t play.

Jacob - History is HIS story on Break the Curse. (as Jacob puts some jams on)

Alex – SO Break The Curse all started with myself, Jacob, and our friend Matt Russell. Matt was our bass player and is one of our great friends. He recently had to step down to focus more on medical school. (he’s the man!) Back in school we all wanted to jam together. Matt coined the name Break The Curse, and the whole heart behind it was playing music and seeing spiritual  curses and/or strongholds being broken off of people believer or nonbeliever.  So after we all left school in Rockford (Commissioner’s School of Bible Mastery) myself, Jacob, & Mark did an internship with a pastor in Poplar Grove, IL and we got together in the our pastor’s basement and wrote the first song, Breakin Knees & Takin Names! Shortly after this we all moved to Bolingbrook and then Keith finished school in Rockford and moved here and then the band was complete and we continued writing. That’s all she wrote in the history of Break The Curse. BOOM!
As I type…here’s what’s happening in the background of my foreground.
(Jacob) -(he showed me his new knife)
(Mark) -(drinking coffee)
(Keith) -(looking over my shoulder while I type)

Back in high school Mark played in the following bands: Improvcore band called Panther Punch. A psuedo-Zao-esque-band-core called Agony In This Fire. An Alternative Rock Outfit called Endless Never. A freshman year phenom-core band called The After Party.

Concerning Keith, his bands include: a double kickin,guitar growlin metal band called Killing The Archetype. a TBS-esque band called The Aaron House. And then a deeply philosophical project called Lifelike Theory.

Alex played sports. HA!

Jacob- A good ole band called Sarrows End. And evolving project called Thicker Than Blood which was eventually called xBy His Stripesx. And then a solo project called xContenderx.

Side projects currently?? YES! Midcoast Boyz. A hip-hop project which bedazzles its competition! literally. Bedazzling every living thing alive. It includes myself (Alex) & Keith
And then a powerhouse fitness-core project including all of us called Pure Sweat. Sweat the Hate! Scorch the fat!
Also a tentatively unnamed band that’s thrashy and spazzy!
Also then a lil band called Hostile Holy Ghost thats just FAST!!

Q: What bands do you think have had the biggest influence on your sound?  I see “Chicago-style hardcore” used to describe your sound, so for those not privileged enough to live there, could you describe what that means?

A: First I’ll explain the Chicago-style hardcore thing. HAHA! Part of who we are is where we are from. So Chicago-style hardcore isn’t so much a sound, but its more like a description of places we like to eat. Like you could say Sleeping Giant is more of a West Coast, Redlands, So-Cal style hardcore (no disrespect, we love them! like a lot) where as Break the Curse is more like taking a bite of chili cheese dog w/ extra onions from Portillo’s and then slammin a cake shake-core.

So bands that influence our sound would be Have Heart, xLooking Forwardx, Take it Back, Cheep Trix (check spelling, Cheap Trick?), Lust Control, and of course 100%, rebel born, pure, genuine, ‘Merican Rock’n'Roll,  Foo Fighters.

Q: The Chicago burbs are monstrously huge, so is there one scene there and in the city or a bunch of smaller ones?  Is there good unity or is there some of the “our scene/bands are better than yours”?

A: In Chicago there a bunch of scenes! A lot of metal. It’s pretty diverse, we’ve played with folk bands, punk, metal, spazzy instrumental, and in the city you got a lotta jazz! So there’s a lot of music goin on out here. Thank you historical route 66, for providing us so many musical kicks.
And honestly there’s not much unity. There’s a lot of young minded bands who feel like they need to sound better than everyone else. Unfortunately, most people that come to shows don’t watch all the bands and just wanna pay money and then hang outside. It stinks. We hope one day unity will return and dominate the scene in our area!! Bam!

Q: Tell me about the recording process for “World’s Greatest Dad” (where, when, how long did it take)?  Has it really been around since 2009?

A: Ahhhh, 2009 is actually the year we started and wrote our first song. So “World’s Greatest Dad” was started in March and we recorded the whole thing in a week during Jacob’s spring break. We made a makeshift studio in a small room, maybe 15×20 foot room. We set up and tore down mics(3 57′s, a beta, and a shure kick mic) amps, & drums for each song. We soundproofed the room using Styrofoam, old couch cushions, and stacks of chairs. And we used a soundboard that begged us not to use it because of how old it was, it has senioritis. But we put it in its place…on a table…next to Marks computer. Then we (Keith) mixed the songs thru headphones and borrowed speakers. Our recording software was garageband. Keith did such a good job mixing!! This all goes to show that it’s possible that with time and patience you can have a solid recording and make maximum use of what you have making yourself true DIY men.

Q: What are the band’s favorite songs on “World’s Greatest Dad?”  What makes these stand out?  Which are the favorite ones to play live?

A: Simplest, easiest, and truest answer…all of them. Bar none. Straight up. No exceptions. Let’s go I’m hungry. Donezo.  We pour our whole hearts into every song so its easy for us to love them all.

Q: How/why did you decide to freely give away the full-length?  A lot of newer bands have a couple songs for free download, but usually not a full-length.  How has this been received?  Have you heard any reviews on “World’s Greatest Dad?”

A: We want to give it away for free because its not a business…its a ministry for us.  It’s a gift to anyone and everyone in need of hope. We want to give the music away because we believe in the message that it carries, which is one of hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.  It seems like people are really diggin it! which is really cool. we’ve gotten a lot of feedback from people saying they like the jams. And we haven’t heard any formal reviews or anything like that on WGD, you can do one! haha

Q: How does the songwriting process work in Break the Curse, anyone take the lead?  Music first, lyrics first?  Who comes up with the song titles?  You have to expect this question when you have “Psalm dunk the funk” (ha).

A: The songwriting process has been done a few different ways. There have been times we started with lyrics, at times it’s been music, we’ve jammed and then wrote, & our newest one starts off with a spoken word. We’ve written songs a few different ways, but in all things our songwriting process is very collaborative. We all have input. it’s very much a group effort.

Q: What do you see as the mission of Break the Curse?  In the endless debate, would you side with the statement “Break the Curse is a Christian band” or “Break the Curse are Christians in a band”? or is this even relevant and worthy of discussion?

