Singing dreams may start in the shower, but once you’ve stepped out of the security of home and suited up for the stage, how do you keep your dreams from washing down the drain? All over the world there are bands who are emerging from behind the roll up door, to light up stages upon their local scenes, possibly even touring through their home states and if fortunate enough to embark upon national or international ventures. For love of music, for conviction of a cause or simply to chase the Benjamins, whether these artists are mega stars, start ups or somewhere in the middle, they share in the same challenge to keep the fire burning internally and bridge a connection with potential fans. The music landscape has become a hyrid of evolution utilizing the best of both traditional music powers in combination with user friendly technologies such as social networking and variations of pro tools. How does a band who stands in both worlds, a band who is neither an internet phenom nor a corporate chemistry experiment, continue to push itself to harvest the best of its internal creativity and build upon the foundation of support from a seasoned label? The members of Georgia based metal band Becoming The Archetype continue to helm a battleship of brutality that combines conviction with talent, grassroots craze with an international following as well as an epic metal sound with melodic progressions. With sticks ready for battle, BTA drummer Duck took some time to share his perspective on life, music and chasing the dream. Whether you are a fan or an artist in the grind, words from a veteran of the scene can encourage and challenge, especially from a man who wants to, “help you unfold your dang arms.”

As you look back on your discography, do you enjoy each release as its own monster or do you hear more of a progression towards what you’d like Becoming The Archetype to be?
Duck I would have to say yes to both. I like each album for what it is, but I love to hear how we have developed as song writers as well as entertainers.

To my ears, Becoming The Archetype has been on a steady ascent towards more of an epic sounding metal, there is a depth to your music that boasts both maturity that honors your roots and a perpetual growth that is challenges your genre. Who have been some of your influences that have shaped your approach to music?
Duck Individually we all listen to all kinds of things. This means we bring every kind of sound and colour to the table. We enjoy country, hip-hop, jazz, classical, and metal. As far as the epic metal, we are influenced by: Extol, Opeth, Dream Theater, Living Sacrifice.

Do you remember the first metal album you ever listened to?
Duck I think it was Embodyment: “Embrace the Eternal”, I just couldn’t get it out of my head. Either that or Living Sacrifice: “Reborn”.

Do you remember the moment when you decided you had to get the metal out of your system and the only solution was performing?
Duck I always knew I needed to perform, but metal came in around 2000.

Without a doubt in my mind your song “Ransom” was my favorite song from 2009 – from the haunting opening keys to the climactic chorus, “My hands have taught me terrible things, His hands have set me free!” I’m always enthralled with the depth of conviction that comes across in your lyrics especially when paired with your creative brutality.

Have you reached a place as a band where you can get the instruments to transfer all of the components you are attempting to express –where do you feel Becoming The Archetype is at in terms of mastering the communication process through music?
Duck I think that for the most part we have. Music has a way of expressing what we cannot say with words. If anything we have said many things already with our music that we do not have the vocabulary to express.

Last time we spoke, Count Seth was rather prolific in stating,

“Music is a portal to something deep within yourself. Other things can take you to those places, but for many people, music is the strongest connection to that place in their heart where the mind can’t enter. When you hear a certain riff, your heart feel like it gets pushed over two inches in your chest and there is no explaining it. That is what you try to do with a song. If your music doesn’t have that effect on a substantial amount of people, you’re doing something wrong.” (see hurdcore.com interview w/ Count Seth of BTA)

How have you seen your music connect with fans – are you at a point where you carry enough swag with you that connection is almost automatic or do you still have to work to get the crowd moving?
Duck That is a good question. The answer is a “yes” and “no”. At our shows there are always those who would not care how well we played and they would be blown away, in a manner of speaking of course. And there are those fans who are always positioned to go either way. I feel like I am that way too. I like the challenge of having to win people over. But, that assumes that they can be won. The world is fast becoming a place of cynicism. It is our language and currency. It is almost the norm for people to pay to go to shows only to go and fold their arms. I also admit to being that way. I hope that with our material, especially our new stuff where we can help people get back to when they thought things were cool. Or maybe they will just have fun. I am not sure how well that covered all of that question but it was certainly on my heart. We want to help you unfold your dang arms.

In the vein of observing the connection between artist and fan through music, I have a question that is perhaps pseudo-psychological…I recently finished Warren Wiersbe’s “50 People Every Christian Should Know” where he observes that Great Awakening preacher Jonathan Edwards, “Would first aim for the heart and move the affections before trying to instruct the mind.” I don’t believe Edwards nor Wiersbe argue for the power of formula over the Spirit, yet a principle is observed. Whether you group heart/affections or you treat this as heart, affections and mind distinctly, there is a perceived formula for connection with people:

HEART –> AFFECTIONS –> MIND.
In observing artists connecting to/with fans through music, would you say the channel is as simply normative as something like:
BEAT (music) –> ENERGY (performance) –> CONTENT (lyrics)?
Duck That is a very intricately worded question! Simply put, people are drawn to authenticity. So, if our spirit and heart are obvious and authentic; people are more willing to see and hear our words and thoughts. We have been captivated by grace and His kindness leads us to repentance. The fans for the most part are like a mob sometimes and when a fraud is spotted they quickly expel them. This taken to mind and heart; we should aim to be the best at all things that we do and do them with all of our hearts. They will see our good works and give Glory to whom it is due.

From what I understand, you have all taken more of a hands-on approach to editing and production, what is the writing and recording process like for Becoming The Archetype? Which comes first the music or the lyrics?
Duck The music certainly comes first. Sometimes the lyrics are not even all of the way complete before we are most of the way done recording the album. I think it is the setting of the studio that really lets us open up. The writing process is different for almost every song. For the most part however, one of us will come up with some riffs or a song skeleton. That person will bring it to practice or record it. We will all listen together and try whatever they envisioned and then elaborate from there. Sometimes it goes differently.

I know you have been playing at least one new riff at shows, where are you at in terms of preparing to head to the studio with new material?
Duck As of right now we have the skeletons of approx. 11 songs. A skeleton consists of a few riffs with some variation and some suggested transitions. We typically run through all of the ideas in pairs and then add one member at a time. It is a lot of fun but admittedly very exhausting.

Dudes! South African Tour in September 2010 sounds incredibly exciting. This will not be your first trip overseas but will be your first tour in that continent, what do you know about the state of metal in South Africa?
Duck As far as I know thy have a scene down there. Our message boards and sales reports tell us that they want us soon. We want them back. I really do not have much information on their scene but I know there are some pretty good bands coming out of there.

Metal can be pretty cut throat in America, have you found that fans are more or less receptive to Becoming The Archetype in places like Europe?
Duck Everyone in Europe has been amazing. I think they jump at the opportunity to come see us there because they don’t take us for granted. We are not just over there all the time.

What have been some of your favorite spots to play overseas?
Duck I love playing in Norway, Germany, Denmark, I really love them all.

Who have been your favorite mates overseas?
Duck We have so many friends over there it is so hard to think of who to name. Tobe our European tour manager, all of the guys from Sub-scene Norway. So many good memories flooding my brain right now.

Coming from local band to blazing trails with the Solid State crew and storming across the globe, how has the music scene changed over the last few years?
Duck It has changed through the sway of the internet. When we started it was a big thing but you still had to play whenever you could. Now, some of these bands are coming out of the woodwork it seems by virtue of Facebook and Myspace and other social networking sites.

