With their song “If I Had Eyes, Manhattan Could Fly“, When Bears Attack! lures you into to thinking you should hug your neighbor and get out your lighter just before they begin to peel your face off. Opening with a somber yet elegant melody the vocals shift from harmonious to screaming without a glitch and lead you through a dynamic mix of breakdowns and just the right seasoning of synth to make everything taste right. I am encouraged by the transitions in sound and mixture of elements where nuance and subtlety become as much a part of the package as blistering guitars and hair raising screams. When Bears Attacks displays a creative ability to utilize and master the play between components so that their music isn’t just a mash of noises but a symphony of brutality. If this song is any indication of what When Bears Attack! has in the works then the children of Illinois and far beyond will need to get educated on the danger of bears quickly.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, indie, organic, progressive, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook

Straight To Our Enemies is something of a Frankensteinian musical-mish-mash. With the goal of creating life these doctors of hardcore have selected irregular elements to assemble their creature. Selecting such random viles as those labeled “pop-punk background” and “folk vocalist”, combining and neutralizing them with a few other compounds [members]. There comes that moment just before the electricity strikes, before the lights flicker for the reveal, the moment when you don’t know if there will even be life once the dust settles. Yet, in this laboratory, somewhere within the heart of Spokane, Washington, the haze is gone and the beast has risen. As Dr. F set out to create life and ended up with a monster like creature larger and stronger than the average man, the composition of STOE has brought about a brutality which may tear the scene (locally and nationally) to shreds. Beware that creature thrashing from the hallows of I-90, beware.

Music is at its best when it taps into the intrinsic value of creating a shared experience with artist and fan, when the artist seems to express with lyric, music and instrumentation what a fan himself is feeling. In that vein, you song “Dreamer” boasts a chorus chant stating, “I am a dreamer, it’s not all I’ll ever be.” Is this lyric written with a specific circumstance in mind or more of a declaration for where STOE is headed?
STOE Dreamer was written with a specific circumstance correlating to the story of David in the bible. David was a man after God’s own heart and this song was written (by Andy) to be about his dream to follow God in David’s path and about how that specific road is not an easy one to journey.

Who have been some of the key figures who have supported STOE and helped to get you to this place?
STOE All of our families, friends, girlfriend, Managers (Noah Zweruhweriodorfin and Rabananda Bennett) fans, and venue owners/promoters have all had a big part in who we are and who we are becoming both as musicians and as people.

You are heading into the studio, when are you hoping to release the album and where will fans be able to pick up a copy?
Our album will be recorded in Iowa in March and we are hoping to have it done sometime mid-summer. We are hoping to get the album into some bigger stores such as Hasting, Best-buy and possibly Target.

January 27, 2010 you have a slot for a speaking engagement at Post Falls (Idaho) Middle School, what were you speaking on? Is this a regular thing for you to speak at schools/events or how did this come about? STOE We were asked by Andy’s mother to go and speak to the fifth and sixth period classes of their newly formed guitar 1 class. We mainly just showed the students what being in a band is all about and how to get where we are and what it takes to be in a band and all the sacrifice necessary to attain your goals. Its not really something we have put a lot of thought into but after doing it we would love to speak at schools again!

You all are from Spokane, Washington but have decided to record in Iowa. What drew you there to record and will this be your first time recording together?
STOE Our main reason for recording in Iowa is the person who will be engineering/producing the record. He is a friend of our manager and we have listened to all the amazing work he has done and all agree that he is the best bet for us to further our music and careers. We recording the tracks “Dreamer” and “We Make Guns” last October in LA with Jeremy Conrad. It was the first time that all of us had recorded track together and it was a very gratifying experience for everyone.

As you prepared to record are you going in with a pretty clear picture of what you want to track and how you want to lay it out or do you anticipate the process being very experimental?
STOE We are finishing up our writing as we speak for the album and we are going in with a very clear idea of how things will sound. Not to say there wont be some amount of experimentation involved in the recording process but we are 80% sure of how we want things to turn out.

2009 just ended, what are some of your fondest memories as a band of the year that was? What are you looking forward to in 2010?
STOE 2009 was a great year for us. It brought us Rob as a bass player and Noah as a Manager. Along with that it was our first time playing the all amazing Tomfest where we shared the stage with great bands such as For today and Oh Sleeper. Our main focus for 2010 is the album getting recorded and our first US tour.