A: The mission of BTC is to spread the amazing news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our lyrics are filed with truth, and the message is given in fierce love. It’s our passion and our life. We also long to see curses broken over people whether it be thru listening to the CD or coming out to a show (when we have one, ha), because our music is intercession. We also have a blast! It’s a heartbeat we follow, not a dreadful chore. Also with hardcore there’s a lot of hate in the scene, but we bring the love of God, a lot of good ole times, and SO much laughing! HA! LIFE. We have a friggin amazing time!

Break The Curse is a Christian band.  All we do is for the Lord and our music is no exception. It’s an absolutely undebatable question among each of us.

Q: What are the plans for the future?  Any touring/shows coming up?  Going to any festivals?

A: Our plans for the future are in a way on hold as of right now, because Mark is going to moving to Minnesota for a few months with his wife. After those few moths when Mark gets back we will be right back to getting together and jammin! No doubt. And if a touring opportunity or festival opportunity came up and worked out for everyone we would all be down! We are down for whatever the Lord has in store for BTC, we simply long to honor & obey Him in all things.

Q: If you could pull together some bands for a tour, who would you pick?

A: Bands for a tour…Debtor, Desiring Dead Flesh, Carrying The Fire, & Psyche. Psyche is a local band from our area and they are really cool dudes that love the Lord and play some gnarly hardcore.

Q: What is the most embarrassing music people would find on your Mp3/iPod or in your music collection?  Or what bands do you like but try to hide from others?

A: HA! We all love so many different kinds of music. We aren’t ashamed by any of them bands or singers, but I’m sure people might laugh at us! hahaha
Jacob- Barry Manilow
Mark- Justin Bieber
Keith- Heat Wave, Celia Cruz (salsa music)
Alex- Something Corporate, The Wedding Singer Soundtrack

Q: List your all-time favorite show that you’ve been to and briefly why.

A: Favorite Shows…
Jacob- xLooking Forwardx- because they are super energetic, passionate, and their lyrics are super positive and uplifting.
Mark- It would be Underoath. It was back in 2000 and Dallas was there singer and they were black metal, and they also played with beloved. The band ate at my friends house so I got to hangout with them. They were super personable and made me feel like I was one of them which is something I look for in band.
Alex- For me it’d be Take It Back. Almost all of their songs are so close to my heart so every time I see them live it’s such a blast being in the pit and going crazy and snaggin the mic because they are all songs that mean so much to me.
Keith- Definitely the Foo Fighters, back in 2003. It was my favorite band at the time, and still is among the favorites to this day! It was during the Summerfest in Wisconsin, so that whole day was filled with musical delight! But Dave Grohl has always been an inspiration to me!

Q: Please share with everyone what parts of the bible motivate you as a band.

A: Our biggest inspiration is drawn from the life of Jesus Christ. All He did & said inspires who we are and what we are about.

Jacob- I’m just trying to understand the Father’s heart whenever I read. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me understand what His Word means, and what its intended purpose is for in my life, and in His kingdom’s purpose while He has me here on earth.

Mark- Do not fret. It is wickedness because it is a result of me trying to have my own way. Don’t fret because of outward things…rest in Him.

Alex- Psalm 91. I’ve been realizing that there is fear in my life as a result of not trusting in the Father. Fear is an emotional response to a lack of trust.
Sometimes I fear that I won’t and am not living in my true identity that is found in the Lord because it gets attacked a lot. So through being with the Lord and going deep into the Word I find there is safety for my soul and safety for who I am, because who I am is in all that He is. The Lord has been speaking truth over my identity, and now I want to speak peace and healing over you who are dealing with an identity crisis. Of not knowing who you are. TAKE HEART! Who you are is found in Him. There is wholeness and healing found in Jesus Christ. He is your immovable refuge and strength!

Keith- Romans 8 and 1 John 4. Those two passages have been the antidote to my shortcomings and have laid out much of my identity in Christ Jesus. They have been a counter-attack to apathy as well. I find more and more that my soul longs more than anything for love/intimacy, a destiny/purpose, and meaning/truth.. which I believe is the case for many. It’s what really brings us alive. Everybody longs to belong. Sometimes it’s why people wear what they wear or do what they do. Christ is the only one who can fill those soul longings, completely and un-artificially! These 2 passages bring to me meaning, belonging, a filled soul. read em for yo’self! They will show you who you really are in Christ.

Here is a current list of the some of the bands/music the guys in BTC are listening to…

Keith- Betrayed, Internal Affairs, Marvin Sapp, Twin Shadow, & Stevie Wonder
Alex- Take it back, Have Heart, Fleetwood Mac, & Foo Fighters (soon it’ll be the new Debtor and the new Hands AH!)
Mark- Thrice, Hands, & various indie/folk artists
Jacob-  Foo Fighters, False Idol, & Duke Ellington

As promised, you can download the album “World’s Greatest Dad” for FREE HERE and HERE.  Pass the word along, friend these guys on Facebook and tell all your homies about them, ya dig?

There were so many great bands playing this year, in particular, Blood & Ink records did a B&I family and friends day at the Solace Stage (which spanned two different days).  What was cool about this show is that it included such great B&I bands as Venia, Jawbone, Friends, Dependency, Thin Ice, Ironwill, Thirtyseven, Divide The Sea, and Debtor, but also bands including Cool Cough (side project of the guys from Call To Preserve), Strengthen What Remains, Beggars, Call to Preserve, Messengers, Dynasty, and Gideon (whom are not on the B&I label).  What makes the fact that this was going on extra cool is the fact that our tent was wedged in between Solace Stage and Legacy Stage where all of these great shows were taking place.

Some of the highlights of the week were the following:

1.  Meeting so many of you that visit our site and post on the forum, and finally meeting many of the bands we interview in person and getting to know everyone better.

2.  Catching a few Dynasty sets.  I (Josh) really like this band and I think they are solid, their testimony is also very moving.  I think I almost broke my hand and wrist when I was dancing and clobbered some poor kid right over the head.  Turns out my hand is OK, if the kid I hit is reading this, sorry, hope you are OK!

3.  Getting Officer Negative to play the Legacy Stage on Thursday may have been a highlight of the week as well.  I knew of the band, but have never really listened to many of their songs.  Hanging with Chad (the singer) and Justin, Casey, and Rick (who was filling in on drums) was great, awesome bunch of guys, strong in the Lord.  It was awesome to watch everyone getting into their set, singing along, and dancing like a bunch of maniacs.  Plus, I am sporting my new Officer Negative shirt today!