How do you stay fresh in your approach to music?
Duck We stay fresh in our approach by branching out. We love to dive into other genres. We also try to lear other music and play with other people. It keeps us from getting musical cramps.

Do you remember your first show, your first tour, your first studio session?
Duck I remember our first and last everything. Our first show was a battle of the bands in which we were booed and mooned. Our first “tour” was mostly Virginia. That is a long story. And, our first real studio was with a guy named “Steve”. He was awesome and I realized then that I loved recording.

You are based out of Georgia, what were the early days for BTA like?
Duck The early days of the band consisted of collecting ourselves every Sunday at my house to practice and write. We practiced whether we needed it or not. I think that was god for our work ethic. We also played any show we could get onto, including some really awkward moments with Youth groups and New Years parties.

How has being a part of Solid State benefited what you want to accomplish as a band?
Duck Being on Solid State was what I wanted to do since I figured out what it was. That is the honest truth. It was a dream come true. They have let us do anything we wanted with the songs that we wrote and albums we have prepared. They have paid for us to record with some of the best in the business and bailed us out numerous times from the side of the road. They also give us killer distribution and promotion. What more could you want?

What were some of the highlights in 2009 for Becoming The Archetype?
Duck Playing the festival circuit is the highlight of almost every year for myself and the band collective. But, I would say that since we got to go to Europe that had to top it. That tour flat wore us out but, I would do it again in a second.

What are you looking forward to most in 2010?
Duck We look forward to this super busy summer. We are touring with some upstanding fellas. We are also heading to South Africa which has blown my mind a few times to think about.

You’ve been very straight forward in your lyrics and clear about your faith as a band. What do you do personally to keep your faith fresh, especially when on the road?
Duck Well, I read the scriptures daily and keep accountable with someone at home. I use the “Little Book of Hours” and the Lectionary to guide my studies. I also listen to podcasts and teachings from my favorite thinkers, as well as try to spend adequate time in silence.

Do you do anything corporately as a band to keep each other on point?
Duck To keep on point we like to play sports with each other and other bands. We also like to attend movies pretty regularly. Sometimes if a member is making bad decisions we lock them in the trailer with another member in the dark and they fight it out. You know the usual stuff.

As it relates to faith, who have been some of your greatest times of fellowship with other Christian bands?
Duck Some bands that have effected us are Showbread, the Overseer, Extol, Mortal Treason. There are also so many others. We have been blessed to have some really amazing tour mates over the years and sometimes even the bad stuff teaches us allot if we are in the right posture.

Is it ever a struggle to get tunnel vision and only grow as musicians? How important is it to develop as an individual, and what do you do to ensure you aren’t just defined by your music?
Duck I don’t think so. Honestly, it is easy to put your instrument down for a bit when you get home from a trip. But, your life is not something you can step out of in a realistic sense. Being an individual is what makes a band good. We each have a totally different approach to almost everything. Those differences file everything that we do down into the unit known as BTA. We each live our own lives and have interests and social circles that the others don’t fit into. I believe that is extremely healthy

Becoming The Archetype > Metal/Hardcore > Georgia > Solidstate Records
BTA’s third full length album with Solidstate, Dichotomy is available now wherever most records are sold – see BTA on Solidstate or BTA Myspace for more info and tour dates.

Becoming The Archetype is: Jason – Vocals/Bass; Count Seth – Guitar/Keys; Duck – Drums; Alex – Guitar.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

My first introduction to As I Lay Dying came several years back when murmurings about the band quickly turned into fandemonium, some of those discussions centered around whether a Christian based band could be THAT good while others wondered if they were REALLY Christians at all. It seems every few years there comes a band that soars beyond categories and genres to make an imprint upon those beyond their core fan-base who wouldn’t typically be interested in a similar band’s sound and/or message, As I Lay Dying has definitely been one of those rare groups. With the release and accompanying tour for their 5th and latest full-length album, The Powerless Rise, it’s near inconceivable to fathom of a more-better-er As I Lay Dying, yet comments from band members and early reviews all seem to indicate that these San Diego based metalcore gents have raised the bar yet again. We recently had a chance to complete our first phone interview and incredibly enough it was with with bassist and background vocalist Josh Gilbert, a young man who is foremost a fan of music and just happens to be a member of one of the hottest as well as one of the most grounded acts in all of music. Take a moment to peer behind the curtain with us and if you haven’t already, get yourself a copy of The Powerless Rise by As I Lay Dying!

So, you are from Birmingham, Alabama, how did you get hooked up with this band based out of San Diego, California?
Josh Gilbert I’ve been playing metal or hardcore music ever since I was 14 or 15. The last band [This Endearing] that I was in won a contest for The Cornerstone New Band Showcase. It’s a contest where the fans vote for bands from all over, the top 6 get to play at Cornerstone and we won 3rd place. We had a new drummer and he had met the guys from the band [As I Lay Dying] when he was working with another band on Pluto Records. This guy Eric who worked for Pluto Records and also did A&R for Metal Blade sent a demo to Tim Lambesis, but nothing really came of it at the time. Our band soon broke up due to two members getting signed for another band that they were in. When Clint left As I Lay Dying, Tim called Eric who suggested me and it ended up that Tim called me for a tryout. I flew out to San Diego and they offered me to go on sort of a tryout tour, as they had done with a few other guys previously, and they decided to offer me the spot as bassist for As I Lay Dying.

Are you still living in Birmingham and commute to California or have you since moved to San Diego?
JG When I first started with the band, I drove out and lived there for about the first year and a half but we’re always on the road with touring and I would go home after tours. It didn’t make sense to keep a place in San Diego where it’s more expensive while I was on the road so I moved back to Birmingham for about another year and a half. When we started recording this new album [The Powerless Rise] I moved back to San Diego.

We all love the rumble of the earth that comes from a great baseline but not everyone appreciates the art/science behind the instrument. How do you approach writing and pushing yourself as a bassist?
JG There are so many different bassists and approaches to styles, there’s a fine line between being interesting and taking away from what the guitars are doing. As I Lay Dying, especially for this latest album, at times has five or more layers going already, so there are some areas where we lead into a song with just the bass and drums or a few flavor licks but doing so without taking away from the other elements and layers. Pre-2007 the albums had bass primarily played by the rhythm guitarists for the recordings. For the 2007 album [An Ocean Between Us] the parts were pretty much already written, so I learned the parts and played them. With this album we did a lot more with the bass and playing with things like leads so that’s been cool but nothing too crazy, I’m not looking to be on the cover of Bass Player magazine or anything like that. [laughs]

You primarily stick with the 4 string base, have you ever played around with 5 or 6 string models?
JG I really don’t know all that many metal or hardcore bands that use 5 or 6 string basses, I mean there are bands that use them but not that many who actually use them. I mean, there are some people that do and I totally respect that, like Alex Webster of Cannibal Corpse or like Les Claypool of Primus. I respect people that want to use them but it’s pretty rare that they get full use out of it and you can only go so low, something crazy like Drop Z tunings or whatever. People say they need to tone down but there aren’t that many tunings that require an extra string or people who actually get the full use out of that extra string or something that you couldn’t do with a 4 string.