Currently your Myspace is a baseball theme, was that primarily for effect or has baseball played a significant role in your lives?
STOE The baseball theme is mainly that. A baseball theme. Its sole purpose is to create a catchy and attractive idea that will hold peoples interest until they listen to our music and hear the every increasing complexity of our songs.

In your current playlist for Myspace there are two songs with guns in the title “We Make Guns” and “Hold A Gun”, is there any particular significance or meaning behind the title or are you just fascinated with guns?
STOE Guns are a subject of interest for our vocalist Andy. He just loves them and everything pertaining to them.

Hold A Gun starts off incredibly heavy and as of this date is your most played song, what do you perceive or hear from fans that makes this song special.
STOE The song “Hold A Gun” is so popular i believe because of its catchy chants and heavy breakdowns. Kids can just have fun listening, dancing, and watching things transpire before them during the song.

You mention that your vocalist Andy is a former folk artist which isn’t typically a breeding ground for hardcore frontmen, how did Andy come to don this role with STOE? How has your irregular background contributed to the development of STOE’s current sound?
STOE Andy came to be with us via our old bass player Corey Kuheana. They were good friends in high school and when we were looking for a new vocalist Corey introduced us to Andy. Andy, never having done anything like this, surprised us at his tryout practice when he let loose some yells and screams the quality of which we hadn’t heard in recent vocalists. His being from a different music scene doesn’t really have much of an effect on the sound of our music but more on the lyrics he writes.

You’ve mentioned that Cory and Kramer as the founding members have been playing together since 2004, how different is STOE’s sound now from where you were 6 years ago? Is there any significance to the name STOE?
STOE Me (Kramer) and Cody were playing pop punk/rock when we first started and the heavier music didn’t come until our last year of high school and the years that have followed. The name Straight To Our Enemies is a title that Andy brought with him when he joined in March of ‘08.

For STOE is there a particular philosophy or core value that fuels your pursuits in music? Would you consider yourselves a religious band?
STOE We have often had this talk related to if we consider ourselves a Christian band and our best summary of those conversations would be that, while we are all Christian and have our own code of morals and beliefs we do not claim that STOE is a Christian band but instead a band of Christians supporting positive living and good fun.

How would you describe STOE’s sound?
STOE STOE’s sound is a conglomerate of all the members inspirations and influences with our own personalities combined with them. Our music sounds like everything but at the same time sounds like nothing else you’ve heard.

What has been your favorite show to date?
STOE For me my favorite show has been either Tomfest ‘09 or our last Moses Lake show in which we played at a completely gutted old Spanish Restaurant in front of 75 kids.

What is one of the coolest things a fan has ever said to/about STOE?
STOE A few things that people have said to us are:
“You guys sound like Underoath but better”
“Your sound is really full for having just one guitarist”
“You guys are my favorite band and i’ve seen BMTH and A Day to Remember and i still like your shows better”

Interview Question Blitz:
Any song that gives you the most trouble live? We Make Guns first riff haha. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment that I would purchase for the band is? Robs new bass. Trend that you have noticed that you will never join? Chains on pants. Currently reading The Lucifer Effect, listening to Rogues and watching House. Best book you’ve ever read, why? TOOO many. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Not crazy but praying. When you are a diva/rockstar the three things that you will demand be in your dressing room are? Chicken N’ Biscuit crackers, Red Bull, and Buck and Opies Rootbeer. Band you have shared the stage with that blew you away? In the Midst of Lions, See the Light, For Today, Plea for Purging….. Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now? Tusk and Temper-ETID, Big Wiggly Style- TDWP, Chelsea Smile, BMTH, Secrets-OneRepublic, Wanderlust-ETID. Best and worst experience at a show? Best- getting 20 or more kids dancing at every show. Worst- falling on the drum riser at tomfest and messing up a song. haha no one noticed though!

*Special thanks [kudos] to Emmett Photography who shot the picks of STOE which we borrowed from their myspace

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, indie, organic, progressive, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook

What is the motto for local news outlets? “Live local news…on the hour and when it breaks.” While hurdcore.com doesn’t boast that kind of up-to-the-moment coverage, we do work to provide local and in-depth information, interviews and even reviews to help keep you connected with what is going on locally in the music arena. We are Fans supporting local music with content related to local bands, venues and events. We are building bridges through local music.