Officer Negative – “JCHC” on Legacy Stage

Click here to view the embedded video.

4.  Final Call To Preserve sets at Cornerstone, while everyone is bummed that these guys are breaking up, it was cool to catch their last shows at Cornerstone.  I picked up their 7″ “Validation” as well, which I highly recommend everyone go and pick up.  These guys have grown musically over the years.  It was also fun to see Cool Cough, their side band with Harbor singing, and John playing guitar.  Good stuff.

5.  Debtor’s new material is awesome, nuff said.  The guys in the band are super cool, easy to talk with, and they blew up every set with their new songs.  Go and buy their new album Bloodseeds and Blood & Ink Records.

6.  Catching a full Graverobber set.  If you have not seen these guys live, then you are missing out.  They are like the Misfits of the Christian punk world, their music is tight, and their stage show is extremely entertaining.  Just a word of advice, if they are singing any song that includes the word “blood” in the title, run for cover.  Catch their midnight shows, way more fun then their daytime shows.

7.  True Liberty and FBS – again, both of these bands just keep getting better, and they are both tons of fun to hang with.  Make sure to catch them live if they happen to be coming through your town.

8.  Branching out – I checked out A Hill To Die Upon, I am not normally a metal fan, but these guys are actually really really decent, and when I listen to their stuff, there is a heavy undertone of hardcore in it.  Go and check them out.

9.  Strengthen What Remains and Clear Convictions – their split set was probably one of the most fun sets at Cornerstone.  Strengthen What Remains is out of Florida and the guys in the band are among some of the coolest you will meet.  Their music just keeps getting better and better.  Clear Convictions came all the way from Puerto Rico to play Cornerstone.  I was pissed that so many people slept on the this band during their set on Texas Stage, but I was glad that I was able to tape the set (check out video page).  Both of these bands are signed to On The Attack Records run by our friend Sammy.  Love you guys!  Make sure that you pick up both of their albums from On The Attack, worth every penny, and how often do you see the record label owner in the pit???  Now that is support for your bands!

Clear Convictions Set from Texas Stage

Click here to view the embedded video.

10.  Discovering new bands that everyone needs to check out.  Beggars, With Increase, Blackhole.

And number 11.  The super secret show at the barn.  WOW, Debtor and Beggars both played a set, and then there were three cover sets including songs by Minor Threat, Advent, Seventh Star, and Shockwave.  This was by far THE best show, held in the storage shed by the skate park.  There where probably two hundred people that showed up and only enough room for 50 in the venue.  I was lucky enough to get up in the storage rafters to tape some of the show.  It was insane.  And as one of the guys from Debtor told me, “I just had a huge smile on face the whole time cause it was so awesome.”  I agree that it was awesome and I think there should be more intimate shows at Cornerstone like this.  Check the video page for coverage of the event.  Sorry you missed it!
Over all, the event was great, seemed fewer people were there this year, actually seemed kind of empty this year.  Rumors are floating around that they may not have Cornerstone next year because they did not sell enough tickets this year.  I say, don’t listen to rumors and sit tight, they may change the look and feel of Cornerstone next year, but I find it hard to believe they will altogether cancel the event, it touches so many people’s lives.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks for all your support and for everyone that stopped in to say hello, your kind words and blessing edify what we do and why we do it. Until next year, God bless and be safe!

Check out our video page for more videos, you can find our youtube channel here, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook!

Josh and the HXCChristian.com crew (John, RJ, Katie, Seann, Doug and special helpers like Mike!)

And one more fun video of the “best of” Cornerstone!

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is our shirt design this year. Pretty cool huh?

Hey folks, the staff of HXCChristian.com will be descending on Cornerstone 2011.  We really look forward to fellowship with all our friends, new friends, and folks that we have not met yet.  This year we will be right next to our friends that run The Legacy Stage.  For those of you don’t know, Legacy Stage is THE stage if you want to catch all the hardcore and punk bands at Cornerstone.  HXCChristian.com will have our own tent this year and we will be having fun in the mornings.  We will have meet and greets during the week with various bands including Officer Negative, Strengthen What Remains, Clear Convictions, and several other bands.  We will be providing coffee for the meet and greets and probably some sort of breakfast, so be sure to stop in and check the schedule.  We will also have some freebies, so stop in and grab some DIY Gatorade and some HXCChristian.com stickers.

On Thursday evening we will have our annual “Christian Hardcore Spaghetti Dinner.” This is where the staff of HXCChristian.com serves you, the fans of the site and anyone else in appreciation for supporting our efforts. After all, we are here to support the bands, labels, and fans and help spread the gospel.  The dinner is free, but if you feel inclined, make a small donation and we can continue to feed as many hungry mouths as possible.

We will also have a special guest this year at Cornerstone.  This man has been around for a looong time.  You may know him from your neighborhood you grew up in, or perhaps your church.  “Grumpy Old Man” will be joining the staff of HXCChristian.com and will be making guest appearances.  You may even see him harassing some of the bands or in the mosh pit.  Just beware, he is a extremely grumpy and always irritable. (see video below)

Click here to view the embedded video.

We hope to see everyone at Cornerstone 2011, if you are there, please stop by our tent and introduce yourself to Doug, RJ, John, or Josh.  We would love to meet you!

God Bless and safe travels to the everyone heading to Cornerstone!

BAND: The Hoax
MUSIC STYLE: PUNK
LOCATION: Anaheim, CA
FACEBOOK MYSPACE

Q: The Hoax has been together for a while now, how and when did the band get it’s start?

A: We got together in early 2005, I don’t remember exactly when I think it was spring time. We were just a couple of bored kids who had just got instruments, except for Daniel he’d been playing drums for a while. and were inspired by Officer Negative and Headnoise.  The hoax was originally a three piece, we added David in January this year.

Q: What is the significance of the name “The Hoax?”

A: We chose “The Hoax” originally just cause it sounded cool. When we started we planned on calling ourselves “50 Caliber” but after talking to friends and other people in bands we decided it didn’t sound like the name for a punk band. After we switched names we kept getting asked what does your name mean and at first we didn’t have an answer. But Daniel wrote Fake Reality, which was originally titled The Hoax Song and it basically says this world is a hoax, don’t trust in things of the world, put your trust in God.

Q: Who all is in the band and what does everyone do when they are not playing?