The two things I keep hearing about this album, The Powerless Rise, are that it will be heavier and that you all are excited about the layering. In working to improve your sound, are you mindful of the balance between the drive to experiment with your sound and keeping an edge to what makes your sound unique – were you all conscientious during recording to push your sound without losing it?
JG I really don’t think so, it’s not that we’ve changed the sound. The layering best describes the vibe-ier songs from the last album [An Ocean Between Us] like Forsaken. So it’s not like we’re changing the sound but getting more of that Pink Floyd esque layering and leads. Our songs are still to the point, we won’t have any 8 minute songs or anything, but really worked to bring out the feelings and bring out more of the elements that were part of the last album.

I’ve read/heard that Tim and you dedicated a lot more time to the vocals as well to finely tune the sound that you wanted for this album.
JG For the vocals we spent a lot more time on them than we did in the past but not in the sense that we changed anything. In the past we would spend less than a week and they were more rushed, now we spent at least two and a half weeks of legitimate pre-production. We even recorded two months ahead of time to get more of a feel and work out the kinks with the choruses. For the last album we were writing choruses as we were recording but with the preparation we experimented more with singing, the takes were so much better and stronger.

So your part has a lot more to do with the melodic and singing elements? How did the extra time dedicated to vocals play out with the recording?
JG Yes, my vocals are all singing, I don’t do any of the yellier or screamier parts. Again, nothing is really changed for the sound just the singing and guitar parts were more planned. The vocals match the melodies rather than by chance and not as rushed, so not a change in sound as much as making the vocals much more of a focus.

You’ve been involved with music from a young age, so aside from you talent and love for music, what keeps you grinding?
JG I couldn’t imagine not being interested in music. In this band, we all are fans of music, even this last Tuesday we all ran out to get the new Deftones album just because we love music. I never been like, “I’m bored so I’m just going to pick up a guitar.” It’s just what I am programmed to do and even outside of it being an occupation I can’t imagine not being involved with music in some way.

You all have been pretty forward about your beliefs, even in your previous bands you personally have made your message an emphasis. How have you seen/heard your music making a difference?
JG There have been all kinds of crazy stories that we hear about, of course Tim [Lambesis] hears a lot more of those, but stories of the lyrics to our songs helping people in some similar struggle or saying something like, “Your music convinced me not to kill myself.” In a less direct way, which is important to me, we try to go on tour with bands that don’t share the same beliefs as we do in our band. I’d say most of the bands we tour with don’t share or agree with what we believe. We’re want to be “just dudes”, rather than becoming someone’s friend just to get “your moment” where you can harvest their soul for the Lord or something. I think people see past that kind of agenda and sense that you’re out for your motives rather than just being someone’s friend which is more effective. Every now and again there will be a band or dudes who don’t share our beliefs but will say something like, “You surprise us with how you are, not making us feel awkward about what we are doing.” I think just being dudes it’s the first step to making a change in how people perceive things and it’s better than just beating people over the head with something.

In the vein of making a difference with your music, is there a theme or meaning behind The Powerless Rise?
JG The first thing that you see on the album is the artist’s depiction of our original idea for the cover. There’s an upside down crown, which whenever you turn a symbol upside down it’s usually a sign of disrespect. Like if you don’t believe in Christianity and you turn the cross upside down or when people don’t agree with countries they turn their flag upside down. Our lyrics address how the focus of people is on having money as the key to political or social power, where that is all we are striving for in America and really all over the world, not just America. Like somehow if you have money and power that will equal happiness. The title for this album comes from the song Upside Down Kingdom. The whole message is about simplicity, but simplicity is seen as like a small house and only having one TV – God forbid. It may not be a glamorous life but more value on simplicity would bring us closer to a community rather than just being about ourselves, cars, houses or money. This record sort of calls that out, calls ourselves [in the band] out, on putting merit in things that really don’t matter.

Man, you guys have played everywhere, on some of the largest stages nationally and internationally, will this be your first time to Oregon [on Tuesday, May 18th at The McDonald Theatre in Eugene]?
JG Since I’ve been in the band, we’ve been to Oregon a few times. I know we did like two shows there and at least one stop with the Warped Tour a couple years back which I think was in Portland. I think this will be my fourth trip to Oregon with As I Lay Dying and probably the eighth time or so for the band.

As I Lay Dying has been all over the world with stops in places like Indonesia, Singapore, Europe and more, do you have a favorite place to tour overseas?
JG I think if we had a favorite, other that being in the states, it would have to be Germany.

What makes Germany so special?
JG The fans over there just go nuts about metal. It’s the only place that I know of where hard music and metal top the charts and the fans are so enthusiastic.

When you are overseas are the crowds different from fans here in America? Do you ever look out into the crowd and see moves that just blow you away?
JG No, not really. It’s pretty much the same as far as new dances, I wish there were unique or crazy moves in other places like a human triangle or something but everything is pretty much the same. Especially with the internet, everyone can see what everyone else is doing.

Whereas some bands seem to wrestle with whether to be public about their faith and defining themselves, you’ve been pretty upfront with your position as a band. What do you do personally to keep your faith fresh, especially when on the road?
JG A lot of us have churches that we go to when we are at home and we all used to bring our personal Bibles when on tour but now with the internet there are so many tools and internet Bibles where you can just find what you are looking for so much faster. You can find basically anything on any topic and its really useful. There will be times when we are stressed and we’ll all sit down and talk, not always like a Bible study, but sometime we’ll do that depending on what is needed. Again, with the internet you don’t have to scour the Bible to look for something, not that that doesn’t matter or isn’t good, but when you are on the road there is so much going on and being worn out so having that easy access is huge.

As I Lay Dying > Metal/Hardcore > San Diego, CA > Metalblade Records
The Powerless Rise available now nearly everywhere – Metalblade, Best Buy, Hot Topic, iTunes…Currently on tour with Demon Hunter, Bless The Fall and War of Ages (see AILD Myspace or AILD Website for more info and tour dates)

As I Lay Dying is: Tim Lambesis – Vocals; Phil Sgrosso – Guitar; Josh Gilbert – Bass/Vocals; Nick Hipa – Guitar; Jordan Mancino – Drums. If you are new to As I Lay Dying, fan favorites include Nothing Left and 94 Hours or for a more melodic feel, check out Forsaken – or just take the plunge and get yourself The Powerless Rise!

OREGONIANS – As I Lay Dying w/ Demon Hunter, Bless The Fall and War of Ages on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ The McDonald Theatre. May 16 @ The Knitting Factory in Boise, Idaho and May 17 @ The Knitting Factory in Spokane, Washington.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

At times the hardcore music genre can seem like a state sponsored fishing hole, with an annual stocking of nameless bands drawing both avid fans as well as the fresh-from-Walmart posers looking for the next big catch only to find that soon after opening day the crowds die down and many of those dream catches were less than advertised. Demon Hunter continues to break the mold both musically and creatively, each year further endearing their die hard hunter-core to the mission of “storming the gates of hell” while simultaneously expanding their fan base by blowing the minds of those joining the hunt for the first time. With a complexity to their music that bears the edge of projects long deceased (note Training for Utopia) they continue to wrestle the sharpest melodic elements and fuse them with components that are just plain brutal. Demon Hunter has forged a sound which causes listeners to sing along, enticed by a depth in content, conviction and tonal package that will keep pits circling long into the night. To a large degree, Demon Hunter is a reflection of its lead singer and founding member, Ryan Clark, who is both a dominating presence as a creative mastermind as well as a man of clear convictions yet also a very private and humble individual. The Clark brothers have crafted a brand in Demon Hunter that serves as a model for successful marketing in the indie music scene without selling out your personal or musical values. Ryan continues to carry the mantle after his brother Don decided to step away from his role within Demon Hunter at the end of 2009, but this “newly” formed Demon Hunter will continue to challenge, inspire and motivate global hunters to carry their convictions forward, cowering to no one.