Elenora describes themselves as If Edward Scissorhands had a love child with Judy Garland, with John Candy as his right hand man… Instrumentally we play hardcore music with a lot of breakdowns but then we added some epic keys to give our music more emotion and depth.. Check out their recently released debut EP at the bands new website.

Pseudoboss had a big 2009, taking top honors at Oregon State University’s Battle of the Bands and opens 2010 in similar fashion with their self titled EP release. Visit the bands website to “name your own price” and download their four song EP (even FREE).

Your hurdcore moment for the week…

66 Love Letters 2009 introduced us to this hardcore quintet whom mastered their brutality in a the cleanest barn ever somewhere along the skirting of Portlandia. Sensing what the band describes as, “Feeling called to a different direction and are going to see where God is leading us individually.” November 10th, 2009 marked the final show for 66LL but you can still hear their music on Myspace.

We Move Mountains boasts more of an indie/pop sound, using their talent to express themselves and do some good by teaming up with Rock For Reason to help get clean water to Africa. These Maple Valley [Washington] rockers are nearing the completion of their full length debut release.

Honest To Empire offers a splendid mix of sound that melds the best of heavy and classic rock. As the Corvallis, Oregon based band explains, “We try to find a balance between heavy, driving rhythms and melody in both the vocals and guitar work.” Get a copy of their EP released in late 2009 from their website.

Live concerts and events from your favorite local artists from various genres such as: hardcore, metal, rap, punk, indie, pop, hip-hop, rock and more. Contact us with your insights, information and advertising/sponsorship ideas as we work together to keep things rocking.

HURDCORE.COM ANNOUNCING: Oregon’s First Everything Show [O1ES] brought to you by Suganuts and hurdcore.com – enjoy some of Oregon’s finest local multi-genre talent at Riley’s in Albany, Oregon on March 27th all hosted by The People’s Comedian, Will Woodruff.

Check us out and join us on:
Myspace – hurdcore.com – Northwest
Facebook – hurdcore.com [NW]

Big thanks to our friend Noah over at The Alchemist for publishing one of our articles in his stellar local entertainment zine! Link here to view our article and continue to support local efforts to keep music alive in the 541, Oregon, the Northwest and beyond.

The Alchemist – “An independent weekly promoting the arts and minds of Corvallis [Oregon]” Distributed locally every Tuesday and available online, check them out at www.corvalchemist.com. Keeping you up to date with local music, art, poetry and opinions relevant to the Willamette Valley [Oregon] and beyond.

HURDCORE.COM ANNOUNCING: Oregon’s First Everything Show [O1ES] brought to you by Suganuts and hurdcore.com – enjoy some of Oregon’s finest local multi-genre talent at Riley’s in Albany, Oregon on March 27th all hosted by The People’s Comedian, Will Woodruff.

Hurdcore.com be attempting to reconnect with the artists and venues we were introduced to in 2009 but until we can get that information up and running, let these tidbits refresh your local music taste-buds. We’ll cycle chronologically through the 2009 hurdcore alumni.

Turned Up Missing Pop/Indie – Ashland, Oregon. These indie popsters were the first to exchange an interview with hurdcore.com and we were excited to see them live locally in Lebanon, Oregon. Unfortunately the band took a hiatus that turned into a full blown break up before that show date could come about. If you are browsing itunes and like catchy indie pop grooves look up their single “I’ve Got Friends“.

Love Unfailing Tacoma, Washington based Melodic Hardcore with a clear message –

Our music definitely an outreach to everyone. We all are very close to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Our music is definitely a religious outreach to everyone but yet even if the listener is not religious the music can still be appealing to them too.

7 Horns 7 Eyes – if you have a fever and the only cure is METAL, then you need some of what this Seattle, Washington based metal monster has to offer. 7H7E recently completed a West Coast tour with Demon Hunter and Living Sacrifice and has been in the studio grinding out another release. Here’s a little taste of what 7 Horns 7 Eyes will be serving up on their next album, video demos a guest solo from Jeff Loomis of Nevermore.

Swinglow brings their brand of hardcore to the world through their Ocean’s EP which they’re hoping to drop around February 20, 2010.

Becoming The Archetype these Georgia boys are getting ready to take their metal on the road to South Africa for a September 2010 tour. BTA is EPICally brutal and has some of the most creative tour concepts – Bring Your Own Beard Tour and Deliver Us From Emo (European Tour).

Whether its hardcore, metal, rap, punk, indie, pop, hip-hop, rock or the likes, we will bring you local music information and interviews to get you connected. We are fans supporting local music! Contact us with your insights, information and advertising/sponsorship ideas as we work together to keep things rocking.