A: Tyler is our singer and he used to play bass also. He works at Ralph’s grocery store in the seafood department and is going to Cypress college. I am Johnny Hoax I play guitar and do some vocals. I work at Reliable Sheet Metal Works, I’m a fabricator. I’m also studying at Cal Poly Pomona. David Robledo is our new member, he plays bass for us. He used to be in an awesome ska band, Skamikaze! but they are on a break for a while so we stole him. Daniel aka Danimal plays drums. And he is finishing up an Accounting degree at Cal State Fullerton.

Q: Do any of the members in the band have side projects? What bands have members been involved with in the past?

A: David was in Skamikaze! That’s the most notable by far. Daniel and I had a grindcore side project with a friend of ours, Matt Dreer, but he moved back to Maryland so that died. Tyler was in a band called The Clerks, everyone in the band worked at grocery stores at the time but they never played any shows. Right now I am working on two side projects, one is a pop punk band and the other is a hardcore band.

Q: Saw that you guys recently had an 11th hour signing with our pals over at Thumper Punk Records. Can you tell us about the album you just released entitled “Stumbling Through?”

A: Oh the story behind this album, where to start. This album definitely tested us quite a bit. We’ve had this album ready for a while, we finished recording in August. We recorded at Live Wire Studio with Jason and Josiah from Spades and Blades/ The Havoc. The Hoax had originally signed to another label, but due to circumstances with their personnel we weren’t able to release with them. I had been talking with David from Thumper Punk and he offered to pick us up and release the album and we were stoked. We love Thumper Punk Records! TPR is an amazing label.

Q: I took a listen to the “Stumbling Through” and love the album, I really like how you guys are diversifying your sound, there is a little ska, rock-a-billy, and whole lot of punk, where do you guys draw your influences from?

A: We draw from everything we listen to. We like a lot of different music, obviously punk but we also are into hardcore, grind, thrash, ska. The bands we draw from most are probably The Crucified, Oi Polloi, Minor Threat, Toxic Narcotic, and The Deal. There are a lot of others but I would say musically these are the most influential.

Q: The Hoax played a pretty neat show recently including reunions of Officer Negative, The Deal, and also Headnoise, how did you guys manage to get on the bill and how was the show?

A: That show was amazing, we had so much fun being a part of it. We were able to get on the bill through Breakthru Entertainment, we’ve known them for quite a while. That show was unreal, I never thought I’d see the day Officer Negative got back together, let alone be able to play with them. Headnoise, The Deal, and The Havoc we’re awesome too. Headnoise is back! I’m really excited about that, when I heard about the shows I thought they were just doing a couple reunion shows but Robert announced at Chain that they were back for good.

Q: You guys planning to tour the US at all (or do a mini-tour?)

A: We are planning to do a small tour this summer, probably just a West Coast thing but in the future we really want to be able to do a full tour and make it out to play Cornerstone.

Q: What is the main purpose of The Hoax?

A: The main purpose of The Hoax is to be a light to the punk scene, we want to go play shows and be examples that you can be punk and Christian at the same time and that you don’t have to be drunk to have fun at a show.

Q: The Hoax is a Christian band, where do you guys draw your biggest inspiration from in the bible? What messages from the bible would you like to share with folks reading this interview?

A: Acts 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We know everyone is sinner, we want to show other punks that you don’t have to stay in that sin. We aren’t the band that will stand up on stage and point people out and say change your ways, we just want to show people God’s love and tell them that Jesus loves them, not criticize them because they know what they are doing is wrong. If their hearts aren’t ready, I feel our criticism will just push them away. I prefer to lead by example and just show them love.

Q: Now for some fun stuff, give us a funny story about the band, some great story about a show etc.

A: The Officer Negative show. I ran up onstage and sang part of JCHC then did a stage dive, it was my first stage dive ever and it was pretty sweet that it was during JCHC.

Q: What music are you guys currently listening to? Who should we check out?

A: Everyone is listening to a lot of different stuff lately. Tyler is into a lot of grindcore and thrash. Daniel pretty much sticks to straight up punk. David is our ska guy. I’ve been listening to a lot of pop punk lately and I’ve been getting teased quite a bit for it but I’ve also been listening to a lot of ska, hardcore and metal too. I’ve really gotten into Big D & the Kids Table, they are a ska band they aren’t Christian but they are very good ska. Also Maylene and The Sons of Disaster, I really like their sound, it’s different from a lot of what is out right now. One band I was really looking forward to hearing their new album was Earth From Above but I think they have called it quits which is a bummer cause they were really good. I’m excited to hear False Idle’s new album, I can’t wait for that! I’ll only recommend one pop punk band, the guys will probably kill me for it anyway but check out Such Gold, they aren’t Christian but if you’re a fan of good pop punk you need to check them out.

Q: If you guys could be characters in any movie which movie would it be and which characters would you play?

A: Well I can’t speak for the other guys but I would choose pretty much any zombie movie, I am a huge fan of zombies. If I was in one I would definitely be the guy who doesn’t die. I’m prepared for the zombie apocalypse!

Q: What should we expect from the band in the future? More albums planned we hope?

A: I really would like to do a split album with another Christian punk band, that has been an interest of mine for quite a while. But we are going to continue writing music for as long as we can.

Q: Feel free to give shout-outs, share links, etc. Thanks for the interview and thanks for contributing to the HXCChristian.com compilation album!

A: I’d like to shout out to the local bands we are friends with Professor Panyck’s Schizophrenic Circus, Spades and Blades, Heart Like War, Higher Learning. And some not so local bands, The Way, The Kings Kids, and False Idle! Also check out Caustic Fallout Radio and all the other TPR bands. Keep the circle pit alive!

BAND: Dynasty
MUSIC STYLE: Straight Up Hardcore
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles
FACEBOOK MYSPACE TWITTER

Q: So can you tell me a little about the history of Dynasty? I see from press materials that you’ve been together for 6 years. How did you all come together? Were any of you in other bands? Are any of you in other bands at the moment? I’m guessing here but it looks like there may be some brothers/relatives in the band?

A: Well we started practicing and writing in 2004 but actually started gigging in 2005. My brother Marcel (guitar) was in the band in the early years but was actually the one who quit the band because of the drugs and alcohol issues going down in the band. He actually said “I won’t play until everyone gets saved.” (Haha). At the time I was super pissed off that he would say that and we had no relationship at all for awhile. God straight up restored that bond between us. Years later, down the line when I actually decided to follow Jesus, it made sense to me.