Are you originally from Seattle? How much do you enjoy local culture there and how has the local scene helped you get to where you are today?
RCI was born in Southern California, raised in Central Oregon and Northern California, and I moved to Seattle almost exactly 10 years ago. I love Seattle. Not every aspect of it, but it’s certainly my favorite place on earth. It’s an incredibly diverse city, and there’s never a shortage of things to do. Mountains an hour away, on the ocean, Portland and British Columbia 2 hours away, thriving arts and music scene. On the other side of the coin, I do hate the bleeding-heart hippie culture (which is massive here) and all of their phony compassion (honestly, they’re like the angriest, coldest people on earth), but truly, living in a city with such adversed ideals to my own makes for great lyrical material. I don’t have to go very far to see and understand who my enemies are.

If I recall correctly, you were raised as PKs (Preacher’s kids), what was that like growing up? Your music has never been “church music” by any stretch, were your parents always supportive of your music or have they grown into Demon Hunters?
RC Yea, that’s correct. When we were growing up, it was a love/hate thing for sure. Especially in our teens, we were probably more uncomfortable with the idea that it wasn’t cool or whatever. That’s just how kids are… some of those kids take that mentality into their adulthood and stay bitter at the church, and some are able to see it for what it is. I think that usually comes down to two factors: how your “church” experiences were (how great/terrible the people of said church were), and the effectiveness of parenting. If you attended a legalistic, judgmental church… chances are you are going to have a very jaded view of church or Christianity in general.

Our parents were awesome. They instilled values in us without being overbearing. It took them a little bit to get used to the style of music that we became so involved in, and the aesthetic that followed, but their real concern was in regard to our character. They’ve come to really appreciate our music and they’re extremely proud of what we’ve done.

The metal power duo of Clark & Clark (Ryan & Don) have been together since birth, how did this evolve into your earlier musical ventures such as Training for Utopia?
RC Well, our musical tastes progressed at a very similar pace… we liked old hip-hop growing up (Beastie Boys, Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, etc.) and when we were in our young teens, we were turned onto punk rock by some friends (Pennywise, Bad Religion, Face To Face, etc.), around the same time, we were also getting into metal (Pantera, Sepultura, Metallica). Punk and metal gave way to hardcore… and that was really the scene that we dove into.

I started a hardcore band called Focal Point in 1993 and we were signed in 1995… shortly after, Don started a noisy hardcore band called Training For Utopia. After one tour, Focal Point was ready to hang it up, and ironically TFU had lost their singer at the same time. I assumed the vocalist position in TFU, and that was the start of about 15 years of doing music together.

The Clark brothers have a deep portfolio of music, especially when it comes to styles as you’ve ranged from hardcore, industrial and now metal. While Demon Hunter retains a thread of heavy lyrics and music with an edge, each progression seems to have a dynamic sound all of its own. What is different about your perspective on life and music that has come to craft the sound for Demon Hunter?
RC I would really chalk it all up to a disinterest in being “cool” or “current,” by way of maturing through a vast number of flash-in-the-pan trends. In the past, we were definitely wrapped up in whatever was happening at the time, and that was fine. However, from the very beginning with Demon Hunter, it was our goal to do something that didn’t fall under the umbrella of a fleeting scene. The fact that Demon Hunter happens to have a broader appeal than our previous projects has nothing to do with selling out our own musical tastes. Our influences are almost solely from the 90’s. The music that we create with Demon Hunter is out of pure love for a particular sound and style. The progression that you hear from record to record is just a natural maturity process- finding our style, and honing it, building upon it.

There was a hiatus from music, at least front-lining in a band, between Training For Utopia and your resurgence as Demon Hunter, was there some burnout in performing and touring with music? What got the wheels turning for Demon Hunter?
RC The biggest factor was moving to Seattle. TFU was kind of falling apart, due to a shift in priorities… and we really had to wait to get our feet planted in Seattle before feeling comfortable enough to start playing again. The desire to write and play music was/is always there.

You’ve been successfully involved with several facets of music outside of performing, from Asterik Studios, to Invisible Creature and art direction for Solid State and Tooth & Nail. Did you set out to be involved with graphic design professionally or did this aspect of your creative nature develop more organically?
RC The visual art career for me was a very organic thing. I’ve always enjoyed drawing, painting, etc. but when I got to be an adult, I didn’t really know what to do with any of it. My brother had been designing for a number of years… and when we moved to Seattle, I really started taking an interest in graphic design. Shortly after I’d really started dabbling in design, a job opened up in the T&N art department. Although my knowledge at the time was VERY limited, Brandon Ebel (owner) took a chance on me and gave me the job. I’ve been the art director here for over 9 years now. Asterik Studio and Invisible Creature both happened while I’ve been here at T&N… they’ve all kind of coincided together.

Demon Hunter takes a pretty balanced approach to music, you guys hit the road hard, but you seem to take your time between tours. Is this a calculated approach to music or more a reflection of your other commitments?
RC Our lack of constant touring has everything to do with our non-band commitments, however, this schedule really worked in our favor. I think a lot of bands tour too much and become somewhat played out. Kids get tired of seeing them every few months and they lose interest. With us, it’s become such an event when we play live, because it’s so seldom. And this means that a lot of fans show up when we play, because if they don’t, it’ll be a while before they get another chance. I don’t think it would work for every band, but this has been a really successful formula for us.

Aside from your hands-on work with art direction at Solid State, you’ve been personally involved in recognizing and developing upcoming bands such as Becoming The Archetype and The Ascendicate. Do you seek out these relationships or as a fan of music are there bands that just grab your attention and you can’t resist promoting?
RC There are a few bands over the last 10 years that have really grabbed my attention… and I felt that if I didn’t reach out and make something happen, nothing would. So despite my job not being that of an A&R rep here at the label, I’ve kind of assumed that position from time to time, in order to work with these bands that I’ve really believed in. Brandon (Ebel) being so cool and trusting, has allowed me to wear that A&R hat from time to time. All-in-all, I’m just a huge champion of the label, and I love the ability to contribute in any way.

This album and tour will showcase a revamped Demon Hunter, most notably the absence of Don, what has been the biggest impact of this transition musically and how hard was it to fill the voids? We definitely want to respect your privacy, are you willing to elaborate any on why Don chose to step away?
RC Absolutely. Don’s reasons for leaving are not necessarily a private matter. It was essentially a shift in priorities. He runs Invisible Creature, and it was getting harder and harder for him to close up shop to tour or record. For me, I’m able to take time off from work, and come back and jump right back into the saddle. For him, it was a real risk when he left each time, hoping that the phone would start ringing the day he returned. Add 2 kids to that equation (the only kids of anyone in the band) and his decision had become a really clear one.