HURDCORE.COM ANNOUNCING: co-sponsor w/ local artist Suganuts presenting Oregon’s First Everything Show (O1ES) coming to Riley’s in Albany, Oregon on March 27th. (124 Broadalbin ST) Working to make this show a mind-boggling conglomerate of talent that will be the first of many. Mixed genre show hosted by the very funny Will Woodruff.

Had the chance to exchange emails with an up and coming local band manager recently (as a plus he works with some of the hurdcore.com alumni). Music interests me and even at the primordial level, what goes on behind the scenes matters. All those who regulate with any hope to mount up in public some day will need to learn and master more than the machinery of their craft. I believe this hurdcore.com exchange with AAP’s William Quintana will be of value to bands who are looking to take their act on the road as well as those who love music and might approach it from the side stage.

Tell us a little about yourself and your company, what is your company called and when did you get started managing?

WQ My name is William Quintana. I am 17 years old and have been managing bands for the past 3 years. I have worked with and represented artists all over the United States and even one from France, every genre you can think of. My companies name is AAP (Artist Agency & Promotion).

Define what a band manager is?
WQ Band manager is a very loose term. It can mean many things.

What do you do for the bands you represent?
WQ Here are a few things I personally do for bands: Booking, promotion, management, artist and career development and much more. This includes helping with tours, art work, endorsement deals and all that jazz. I basically help bands look professional.

What bands have you dealt with and who are you working with now?
WQ There is a huge list. I am currently working with I Am The Monster and Abandon The Shore. Some bands I most enjoyed working with were Her Demise My Rise, Worthwhile, Swamp Monster, Sanctity In Silence, Aschemia and Ezerah. All super cool dudes.

What have been some of the best and worst experiences that you have had with bands, shows and managing in general?
WQ When shows go wrong it sucks. I know this is going to stir up drama, but I honestly don’t care. I booked a show at The Viaduct in Tacoma, Washington in January of 2009 with Chelsea Grin. They were on tour. They called me the night before asking if the show was still on, I said yes. The next day they texted me asking if the show was still on, once again I said yes. 30 minutes before the show starts the venue calls me asking where Chelsea Grin is, they missed load in. I call there contact and he says that they decided not to play because the snow was to bad and they figured the show would be canceled. Sometimes stupid things happen like this and it is incredibly frustrating. Good things are when shows get packed, landing endorsement deals for my artists, making money here and there, ya know, the obvious stuff!

When working to book a show, what are the key components that you look for?
WQ Don’t expect a “huge” band to promote a show alot. It never happens. They can draw with there name alone generally, but if there in the middle stages of being “huge” and being “small” its gonna be hard to draw based on there name alone and little promotion. Rely heavily on locals that will do there best to promote. The smaller the band is, generally the harder they’ll work to pack the venue.

For the band and/or manager out there who may be ready to start booking shows or even go on the road, what are some of the nuggets of wisdom that you have learned?
WQ Prepare for anything. Always have a backup plan for when something goes wrong. Also, expect to lose and make alot of money. Its ups and downs. Sometimes you’ll make some good cash, sometimes you’ll owe bands tons of money. Its a risky business. I currently do everything for free, because I wanted to get back to my roots of booking and having fun with it. If I don’t like the band, I won’t work with them. I don’t care how big they are. If they’re d***s, they will be removed from my roster. I also like to develop friendships with my bands. It puts trust in them.

We all know that there is a struggle to make a living as an artist, what have you discovered about how to make the most of what is available and even make money to cover expenses as a band?
WQ Don’t join bands. Manage bands, that’s the best advice I can give you. hahaha. Nah, just kidding. Its fun being involved with bands in any way possible. I was in a few bands back in Hermiston, where I used to live and loved it. I was the fill in bassist for Grab The Camera for one show and loved that as well. Made no money in any of those bands. Expect to be broke and not eat on tour.

Are there any key items/tools that no manager/band should be without?
WQ MYSPACE, MYSPACE, MYSPACE! Whore your company out on Myspace. Add as many friends as possible and make as many contacts as quickly as possible. Its the most helpful tool out there. There is also a dope website called Indie On The Move. Check that out if your a band needing help booking dates.