Ivan & Mike are new to band. We’ve had dudes play for us from Like It or Not (Lion) and Jerez which was an awesome local band. Ivan (guitarist) was in a band called Take Vengeance which he sang for. His vocals are all over the record! Marcel also sings for another band Loud N Rowdy, which is my favorite band as of now. They’ll be playing our record release shows.

Q: The first thing that stood out to me was that musically, Dynasty sounds a lot like you should be from NYC or at least the East Coast , which to me is very cool thing as I grew up listening to a lot of those bands. So how do 5 guys from LA end up in a hardcore band sounding like you could be from NYC? How is the scene in LA and how have they responded? Not to be stereotypical, but is there some expectation that you’ll sound like downset or Suicidal (Tendencies)? I mention Suicidal as I see some similarities in some merch designs.

A: Well we pretty much were influenced by NY and NY style bands such as Madball, Leeway, & No Warning. It seemed like Cro-Mags, Outburst etc. were our favorite bands and we wanted to sound exactly like them. (Haha) The LA scene is rad but we’ve been under the radar for a while. Little by little as the record drops we’ll be active a lot more. We love Suicidal! And their merch designs are too dope. We’re ’80s kids and we love all the style that came from that time. I’ve always wanted to do a remake of the Suicidal music video “Possessed to Skate” but with a Dynasty twist to it.

Q: How did you end up on Strike First? And how do you see your fit with the rest of their band roster?

A: Well I really prayed about it and I sent a package to 1 label and sent an email to Strike First. I prayed for the will of God and here we are now. Too rad! I definitely think we stick out from the roster. Both Messengers and us are the only ones actually doing hardcore. I love how we’re set apart. I love how we can be on a label that has bands like A Plea for Purging, For Today and bands like us. It shows the diversity of the label.

Q: What do you see as the mission of Dynasty? In the endless debate, would you side with the statement of “Dynasty is a Christian band” or with “Dynasty is Christians in a band” or do you feel it’s even relevant?

A: I feel like it’s relevant but you’ll know us by our fruits. We really just want to proclaim salvation, righteousness & love!

Q: Tell me about the new CD (coming out May 24th, Truer Living with a Youthful Vengeance). Is there a lyrical theme? What are the thoughts behind the title? Was there anything special about the recording? Any special guests? How does this release compare to your older material that I’ve only seen cryptic messages about? From what I read, there was some older stuff posted, but no longer?

A: Truer Living with a Youthful Vengeance stems from the hip hop side of us. I could say it’s influenced by Gangstarr and the Wu! I wish we could’ve gotten some guest vocals on the album but we had a short time to complete it all. The next album is definitely something that everyone should look forward too. (Word is Born) Our old songs have disappeared; I wish I can get them back. Those songs are real funny.

Q: How does the songwriting process work in Dynasty? Lyrics first, music first? Anyone take the lead in the process?

A: We practice only once a week and within a few weeks before the studio I’ll write the lyrics. Some call it lazy but I work a little better under pressure. (Haha) Usually everyone gets a say in what they want in a song. And sometime that takes a while. (Haha)

Q: So, looking at the pre-order, some lucky winner will be getting some sweet – looking Nikes. How did that all come about?

A: A few of us in the band are sneaker heads. We custom made them thinking what would we wear. Hopefully some people dig em.

Q: I see mention of a tour with Call to Preserve, so how are those plans shaping up? Any dates yet or parts of the country you’ll be hitting? Will you be hitting any festivals other than Cornerstone this summer? Have any members been to Cornerstone before? Has Dynasty done any touring before?

A: Yeah Boy! The final Call To Preserve tour is gonna be ILL!! We’re pumped about it. And we do have all the tour dates up now. I wish we could get on a few more festivals but at this point everything is booked up. Maybe next year we could get on more. So all you promoters out there, holla at your boys! Oh man, not one member of this band has been to Cornerstone yet (haha). Dynasty did a mini tour a few years back with HOODS.

Q: There seem to be a lot of guest appearances lately on albums. If you could pick a band to either do a guest appearance on a cd or have someone be a guest on your cd, who would it be? Who would be your ultimate band to tour with? Would others in the band think the same way?

A: It would be a blessing to have Scot Vogel, Martin from Terror/Lion. Jasta, Jon Joseph (Cro Mags), Joey C (Righteous Jams), DFJ (Mental, Mind Eraser), Justice (Tui), Morgado (The Wrongside) Thom Green, Freddy Cricien and plenty more. I’d love to go back in the ’70s and tour with Electric Light Orchestra. I’d cry. Currently I would love to tour with Trapped Under Ice, Messengers, Loud ‘n’ Rowdy, For Today, Terror, Converge, Sleeping Giant, Madball, Obituary, Bitter End, there are too many to list LOL

Q: What is the most embarrassing music people would find on your iPod/MP3 player or in your music collection? Anyone else in the band you’d like to call out for their weird music?

A: Haha, great question! I listen to a lot of stuff like Doris Day, Connie Francis & Nancy Sinatra. Maybe most embarrassing might be Ace of Base. Haha Ruben our bassist is a freak with his music.

You can support Dynasty on their upcoming tour with Call To Preserve (which happens to be their final tour) and Dead Icons.  Tour dates below.  Also, Dynasty is having a CD release part at The Stronghold in Chino, CA on May 21st for $5.  Support your local hardcore bands (or else).

6/15 Fayetteville GA @ 11th Hour Venue ** NO DEAD ICONS
6/16 Columbia SC @ Unit One Art Space
6/17 Whitesburg KY @ Letcher County Tourism
6/18 Cookeville TN @ Westside Station
…6/19 Southhaven MS @ Cafe 549
6/20 Little Rock AR @ Downtown Music Hall
6/21 Tyler TX @ The Attic
6/22 Houston TX @ Cain’s Ashes
6/23 McAllen TX @ VFW Hall
6/24 San Antonio TX @ The White Rabbit
6/25 Fort Worth TX @ TBA
6/26 Tulsa OK @ The Reverb w/ Onward To Olympus
6/27 Springfield MO @ Salad Days w/ Onward To Olympus
6/28 Springfield IL @ Black Sheep Cafe
(Break in here for Cornerstone Festival – Bushnell IL)
7/05 Evansville IN @ The Rev ** NO DEAD ICONS
7/06 Chattanooga @ The Warehouse ** NO DEAD ICONS

Band: Carrying The Fire
Location: Bel Air, Maryland
Musical Style:  Straight Up Hardcore
Links: Myspace Facebook last.fm

Q: Carrying The Fire includes several ex members of XLooking ForwardX, how did CTF get it’s start?