You’ve noted that The World is a Thorn explores greater depths in both technicality and brutality, even elaborating earlier this year, “We’re definitely still working with the DH formula of groove-oriented heavy mixed with melodic… but the heavy is usually faster this time around. And the melodic tends to be a little darker, little moodier.” (Interview w/ Indie Vision Music) What excites you most about the progression in sound that will be heard on this album?
RC I feel like this album is a very natural progression for the band… but in the least boring way, if that makes sense. In other words, we’re a band that isn’t going to stray terribly far from the overall style that we’ve created over the years… but at the same time, we obviously like to keep things interesting with each record. I thing the songs on this record are extremely solid, well-written, well-executed, and are the best version of Demon Hunter to date.

You’ve crafted a PR blitz with 50 Days of Demon Hunter and a tour that includes As I Lay Dying and War of Ages, 2010 is looking like a big year for DH, does the band have any more tricks up their sleeve?
RC Well, at this point we’re just anxious to get out on the road. That’s all that we have on our radar at the moment… but I’m sure we’ll be brainstorming some new ideas very soon.

From The World is a Thorn your song “LifeWar” is basically an autobiographical retrospective on your life, yet most of your music is very personal, is there a song that stand out to you from this album?
RC That song stands out a lot to me, actually, because it is a little more personal and autobiographical. Songs like Tie This Around Your Neck and Collapsing are also stand-out tracks to me. I feel like those songs were maybe more inspired than others.

Your beliefs as a Christian have always come across in your music, what do you do to keep your faith fresh?
RC As for my faith, I do my best to read as often as I can. I get a lot from the Bible and a handful of other books. The last book I read was called The Mortification Of Sin, which was great. I also like to surround myself with like-minded people… but I have a lot of non-Christian friends that, believe it or not, really allow me to understand why I believe what I do.

“Collapsing” shares some of your perspective of living and sharing the gospel with others, in a sense you admit that many are not receptive to the truths that you hold dear yet you believe it is still important to be active in proclaiming truth. How do you approach sharing your faith as an individual (outside of Demon Hunter) and as an artist (through DH)?
RC With DH, it’s easy… I write it, sing it… you can listen or not, but I’m going to wear my beliefs on my sleeve. That’s my platform to do so, and that’s what you’re going to get. That’s the beautiful thing about being in a band- No one has to ask your opinion and you can give it anyway.

With daily life, it’s much more about getting on a personal level. I’m usually not one to speak directly into someone’s life before knowing them. I think people see that as intrusive, and are easily turned off by strangers telling them how to live. Now, I do believe in a generally black and white guideline for living… but if you have a relationship with someone, then you may gain their trust, understanding, respect… and I think you’re much more likely to meet them on an effective level.

Demon Hunter > Metal/Hardcore > Seattle, WA > Solidstate Records
The World Is A Thorn available now nearly everywhere – Solidstate, Best Buy, Hot Topic, iTunes…Currently on tour with As I Lay Dying, Bless The Fall and War of Ages (see DH Myspace or DH Website for more info and tour dates)

Demon Hunter is: Ryan Clark – Vocals; Jonathan Dunn – Bass; Yogi Watts – Drums; Patrick Judge – Guitar; Ryan Helm – Guitar

OREGONIANS – Demon Hunter w/ As I Lay Dying, Bless The Fall and War of Ages on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ The McDonald Theatre. May 16 @ The Knitting Factory in Boise, Idaho and May 17 @ The Knitting Factory in Spokane, Washington.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

In late 2009, Hopecore.com burst upon the music scene, with an innate ability to delve into and capture the inner workings of some of today’s most premiere artists who have donned the positive/Christian-rock mantle. From their inaugural issue cover which boasted an interview with Stephen Christian of the ever popular indie band Anberlin, to the second issue followed with a cover by hardcore August Burns Red and then the master of all things musical Aaron Gillespie for issue #3, hopecore has established themselves as a legitimate entity. Hopecore.com shows it has muscle to flex through their hard work, roots in the industry and the quality of their product. With the word of mouth growing around their e-zine through fans, musicians, promoters and happy advertisers, hopecore.com is fast building an entertainment medium that is both niche and diverse. Our thanks to Jameson and Jeremy for taking the time to share.

Jameson has done some work with To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), how long did you work with this organization and what did you do there?
Jameson Ketchum I did a fall internship there in 2008. I mainly did merch orders/organization/shipping as well as working a festival or two and answering MySpace questions. I also worked Heavy and Light 2009 doing merch for Jon Foreman, Dustin Kensrue and Renee Yohe.

What were some of the most valuable lessons that you learned while with TWLOHA and how has this experience helped prepare you for your venture with Hopecore?
JK I learned how key organization and planning are when it comes to running a business or non profit. I learned that good communication and honesty can put you head and shoulders above the rest. I enjoyed my time at TWLOHA and made some lifelong friends, some of which I still talk to daily.

For those who may not be familiar with TWLOHA, what is it and what do they do?
JK To Write Love On Her Arms is a non profit organization that helps fund and find treatment for those struggling with depression, addiction, self injury and suicide. They exist to provide care and comfort to those facing these issues. They have some amazing and exciting things coming in the future so keep up to date with them at www.twloha.com.

When did you initially conceive of Hopecore and what was the process that you went through to get everything up and running?
Jeremy Seick Growing up this is something I always wanted to do. I really felt a calling on my life. Hopecore.com started as a project while I was still attending Western Oregon University to get some hands on experience. Doors started flying open though, with connections and a designer and people caught on and liked it. So After college I decided to see where it took me and let it grow into what it is today. And it is still growing.

Initially I worked remodel and construction for a summer and then went out and bought all the equipment I thought I would need. We continue to add things all the time as we continue to grow. It is really crazy to think about how things came together in the early stages, it is seriously only by divine appointment.

Who have been the key players and supporters who helped get Hopecore rolling?
JK So many people have been immensely supportive of this endeavor. Friends and family have stepped forward to provide for us financially and through endless prayer. Almost all of the bands that we have played on the radio station and covered in the magazine show great support for what we do. A few that stand out are Veil Arms Clothing and Come & Live! Also, bands and people like Fallstar, Aaron Gillespie, Demi Lovato and I Am Alpha and Omega have showed continued support over the past year. We are so thankful for these relationships.

JS Definitely without the support of my family this thing would be nowhere. They have allowed me to dream and helped me in whatever way they can whether financially or spiritually or whatever. It takes a lot of trust to in this vision for them to support me like they do and I will never be able to thank them enough for that. We also have a list of supporters that send checks every month and keep this thing going. They do it because they believe in the message, it is truly amazing. We are so blessed to have such great friends and family.

How/where are you distributing the magazine? Where can readers get a copy of the latest issue?
JK The magazine is available completely free online only. We have discussed moving to print eventually but we are just keeping a careful eye on the trends in publications to make the best informed decision. For now, we are happy to present our content for free on our website in the hopes that people can learn and draw from the information given.