Any additional advice that you’d give to bands/managers looking to take their show global?
WQ Don’t be afraid to take risks. Send your info and resume to as many bands, companies, record labels and agencies as possible. Every person that hears about you is helping you get that much closer to being the biggest agency in the world. Trust me.

Contact or follow AAP and their roster of local talent.

HURDCORE.COM ANNOUNCING: Keep your eyes peeled as we prepare for Oregon’s First Everything Show (O1ES) coming to Riley’s in Albany, Oregon on March 27th. (124 Broadalbin ST) We will be having many great local artists of rap, r&b, rock, reggae, country, folk, dance, etc. This show will be the 1st annual of its kind and will be be hosted by The People’s Comedian – the very funny Will Woodruff.

What is it about first albums, where they just seem to be so much better? My assumption has been that most first albums encompass a lifetime leading to that official outlet through the freshman release. Whereas the sophomore album is typically written once a band has some level of notoriety, enough of a following to warrant a demand for more and that second release is written under pressure and/or on the fly.

From an outsiders point of view, it seems there are pressures which come into play when a band carves time out to create their second album which may not have had as much of a presence in the writing of the first release. Naturally the expectation of evolution comes into play and often with many faces. Whether this drive comes from within, where a band wants to develop and explore the limits or their artisanship. Or the compulsion is derived from outside stressors such as record labels, fan cravings and/or genre trends.

Fans and art are certainly subjective. We’ve seen bands who get criticized for never adapting while others are ostracized for changing their sound too much. Some bands change as a natural consequence of lineup alterations, this can be positive, seamless or such a redirect that it turns off a fanbase. The outcome of band progressions can be negative, positive or neutral with a spectrum ranging from decimation to opening a band up to a whole new arena of fans. There are many bands, regardless of how strong their initial release is, that don’t make it past their freshman year.

I will mention bands that I personally enjoy whom embody this perceived trend. The bands I note may only reveal the limited scope of my own musical influence, but if this topic resonates with you I’d love to hear your feedback and some of your own examples.

While the first album may not be the best in terms of technicality or overall quality, yet the character of some of those first albums cause them to stand out above any which follow. Freshman releases that come to mind in this category are:

Few Left Standing – while Wormwood was still good, it just didn’t quite have the moxie that Regeneration of Self carried.

In high school, no band hit the spot quite like Slick Shoes, their first release Rusty was addicting to me, combined with their second album Burn Out, I had them on constant repeat in the tape deck of my Datsun 210.

The Showdown took a turn towards southern rock for their sophomore release Temptation Come My Way, a notable step down from the pure intensity of their unmitigatedly metal initial release of A Chorus of Obliteration. Back Breaker trends back towards Chorus yet brings with it the depth of Temptation, an enticing translation of elements melding as this band continues to grow.

For straight to the edge classic punk rock, I can think of no better offering than Officer Negative, their 98’ release Dead to the World is a model for JCHC (Jesus Christ Hardcore) mixing lyrics that express a sincere faith with a pure understanding of how to play music that reaches beyond the ears.

Destroy the Runner made a significant change in sound from Saints (’06) to I, Lucifer (’08) which was received with mixed reviews but appears to have opened them to an expansion in their fan base. We shall see what a third offering from DTR might bring.

Embodyment made a huge change from Embrace the Eternal (’98) to Narrow Scope of Things (’00) that came primarily as a transition in membership, specifically the departure of vocalist Kris McCaddon. (For fans of Embrace, be encouraged that the long awaited sophomore release of THAT Embodyment has dropped as 3 of the original members are now teamed back together as The Famine)

I think it is worth noting a category for bands which would qualify for second-birth-first-albums, bands who went through a significant lineup change and seem to have come out as good or better.

My vote goes to two bands who with intense talent and patient commitment significantly laid pavement on that stretch of road through the late 90’s which arguably brought Christian metal out of obscurity. To date they aren’t the most known or popular bands of their era/genre but current bands know the significance of their contributions.

Living Sacrifice had developed intense credibility within metal in the early 90’s and the lineup change at lead vocals for 97’s Reborn carried that cred into what would become the new era for metal. Of similar note is Zao’s Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest which showed that being cookie cutter was not the path to success but ingenuity, brutality and even spirituality could co-exist in more than just our dreams and would serve as the model for future efforts by preceding bands.

Obviously there are exceptions to the first album generalizations, as some bands get better over time and/or with lineup changes.