A: While there are members of XLFX in the band, CTF actually wasn’t born from XLFX at all. Originally it was Matt, Auggie, Dan and another friend named Brandon in the group under a different name and they asked me to do vocals after they had already started writing. I never thought I would do another project after XLFX, but what they were playing was more melodic (think Good Riddance or Comeback Kid) and I liked the idea of doing something new vocally. Only problem is that I can’t sing so the melodic thing didn’t really stick so we started writing heavier stuff which didn’t really interest Brandon (the old bassist). That’s when we asked my cousin Kevin (who plays bass for XLFX) to join and that solidified the current lineup.

Q: I assume that the name Carrying The Fire comes from the Cormac McCarthy book “The Road,” is that the case, and if so, what is the significance of the name?

A: Yeah, I love McCarthy and “The Road” is a really cool book. Pretty much the name “Carrying The Fire” is all about a message of hope. It’s like, the “fire” is what’s good and right about humanity and while the world may be falling apart around us, we want to try to hold onto our hope, hold onto what’s good, share it with the world and pass it on to the next generation. Some people may debate me on whether or not that’s what the author is saying in the book (and if you’ve read any of his other work you can make a strong case that it isn’t), but that’s what I took away from it.

“The Road” Movie Trailer – At Least Rent the Movie!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: Is XLooking ForwardX officially defunct?

A: XLFX is what we like to call “inactive”. If a show comes up that’s interesting enough we’ll practice a couple of times (usually three times is enough to prevent a total disaster) and play it…but that’s really it. We have some material that we wrote after “path” [The Path We Tread] and we’ve kicked around writing some new stuff to try to put together another record, but who knows if that will ever really happen. If that ever worked out the most we would do is just play locally once and while and maybe do some fests, but our touring days and hustling days are over.

Q: So what is the purpose of Carrying The Fire?  Do you consider the band a Christian hardcore band, or Christians in a hardcore band?  Many of the lyrics are clearly inspired by your walk with Christ correct?

A: That’s a funny question since the song that we submitted for the compilation your site is releasing deals directly with this issue. You see, I just consider CTF and even XLFX to be straight up hardcore bands – not Christian bands or Christians in a band, just hardcore bands. What I mean is hardcore is supposed to be about real life and that’s what I like to write about – my life and the way I see the world. Now since being a Christian is the most important aspect of my life, most of what I write about deals with Christianity, but I don’t look at the band as evangelistic, necessarily. When I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, my whole life should be evangelistic, whether it be through music, being a barber, raising my family, etc. I’m hoping people see Christ in me. I hope that makes sense, I think the song actually says it better.

Q: It seems like Carrying The Fire started out as a side project, like you guys just wanted to play some hardcore, has it evolved and become more a focus for everyone?

A: Nah, it’s still really just for fun. Like I said, this project wasn’t born from any other band so it’s not a side project, but it’s a very casual setup. We practice once a week and we really only play Fridays or Saturdays and we don’t really travel much. So yeah, it’s just a fun outlet for five guys who love music and hanging out to get to do what we enjoy and hopefully, maybe say something that makes an impact on someone.

Q: Carrying The Fire has a demo out (which is fantastic), and you are writing new material, are you guys trying to get signed, or just writing and playing for fun this time?

A: Thanks, yeah we are always in the writing process but since we only practice once a week it’s kind of slow going. Considering that we aren’t going to be a touring band and we don’t really play that much, I’m not sure how appealing we would be to a record label, but that’s a direction we could go if we found someone who is into what we do and who is cool with our limitations.

Q: So if we want to catch a Carrying The Fire show then we need to haul our butts up to Maryland?  How is the scene these days up there?

A: That’s about right. We’ll play the surrounding areas, but we don’t have a van or anything so making those 5+ hour drives in multiple vehicles just isn’t in the cards for us. If I’m being honest, I’m still a little out of touch so it’s hard to access the scene up here. Seems good, although the show turnouts are maybe a bit lower than they used to be when I was really involved, but I’ve heard that’s pretty much everywhere.

Q: I saw that you guys played a show after Thanksgiving with Debtor and Killing Years.  How was that show?

A: Good show. Played in a barn with no heat in late November so it was cold (first time in about 10 years that I played a show in jeans), but it was a good time and a nice turnout. I have a lot of love for the Blood and Ink Record’s guys so I’m pulling for Debtor to blow up. If I’m remembering right, I think Killing Years had a good message so hopefully they’ll have a chance to spread that around some.

Carrying The Fire Live – “Repentance”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: A lot you guys in the band have families and children (as do I), how has the changed your perspective on being in hardcore bands (if at all).  How has being a father changed your perspective on being in the hardcore scene?

A: The main thing is this, having children completely sapped my desire to tour in any capacity. Just can’t do it. It’s not a matter of money or responsibility, I’m just a homebody now and I don’t like being away from home longer than I need to be. Sometimes I feel like a visitor in the hardcore scene these days, but I think that has more to do with being 30 than being a father, ya know? I do want my girls to grow up loving music the way that I did (and still do) so I’m sure they’ll be exposed to hardcore/punk shows here and there during their childhood. Hopefully the scene will remain a place (at least some of the time like it is now) that I can feel comfortable bringing them.

Q: What music are you guys listening to?  What hardcore bands (or other bands) should we all check out?

A: Matt and Dan are really the only guys in the group that are in the loop with what’s going on in hardcore right now. The rest of us are pretty much a few years behind, but hopefully as we play out some and get more involved in what’s going on we’ll find new bands to get excited about. Here are a few records that I think everyone should check out, though: All Out War – ‘For Those Who Were Crucified’, Downset – ‘Do We Speak a Dead Language’, Bloody Sunday ‘They Attack at Dawn’, Symphony in Peril ‘The Whores Trophy’, Bane – ‘Give Blood’, anything by The Deal, Dogwood – ‘Through Thick and Thin’, Our Corpse Destroyed – ‘Strength to Strength’ and Flatfoot 56 – ‘Knuckles Up’. This isn’t a comprehensive list of my favorites or anything, but any or all of those records will make your life better. I’m my honest opinion, I think Our Corpse Destroyed is the most underrated band in punk/hardcore on the planet right now and Dogwood may be the most underrated punk/hardcore band in history.