What about Hopecore sets it apart from other comparable publications?
JK To be honest, there aren’t a lot of publications covering what we cover. We have a very distinct vision for what we want to present to people and being fans ourselves, we believe we ask the questions that the average fan wants to ask. There are a few other similar websites and magazines but we hope that we are able to stand out from the pack in one way or another.

JS We pride ourselves on understanding our peers and what is relevant at the time. It takes a lot of time and effort to stay up on everything but at the end of the day it is really the best job you could ask for.

You primarily feature Christian artists, are you an exclusively Christian publication?
JS There is an underlying theme that runs through all the bands and organizations that we cover and in that is found something more than music, it is a reason for music. That is what we are about. Bands come and go and style and genres change, but the reason for those things stay the same. For me, if it were only about the music it would be a waste of my time.

How else are you involved with the music/entertainment scene both locally and nationally?
JK We both have our hands in other projects such as tour managing/planning/booking as well as publicity. Jeremy is currently working with a great Boise artist called Your Friend, Peter Giles who everyone should keep an eye out for this summer. I contribute to several other music magazines as well as do publicity for Pig Cloth Clothing, Fallstar and Pistolita. I also work on getting bands involved with a non-profit called Faceless International which aims to educate people on the plight of human trafficking victims all around the world.

Currently you are based in Boise, Idaho, how did you arrive there?
JS I have always liked Boise. Mom at The Venue is incredible and she pours her heart into this scene and the kids here and bringing relevant acts through so that was a big draw. Also our design guy works full time in political advising here so being closer to him and being able to meet up at the office and work was a big pull. All in all though just like everything else we do here, sometimes you just hear the Lord say do this or that and you just do it. He is always faithful.

JK I arrived here about six months after Jeremy did. After a few life changing experiences, I decided that school was no longer for me and I decided to make the move to Boise.

Is music alive and well in Boise? What seems to be popular right now in Boise? Any local acts that we should keep our eyes out for?
JK Yes! It is alive and kicking! Boise is indie through and through and we couldn’t love the scene more. Please have a listen to Your Friend, Peter Giles (www.myspace.com/youfriendpetergiles) as well as We Won the Science Fair (www.myspace.com/wewonthesciencefair). These are two great acts who you’ll be hearing more and more about soon!

JS Definitely check out those bands! It is crazy to see how many solid bands have come up from Boise in the last year we have been here.

Jameson, you used to reside in Canby, Oregon, correct?
JK I grew up near Portland, yes.

What do you miss most about Oregon?
JK Boise is a beautiful city but there is no place like home. I miss the forest and trees and overall atmosphere. Portland gets a lot more shows than Boise does so that is always a downside.

How involved were you with local music when you were in Oregon?
JK In Oregon I worked (and still do) with Fallstar mainly. My mom works at a local high school there so she is always passing new and local bands on to me when I can’t keep up. The next time I visit I’m stoked to check out this new band called My Mantle.

Are all of your writers, artists and photographers on staff at Hopecore?
JK: Hopecore.com is run by three people, myself being one of them. We have a few occasional contributing writers and we are always stoked to have Levi the Poet write for us (www.myspace.com/levithepoet). We have a few very talented friends like Tim Riley (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trileyphoto) who graciously take photos for us when they are available. Seriously, Riley is one of the most talented photographers I’ve ever known.

Where do you receive the bulk of your content for HC from?
JK Our content is gathered through our contacts with either the band members themselves or through some very helpful and talented publicists which, without them, our job would be much harder.

What are some of the greatest challenges to creating a viable entertainment publication?
JK I would say just promotion. Its hard getting your name out there but God has continued to provide for us month after month through either financial help, word of mouth or, in a very freak situation, the endorsement of a Disney star. Its certainly a tough job keeping up to date with all the current events but again, great publicists make it happen for us.

What keeps you excited and moving forward with Hopecore?
JK The excitement of never knowing whats coming next keeps me going. Every day is so different here. Just when you think its going to be another boring day, awesome things happen! We actually just got off the phone with a friend about some very exciting news coming our way next month! You just never know. Also, the knowledge that kids are reading our magazine and they are gaining insight from these articles and reviews is huge. The hope that they can walk away with something positive and uplifting that they can apply to their own lives is such a big motivator. Also, we love our jobs! We are fans just like everyone else so we are stoked to talk to some of our heroes and artists we respect each day as well.

How receptive have bands/artists been to your zine?
JK All acts have been very pleased with the end results. That isn’t to say we haven’t ever made a typo, (laughs) but everyone we have checked in with has been very happy with their pieces.

JS Some of the support that we have received from larger acts like August Burns Red, The Almost, The Rocket Summer and For Today (to name only a few!) blow me away. This thing has come a long ways in the last year, and it is support like these that will carry us through another great year.

Are there any acts you have been efforting and haven’t been able to nail down yet?
JK There have been a few that we have never caught up with, mostly due to scheduling issues. But we will get them eventually! We would have loved to get the inside story on breakups such as Copeland and As Cities Burn but it just wasn’t in the cards.

What feedback are you getting from readers and sponsors?
JK We get great feedback from readers, sponsors and advertisers. Most advertisers have seen big increases in their sales or numbers after running an ad with us. We are so fortunate to have such good relationships with the people who choose to support us. We couldn’t be more thankful for these people and these relationships.

JS We would not be able to do this without the support of the readers! So thank you! We want this to be about you guys, so connect with us via email or twitter or whatever and let us know your thoughts on what we are doing and what you would like to see in the future. We really do care about what you have to say, so please get a hold of us!

Can we expect to see HC at national music events such as Tomfest (Stevens, Washington), Cornerstone (Illinois) or Creation (George, Washington)?
JK We loved doing Tomfest and we were vendors at that event for the past two years. Tomfest is family as well as one of the highlights of our year and we wish its future plans all the best. As far as the others go, we’ll just have to wait and see if those are places that God will lead us. We are certainly looking forward to RevGen in September!

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

At hurdcore.com we have the privilege of meeting and introducing our fellow fans to the hardworking bands throughout our great nation. Whether these bands will remain as local treasures or others will find/make their break and forge a deep run though the several layers of entertainment success. Will Breitner has distinguished himself as one of the hardest working musicians at the local level in the Portland area, spearheading several bands, each with their own unique identity, collaborating with like minded musicians to promote local shows and pioneering his own effort to enable grassroots artists to begin the recording process. On Saturday, April 24th, 2010 Mr. Breitner will be organizing and performing with several other local artists in an all day metal extravaganza for the first Savage Fest to be hosted at the Camas Courthouse in Washougal, Washington. This event will showcase some of Washington and Oregon’s finest metal bands while simultaneously demonstrating what hard work and local collaboration can produce. Join the hurd and come get your metal on!

Is the Camas Courthouse an actual functioning courthouse?
WB Yes it is. It sometimes makes shows difficult actually because on Fridays you can only rent it out after 5pm.

Will SAVAGE FEST be indoors or outdoors?
WB It will be indoors

What can you tell us about the venue, why did you choose this site?
WB I chose the venue because the room is a little smaller, perfect for getting in around 150 kids and having a really intimate atmosphere where the bands can be directly interacting with the fans and friends who are at the show. There is an actual stage in the venue, but it is only about a foot off the ground, so like I said, the bands are right up in your face which is awesome as a listener.