While I thoroughly enjoyed Symphony in Peril’s Lost Memoirs and Faded Pictures, the 2005 release of The Whore’s Trophy displayed a significant growth in SIP’s musical progression.

San Diego based Christian punk band Dogwood’s initial release Good Ol’ Daze wasn’t bad, but Through Thick and Thin (’97) and Self Titled (’98) remain my favorite even though More Than Conquerors was solid and Building a Better Me had a different but welcome progression in the Dogwood sound library.

I’ve not been a Metallica fanatic but have no doubts about the historic significance of their contributions to the world of metal. I’d say that the recent releases, 2003 onward, stand out as a sort of re-re-birthing of Metallica. There are few fans, new or classic, that I know of mark St. Anger as an album of note yet their most recent (perhaps sophomore release of the “new” Metallica), Death Magnetic, is generating excitement and even opening a fan base for a band that spans several eras/progressions of metal—from post-classic, butt rock, heavy metal and nu metal—and continues to camp near the top in each of the last 3 decades.

I’d love to hear back from any readers out there, what are your thoughts on the topic? Agree or disagree and any albums you’d add to the list? Perhaps some bands may also shed some light on the difference between what goes into that first album and what follows with the sophomore release and beyond.

I have much enjoyed the selection afforded by outlets such as iTunes, but one of the downsides is that I don’t purchase or listen to full albums as much any more. I’m just not as exposed or familiar with the totality of a bands efforts, depth and arsenal of music.

At times there is nothing better than that old school punk edge with salty vocals summoning you to circle pit with your friends. From what I have seen recently the circles may be a thing of the past, but hearing Rendered Useless of Portland, Oregon reassures me that classic punk rock is far from dead. While the band is still primarily a local act and fighting to turn dreams into currency, they have made enough of an imprint to secure their song, “Rose City, Our City” not only into a rally cry for fellow Portlandians but the actual anthem for local soccer team the Portland Timbers (soccer too is alive and well on the West Coast). Rendered Useless continues to build upon the momentum of years past and are working to record a full length album for 2010.

Tell us a little about the history of the band. How did you all come together as musicians and at what point did you decide to take a serious run at going public with Rendered Useless?

RU Three of our boys (Brad, Caleb, and Omar) grew up together in the same small town of Hood River, OR and have known each other since they were kids. Guitarist Caleb and singer Brad had played together in various bands over the years and decided to start what became RU with Omar in the summer of 2008 with then drummer, Scoots. Guitarist Omar and bassist Guy had previously played together and Guy’s playing was a good fit for the sound. Things didn’t work out stylistically with Scoots and Benny stepped in on drums in early fall. Benny is a veteran of multiple projects and a transplant from the East-Coast.

It became obvious from the first few times we got together that there was something pretty special going on both musically and personally. Everything just seemed to “click”. We all got such a charge out of playing together! We got busy writing and arranging songs. We played our first “show” at The Matador in Portland as part of Benny’s birthday celebration. We only had four songs! The response from the crowd was so enthusiastic that we knew, without a doubt, that this thing was gonna take off. We worked hard to put a set together and set off into the scene to start networking and setting up shows.

Rendered Useless has that great old school punk edge, with salty vocals and high energy, how would you describe RU’s sound?

RU We all grew up listening to a lot of the same music and your description pretty much nails what we sound like. As individuals, we have a lot of the same musical sensibilities and influences. Combine that with our friendships, differences, life experiences, and common goals and you get our “sound”. It’s not really something we’ve crafted, but rather something that “happened” as a result of our coming together as this group.

When you write and play, what do you hope fans of Rendered Useless come away with?
RU When we write and play I think the essence of what was described above is translated to the audience. There’s a sense of camaraderie, a feeling of being “part of” at our shows. The music begs to be sang along with! We engage the crowd and make them a part of the show. It’s about having a good time with your friends and releasing some of the tension life has dumped on you. It seems to go over pretty well.

Rendered Useless is currently based out of Portland, Oregon – “Rose City, Our City!” What are some of the local influences that have helped the development of RU?

RU We love Portland! It’s our home, why not sing about it? “Rose City… Our City” is actually an anthem for our local soccer team, the Portland Timbers, and their fans (including us). There’s some pretty avid hooligans in this town! Other then that, there’s so many incredible bands and musicians in the Pacific NW that we can’t help but be influenced and inspired by them.

What are some of your favorite places locally to perform or attend shows? Where is the best and/or most unique place to eat in Portland?