Q: What message to you want to give the hardcore scene as a whole?

A: If you have any musical talent at all, start a band. Once you start it, learn to tune properly and practice. Once you practice, write lyrics that mean something to you, not necessarily what you think people will be in to.  After that, just play. Get involved and make friends – you’ll be amazed at the friends you can make and how much they can enrich your life.

Q: Feel free to share anything else, shout-outs, other bands, links, etc.  Thanks for the interview and look forward to catching you guys live soon!

A: Thanks for the opportunity to spout off for a while. The only thing I can think to say to the kids is this – get into music.  Don’t just get into what’s going on today, check out the history of hardcore and punk music – you’ll be glad you did. The records that I listed above aren’t just things that I’m into right now or bands that I know or want people to know that I like – all of them have had some sort of lasting impact on my life. Give them a listen and share them with your friends. Take it easy!

Band: The Way
Music Style: Punk
Location: Oxnard & Santa Paula, CA
Facebook Myspace Reverbnation

Q: Where and when did The Way get there start?

A: The WAY started around January of ’09. Tank, Harry, and Ryan were in a band called “R.I.P. The old Me” and had just lost their singer. That’s when I joined the group. A couple of weeks later Manny came to a practice to try out on lead guitar and we never looked back!

Q: What is the significance of the name The Way?

A: I guess you could say that the Bible verse that drives this band most is John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” That verse is so powerful in its claim of absolute truth. It also fits with anything in life. It is the solution to any problem we face, any discouraging situation, any question about who we are. It is so simply put but it, (along with John 3:16), sums up the entire gospel message of the New Testament.

Q: What does everyone in the band do when they are not playing?

A: Ryan works for a concrete coloring company, Manny works for a body shop, Tank and Harry are currently unemployed and I work grounds maintenance for Pacifica High School out here in Oxnard CA.

Q: What bands have influenced the sound of The Way. I kind of get a Social D, early punk feel when I listen to you guys. Who do you compare your sound to?

A: Well You nailed it with that one! Social D is one of our favorite bands. As a matter of fact we cover a couple of their songs. Bad Religion is another big influence along with Pennywise, Rise against, and Good Riddance. We also dig on The Crucified.

Q: I understand that the band just signed with Thumper Punk Records, congrats! What does this mean for the band, when can we expect a full length?

A: We are very excited to be added to the Thumper Punk roster. Thumper Punk has been busy promoting us online and we are happy to get some exposure outside of our local scene. We look forward to meeting some new friends and hopefully hooking up some gigs outside our area.

Q: The Way is a Christian band, has the band always been a Christian band?

A: From the get go we have put ourselves out as a Christian band, first and foremost. We don’t go around looking down our noses at people or anything but we are unashamed of Jesus. We are more than willing to evangelize at a bar gig in the opportunity arises!

Q: What is the purpose of The Way?

A: The WAY has a passion for expressing our lives, thoughts, and even shortcomings through music. Jesus Christ has been the biggest influence on how we see the world and that comes through in our songs.

Q: From where in the bible does The Way draw most of its inspiration?

A: Like I said before, the fact that Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father is what our biblical inspiration hinges on. Jesus stands at the apex of history. He was and is the most influential, most important, most beautiful person who ever walked the face of the earth.

Q: The song “Walking Dead” is a pretty powerful song with incredible lyrics, sounds like someone has quite a testimony in the band. Care to share the personal story behind the lyrics?

A: “Walking Dead” was influenced by a very low point in my marriage. I lost my desire for my wife and was starting to give into temptation. When the Lord pulled me out of that situation it was clear to me how far I had strayed and dead I was inside. He restored my love for my wife and presented her to me in a whole new way. I have never looked back.

Q: When you guys play shows, do you share the gospel on stage? If so, how is is accepted by the crowd? Do you have shows where there is a mixed crowd of Christians and non-Christians?

A: The majority of our shows lately have been a mix of believers and non-believers at Christian venues. When we play places at those we are more open on the mic about Jesus. When we play the clubs and bars we save it for the one-on-one conversations throughout the night.

Q: Has The Way had anyone approach them after a show and given their life to Christ?

A: Nobody has approached us as of yet to receive the Lord after a show. We do however love it when people come up and ask questions about us at shows. It gives us the opportunity to share the good word.

Q: What bands has The Way shared the stage with?

A: The WAY has played with tons of great local bands. Some of the more well known ones are House of Heroes, Abandon Kansas, The Classic Crime, and most notable, Seventh Day Slumber. Maybe one day we will get that call to open up for Social D!!

Q: What shows have been the most memorable and why?

A: I would say the most memorable show to date would be the night we won the battle of the bands for a local bar. We were not officially signed up for it but were called last minute to fill a dropped slot. Long story short we won the top prize and used the money to record our new CD!

The Way – Live – “Never Enough”

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The Way – Live – “You Don’t Know Me”

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Q: Can we expect to see The Way tour soon? Will you guys be heading to Cornerstone Festival?

A: Touring is something we would really love to do. I don’t think that we are quit ready at the moment but look forward to planning something in the near future. As for Cornerstone, it has been on our mind and want to do it, badly

Q: Any message you want to convey to the punk/hardcore scene, shout-outs, etc?

A: To all our christian brothers and sisters who love punk rock we say to keep strong in your faith in Jesus! Never forget what He did for you on the cross, always remembering to live your life according to His will and not anyone elses. Please Check us our @ reverbnation.com/theway805, facebook.com/theway805, and myspace.com/theway805! God bless!!

Band: In Shepherds Arms
Music Style: Hardcore
Location: Crystal Coast, NC
Links: Myspace Facebook

Part 1 of the interview with In Shepherds Arms

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Part 2 of the interview with In Shepherds Arms

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Band: False Idle
Music Style: Hymnals in a Punk Rock Style
Location: Idaho
www.FalseIdlePunk.com Myspace Facebook

Q: Can you give us an introduction to Thumper Punk Records? The label is fairly new to the scene, but from what we understand at HXCChristian.com you have some things in the works. Why did you start Thumper Punk Records? What can we expect from the label in the future?