For those, like myself, who are unfamiliar with Camas, WA – what types of food selections are there and how nearby to the show will they be?
WB Well there are a few options. Right next to the venue, there is a Burger King, Subway, Starbucks & Chevron and then if you go about a mile into the actual town of Camas you have Burgerville, Dairy Queen, Top Burger & more gas stations.

Even though this is an all day metal extravaganza, there is quite a range of sub-genres within that metal umbrella which will be on display, tell us some about the music and performers we will be seeing?
WB Well I like my shows to be diverse so you aren’t seeing the same band 18 times in one day and kids don’t get burnt out after the third band and decide to leave or something. I have two acoustic acts, a couple of rock acts, some metalcore, some straight up thrash metal, and then of course some death metal thrown in the mix. I think that diversity makes for an awesome show.

How did you select the bands and the lineup, are these all bands you know personally?
WB I selected the bands because they are pretty much all close friends of mine and great people. There isn’t a single band on the show that I haven’t worked with before and haven’t performed with before.

You are an impressive young man who wears several hats within the local music scene. You perform, promote, record and what else are you involved in?
WB Haha well thank you very much! I just try to do everything possible to put the fire back in our scene basically. I try to help my friends’ bands with getting endorsements and bigger shows and out of town shows and whatnot because I love music more than anything in the world. Me and my best friends that compose my main band …And The Sirens Sang are working on making a more professional studio, then I will be starting my own label to help smaller bands be heard and get merch and tour and stuff. We also will be doing management, local show booking, tour booking, and someday screen printing and professional CD printing. All local, all cheap. I believe that every band deserves a chance to show the world what they’ve got, but unfortunately for bands, the industry is a cash cow and everything costs so much that most bands can barely make it out of their home town, let alone put out a professional CD and merch and whatnot. I want to call it “Siren Industries” hahaha

You are currently involved with at least 3 bands that I know of, but you had mentioned maybe as many as 6? What bands are you actively playing with now and in what capacity?
WB Well my main band is called “…And The Sirens Sang”.
We are working extremely hard right now preparing for 2 summer tours as well as about 20 shows around Washington & Oregon in the next couple of months and that band takes up most of my time. Me and three of the guys from that band are working on a side project called The Leper Legion, which sounds like The Black Dahlia Murder, but with everything that Sirens is doing in preparation for tours and to make our band as professional as possible we just don’t really have time right now. Another thing I’m working on is a project that sounds like AFI because they are the reason I started playing music. I’m doing it with Brady Johns, who is also in Sirens. Just a fun project that is a tribute to them. I have an internet based two member band called “The Assyrian Sonata“, which is on a stand-still because the other member is going into the National Guard so we have to wait about a year before we can do anything more with that but we have a full length written and demos on our myspace page currently. I have a rap project that’s for fun called “Slug Stompaz” with my brother and the guitarist Will Terada of Sirens. And I have my solo project.

Your also have a music studio (Siren Studios), is this your daytime job? From your comments the main purpose of your studio is to help grow young artists, how do you go about recording?
WB It is indeed my daytime job but I see it as more of a hobby because of how much fun I have doing it! I just wanted to try my hardest to create a place where bands could come to record an EP without spending a thousand dollars that still turned out well. First, we lay out all of the click tracks for every song so that the album will be perfectly on time and not fluctuating or anything. Then we record a scratch guitar track for the drummer to play to. Then drums, then bass, then guitars, then vocals. If there are any additional instruments such as piano or something we do those also before the vocals.

With your diverse efforts, are you at a point where you are able to “live” off of music?
WB In a sense, yes. I make pretty good money recording bands, playing in my band, and booking shows. I make enough to pay rent and have just barely enough to live off of and that to me is living the dream. It’s more than I could ever ask for and I am incredibly grateful for all of the support from my family and friends that make it possible for me to pursue this versus forcing me to go to college or whatever.

From whence came the idea for an all day metal festival?
WB Well I love metal. All kinds. I love all kinds of music actually haha I just wanted an awesome event where great bands could hang out and party with like-minded musicians and just have an awesome time. It’s somewhat of a “I know how hard you work to be in a band, so I want you to play my awesome show and have a great time” festival haha

Who are you partnering/working with to make the Savage Fest happen? Who is there to help you run the show especially when you are performing
WB My good friend Brady Johns who plays keys for Sirens runs a booking agency called “King Arthur Booking” and he has also done a TON of awesome shows, so I’m bringing him in to help run sound as well as oversee everything. While we are playing we have a few friends who will be handling the door and everything else.

What got you into metal, who were some of the most inspiring bands for you growing up?
WB As far as metal goes, it was always bands like Slipknot, Metallica, Ozzy, Megadeth and Pantera back in 7th grade. My favorite band, however, has always been AFI and I don’t think that will ever change. “Sing The Sorrow” inspires me every single day to get better as an instrumentalist, composer and singer.

Who are you listening to now, what is in your top 5 on your ipod?
WB AFI, Emarosa, The Black Dahlia Murder, Isles & Glaciers, and Rose Funeral.

How did you get into playing and performing? How do you keep your skills sharp and continue to grow in your craft when you are busy with so many things?
WB Honestly, the first time I heard “Miseria Cantare” by AFI I knew that I belonged playing guitar on a stage. I just love performing music that I have worked countless hours on and having people react to it, for the most part, in a good way. And it’s all about staying busy! I practice playing songs on guitar that I can’t play so that eventually I will get them down and better myself as a musician and I am always working on writing music in genres such as hip/hop, country, pop and rock that I normally wouldn’t play in so that I don’t get stuck in a box so to speak and I am able to progress versus write the same song every time. Me and the dudes in my band are also always working on our vocal harmonies with an acoustic guitar to keep our voices strong and fresh.

What do you enjoy most about music – writing/performing?
WB DEFINITELY performing. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing. But the feeling of actually playing a song that you’ve spent months fine-tuning is what being a musician is all about. It’s truly the best feeling in the world.

Do you just like music for itself or would you say that there is a meaning in or through or even beyond the music that inspires you to press forward in what you are doing?
WB As far as meaning goes, I write our albums about heartbreak, loneliness, abandonment and other human issues that are very close to home with me but I write them in story form so it kind of plays out as a whole big story as the album progresses. So yes, the material is very heart-felt by me and it is very touching for me to play the songs live because I write them in times where I am the weakest and it is a great release to sing it in front of a crowd and have them singing back, possibly even going through the same things that I was.