RU Once again, there’s so many places to play in this town it isn’t even funny. We’ve played small rooms, large rooms, living rooms, basements, etc… you name it! Now where to eat in this town is even more complex then where to play! There is so much good food here that we couldn’t possibly relate all the cool joints in this interview. I’ll throw a quick plug for Eastside Deli on 46th & Hawthorne though cause they ROCK! Best $5.50 you’ll ever spend on a sandwich, hands down.

Rendered Useless is currently signed to Horns Up Records, how long have you been a signed entity and how has your relationship with Horns Up been?

RU Horns Up pretty much embodies our work ethic. It’s more of a co-op then a label. It’s about hard working, hard rocking bands getting together and helping each other out. Everyone involved is a musician. We met them in Jan ‘09 and it was quickly apparent that we’d be a good fit for their roster. They’re having their 1yr anniversary showcase this coming Jan 15th and the Tonic Lounge on 31st & Sandy in Portland, 9pm. We’re on the bill along with some other awesome bands, come out and show your support!

What were some of the highlights from 2009 for Rendered Useless and what are you looking forward to in 2010?

RU Through hard work we’ve landed some pretty cool shows, opening for the likes of A Wilhelm Scream, Death By Stereo, and Less Then Jake. We’ve gotten to play with so many other incredible bands from all over as well. Kinda hard to nail down the highlights! It’s all been pretty awesome so far. In 2010 look for our first full-length record and a tour of the Western US.

What are the weapons (instruments) of choice Rendered Useless?

RU Necessity being the mother of invention (as in we’re broke) we’ve all come to rely on function over form. Both guitarists play Epiphone Les Pauls, the bass is an old Fender Jazz, and the drums… we can’t tell you due to statutes of limitations!

Any funny and/or scary stories from recent shows or tours?

RU I’d have to say the best so far would have occurred at an event called “Creepshow”. It was a big deal with lots of different acts like fire-dancers, magicians, acrobats, suspensions , and of course, punk rock! We took the stage and there were many props off to the side for other acts. Most notably some black sandbags that were to weight down a pole for one of the dancers. They were next to Caleb, stage right. On that side of the stage there’s a stairwell.

Well… at some point Caleb managed to trip over the sandbags and fall head-over-heels off the stage and down the stairs. He managed to knock himself out and break is guitar into three pieces! Once we realized what had happened our friend Dillon (My Life In Black and White) hopped on stage and played the rest of the song. The stage crew had no intention of letting Caleb back on stage. We got the crowd to chant “Let Caleb play!” and after a little coaxing we got him back up there and finished out the show!

That guitar was his baby and he was crushed. We took what we were paid and pitched in a few more bucks and surprised him with a new one (in black this time) at our next rehearsal. We put it in his old case and as we were unloading the van told him to check it and make sure we’d grabbed all his cables. The look on his face was PRICELESS!!! He’ll never cop to it but I swear he shed a tear or two. Good times!

See more on Rendered Useless and concert information at their myspace

Just in case you were trapped in a time warp or stranded on a music barren island, hurdcore.com will share a few highlights from the year that was 2009…

Ransom by Becoming The Archetype blew me away with the haunting yet playful intro, pure brutality and the BTA signature lyrical sincerity. Props also for their rendition of the hymn classic How Great Thou Art as well (check BTA Myspace for audio)

Live Your Life by TI & Rhianna Laid back yet biting (Great hardcore cover by A Plea For Purging)

Balkanization by Besieged the way Besieged orchestrates competing elements of highs and lows, creating a sound that is blisteringly hardcore and yet non-traditional.

Just Dance by Lady Gaga “Just Dance, da-da-da-dance!” – What more needs to be said?!

R.I.P. -
Nodes of Ranvier (South Dakota)
66 Love Letters (Portland, Oregon)

Welcome Back –
The return of Living Sacrifice and [the real] Embodyment…er, I mean…The Famine

Perhaps the rocking-est treat of 2009 – the “Make Me Metal” video within the video for Malevolence by A Plea For Purging

A PLEA FOR PURGING “Malevolence”

Facedown Records – pre-order ONWARD TO OLYMPAS | MySpace Music Videos

So glad to have made the acquaintance and friendship of the local artists showcased throughout 2009 as Interview Alumni, local hardcore groups, hip-hop artists, rock bands, concert venues, causes…keep checking in with hurdcore.com – “fans supporting local music” – as we work together to discover and promote local music, venues and events.