A: (David) Thumper Punk Records was formed to help artists record, produce and distribute music that reflects a positive, Christ-centered message. I started writing a music blog (www.thumperpunk.com) several years ago to share information about Christian punk and ska bands, and recently decided that it was time to get-off-the-couch and take the next step. My initial discussion with Sef began as result of a discussion in the HXCChristian.com forum about worship hymns played in a punk rock style. Sef and I were on the same page with the music, and have the sole purpose of bringing glory to Christ. So, here we are.

Q: The first release for Thumper Punk Records will be a new recording artist called False Idle, with a familiar person to HXCChristian.com as the mastermind, Sef, fill in the people on who you are and your background….

A: (Sef) Who am I… hmmm… well some of the folks reading this might recognize the name uniSEF, which was a project that I started like 5 or 6 years ago that eventually turned into the band that some of you may know. We went our separate ways about a year ago now and I, not being able to sit around for very long, started up the new project False Idle.

Q: We understand that False Idle is not your typical run of the mill hardcore punk band, can you fill us in what makes False Idle different than other bands?

A: (Sef) Well, False Idle it isn’t actually a band. It’s what we in the music industry like to call a solo project. I’m not big on having the focus be on me, so I had to come up with a ‘band name’ so I could fool everyone. Tricky… eh? The funny thing is, uniSEF started the exact same way… but don’t get your hopes up!

Q: So False Idle is covering traditional Church Hymns in a punk style, what famous Hymns can we expect a punk twist on? What songs are the most interesting and why?

A: The list is as follows:
Old Rugged Cross
It is Well with My Soul
Great is Thy Faithfulness
He Lives
To God be the Gory
He’s Alive

(Sef) Initially I was partial to “It is Well,” because I really tried to make that one into a technical punk style of song, “He Lives,” because I went a little more hXc with that one, and “He’s Alive,” because, A. It is an amazing song B. It was the song that kicked off the project and C. I really challenged myself to develop it well… But now that the whole CD is done, I honestly like them all a lot for all different reasons. I’m super stoked on how they all turned out.

Q: Sef, who has collaborated on this album with you, did you record all the different instruments?

A: (Sef) I did all of the song choosing and concept writing myself. My initial plan was to play all of the instruments myself on the recording, but as my relationship with Thumper Punk Records grew, I really started striving to put out as high quality of a CD as I could. That being the case I called in the big guns for drums. My good friend Matt L. (Death and Revolution) was kind enough to once again lend his skills to one of my projects, and he tore it up for sure. My friend Jess H. was also kind enough to record some piano and organ parts for the project. Then of course had the fellas over to lay down some gang vocals, just to give it that good ‘ol punk rock feel! Aside from that, I played all of the other instruments

Q: I read somewhere that you had some great guest vocals, care to share who might be making guest vocal appearances on the album?

A: (Sef) Haha… those rumors… you can never trust em… But yes, my pal Nate Rising from FBS laid down some gang vocals and backup parts throughout the CD. Josh from FBS begged and begged me to let him have some parts on the CD but I told him “no way dude”… haha… Actually he was going to do some too, but the window of opportunity was pretty tight… so it, unfortunately, didn’t happen. But if you listen real close you’ll also hear another familiar voice, Tyler from uniSEF came back into the studio too hook it up with some of his signature backup vocs…

Q: How challenging was it to come up with different music to come up with for these traditional hymns? Did you try to stay true to the traditional sounds of the songs or did you reinvent them completely?

A: (Sef) At first it was pretty easy, I had been coming up with ideas in my head for the first couple of songs for some time, but as the project progressed it got a little more difficult. There is actually one song on the CD that I completely re-wrote about halfway through the process because I just didn’t like the feel it had at all. Luckily a song by Flatfoot 56 totally inspired me for that specific song, and now I love how it turned out. I’ll let you try to figure out which one…

My goal throughout the project was to keep as close to the traditional feel of each song as I could, but also to make it a full on punk rock CD. Thinking back now, that was quite a challenge… haha… My hopes were to bring these amazing songs from the past into today so that this generation could have a chance to hear, and appreciate them.

So to make sure I stayed true to the original feel of each song this is what I did. Once I had all of the concept recordings finished, I sent them to my mom… yup, you can always count on mom… So when she came back and said that they were good, not really her style, but she recognized them all and could sing along with them, I knew that I pulled it off.

Q: Where and when can we get our hands on the new False Idle album?

A: (David) False Idle’s Hymns of Punk Rock Praise will be available through the Thumper Punk Records website (www.thumperpunkrecords.com), and digital downloads will be available from iTunes, Amazon and the usual suspects.

Q: What else do you have in the works for Thumper Punk Records? Any chance you will try to release some hard to find records on your label?

A: (David) Regarding my future plans for the label, I have been discussing projects with a number of bands and hope to announce the next project soon. While I wouldn’t be against re-releasing hard to find music, my primary focus will be to support new projects. If I had a shout-out, it would be to the entire HXCChristian.com team for supporting a Christian ministry to the punk and hardcore community.

Q: So after False Idle, what are you plans, do you think you might do a follow up album?

A: (Sef) Well, it’s pretty funny. I had so many song ideas thrown at me when I started this project; the joke going around is “what songs are you going to put on Hymns, “Volume II…” So let’s just say there is a pretty good chance that False Idle isn’t gonna be a one trick pony…

Q: Anything else you guys would like to add, websites, facebook pages, myspace pages, shout-outs, etc, feel free to add, and thanks for the interview!

A: (Sef) I just have to say, I have been doing the punk rock thing for quite some time, and up until this project I have done it 100% DIY all the way. So when David @ Thumper Punk Records approached me with the idea of putting this out on a label, I was a little hesitant. But after talking to friends and family and giving it some serious prayer, I decided to give it a shot. And all I can say is David has been awesome! I can’t say enough about what he has done for this project and where his heart wants to take his new label. He has my full support from here on out.

For all of you musicians out there reading this, you will not find a more musician friendly and supportive label than Thumper Punk Records. If you are looking for a label, start there… and if you are a fan of great music, keep an eye out for Thumper Punk Records… you will not be disappointed…

Thanx to you guys at HXCChristian.com for playing the snot out of these new songs too! I am listening right now and have heard all 3 songs we sent to you… You guys are rad!

I’m always up for an email so hit me up anytime… God bless

- Sef Idle

www.falseidlepunk.com
False Idle Myspace
False Idle Facebook
sef AT falseidlepunk.com
http://thumperpunk.blogspot.com
www.thumperpunk.com