SAVAGE FEST
Sat 4/24/2010
Camas Courthouse
89 C Street
Washougal, WA 98607
18 Bands // $10
11AM – 11PM

Band Lineup – order subject to change:
1. Jack Devore (Blues, Seattle)
2. If All Else Fails ( )
3. Mourning For Memories (Thrash – Washougal, WA)
4. Edessa (Hardcore – Camas, WA)
5. Daematta (Death Metal, PDX)
6. Apsis (Progressive, PDX)
7. Ashlynn (Hardcore – Kelso, WA)
8. We Move Mountains (Metal – Maple Valley, WA)
9. Upon Departure (Metal – Longview, WA)
10. Almost Is Nothing (Thrash, PDX)
11. Chin Up Rocky (Happy Hardcore, PDX)
12. Bring Me Solace (Progressive, PDX)
13. And The Sirens Sang (Screamo, OR)
14. Aleen (Screamo, WA)
15. The Leper Legion (Death Metal, OR)
16. Idols (Death Metal, Seattle)
17. Proven (Metal, PDX)

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Clothing and music go hand-in-hand, as the common spirit of creative innovation is well expressed through music and print design. Bands love seeing their logos and designs rumbling through a crowd on the backs of loyal fans, while simultaneously these fans are proud to identify themselves with an artist who has connected with them through beat or lyric. Legionnaire Apparel stands in a prime position to optimize these relationships as its founders Joe Moxley and Mike Herrera (of MxPx and Tumbledown) have a wealth of experience between them and as a company they have already been active in sponsoring bands both nationally and locally. If you live outside of Oregon, you may have seen their feminine line in Zumiez stores or any number of their stellar designs on several of their faithful friends such as nationally known bands as Kutless or local rising stars like Tallboy. Join Rob Van Winkle (aka Vanilla Ice) and the rest of the Legionnairre Army as they continue to spread the Legionnairre goodness one torso at a time. A hearty hurdcore thanks to Joe for taking the time to share about his journey and vision for Legionnairre Apparel.

How does Joe of Medford, OR hook up with Mike of Bremerton, WA? How long have you known each other and what was the process/discussion like when you ventured into making apparel together?
JM Jason Hanlin of Guru Screen Printing introduced Mike and I about 4 years ago. Mike was on tour with MxPx and Jason and I were going on Taste of Chaos Tour with my older clothing line Meddy Clothing. I hooked up Mike with shirts and stayed in contact with him. Over time we talked and put our heads together and Legionnaire was born!

Legionnaire was recently picked up by Zumiez and being distributed in their stores up and down the West Coast (apparently not in Oregon?!), what does this deal mean for you and how did this come about?
JM Ha, yea. Zumiez did a test buy with the gals shirts nationwide. Not in Oregon because they wanted to see how it will sell outside of people we know. So far so good! We are super stoked that larger stores are starting to hear the buzz about Legionnaire so this is a huge step for us.

When did you and Mike make their official start as Legionnairre Apparel?
JM The launch of Legionnaire was in January 2007.

From your initial start, what has the journey into the fashion world been like for Legionnairre? What have been some of the biggest challenges along the way and what have you learned as you continue to build your empire?
JM Right away we had a great response because of all the loyal Herrera fans! I believe the biggest challenges are that Mike and I both have other jobs! Its tough to run a business on a few hours a night. We have learned if you take care of your customers that they will take care of you. Legionnaire fans are Legionnaire! Without them we would not be where we are now.

Who have been some of the key supporters from the beginning for Legionnaire?
JM Friends and family! Legionnaire has such a strong friends and family base that that is really how we spread the word on Legionnaire. So many bands to thank for showing Legionnaire Love and really supporting us by wearing out designs! Tumbledown, MxPx, S.A.T.O.R.I., YouHangUp, TallBoy, Kutless, Amber Pacific and even the great Vanilla Ice just to name a few.

What artists are you working with now as promotors/sponsors?
JM We are working with YouHangUp on a shirt design that will be a Legionnaire/youHangUp shirt that will only be found on our site. They are a newer band that is starting to blow up and sitting on drums is Frankie Muniz. We also are always working with the band S.A.T.O.R.I. This band has been with us before we had a clothing line. Great guys plus I manage the band so ha I guess I better sponsor them right?

Other than Joe and Mike, who is Legionairre? Where do you get your designs, are they all in-house?
JM For the last 3 to 4 years mike, Jason Hanlin (Guru Screen Printing) and I were pretty much the only ones designing. Now we have branched out just a little…ha Jeremy Hanlin has done a few of the new designs (ArrowHead, Love with Tear us Apart) Great Artist! We also just started working with Kay Boak. She is a super talented tattoo artist here in Ashland Oregon! You will see her designs real soon on our site and in many tattoo magazine.

What is the most difficult part of the printing process?
JM Printing is easy, it’s coming up with designs that we believe in and want on our site that takes time.

If I had an extra $50,000, the first piece of equipment that I would purchase for the business is A store front – time to open another store where we can also book bands!

Is there a current fashion trend that you have noticed that you will never join?
JM Skinny Jeans! I just don’t have the legs for it.

Currently reading Facebook for dummies, listening to Tyler DeVoll and watching Modern Family.

How about the best book you’ve ever read, what makes it stick out to you?
Who Moved My Cheese. Ha sounds lame but I really did get a lot out of it! Makes you want to be a go getter.

What are the top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now?
JM 1) Tumbledown – Butcher of San Antone; 2) S.A.T.O.R.I. – Hey; 3) Digital Underground – Humpty Dance; 4) Tumledown – Drink to Forget; 5) When we Were kings – What a Beautiful Fight We’ve Had

What are some of your best and worst experiences hawking apparel?
JM [BEST] Meeting the great people that support Legionnaire. [WORST] Seeing other clothing company steal your designs!

CHECK out all the Legionnairre Apparel designs for men and women’s clothing on their WEBSITE or MYSPACE

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, thrash, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

To be honest, we were a little shocked when we received a response from Ivan de Prume as this is by far the most decorated rock artist we have interviewed to date. In reverse chronological order, Ivan’s accomplishments include: radio host for Metalopolis on Rock 101.1FM KUFO (Portland, OR), currently playing with metal bands Healer and Kreep and, oh yeah, former drummer of White Zombie. This is a man who has taken a seat at the top tiers of the metal world, headlining with his band mates and rubbing shoulders with mega stars the ilk of Pantera, Slayer, Danzing…and on. Ivan hasn’t just dreamed, he’s taken his dreams by the throat and conquered them, continues to dream and even takes time to share his dreams with those still gaining traction in theirs. I am blown away by the passion, humility and depth of content that Mr. de Prume has shared with hurdcore fans, get ready for a roller coaster ride through the bowels of metal…

You used to drum for White Zombie, how long were you with the band and what was that experience like?
IDP The experience was incredible… full of challenges and rewards, twists and turns… I was only seventeen when I joined the band back in 1985 and quit in 1992. I put everything I had into the band and took it all the way to the top! It was one of the greatest achievements I have been a part of. I am very proud of the work I did with them.

What were some of the highlights for you personally during your time with Zombie?
IDP The greatest moment in the band for me was finally getting Rob Zombie to appreciate heavy metal music! It was always a struggle for me because he would make fun of bands I appreciated and loved such as Metallica and Slayer. But then one day on tour he was driving and suddenly asked for my Metallica “Ride The lightning” cassette tape. He played it all the way through and from then on he instantly changed. He played it over and over again! I was so floored. We quickly began writing songs with a fatter guitar sound and the band took a quick turn away from being a noise metal band and began shaping its Metal flavor that quickly brought the attention of the metal scenes wherever we went. I was so happy to see my metalhead friends rocking out to us instead of the old Lower East Side art scene which really wasn’t me! Chris Williamson from Rock Hotel Promotions placed us to open for Danzig and from there we opened for Slayer and their fans ate us up! What more can I ask for… We toured with many kick ass bands I loved to listen to such as Testament and Pantera. And I must say my greatest memory was playing those shows with Pantera and hanging out back stage with Dimebag Darell.

What I loved about the band was all of our dedication to our common goal. That led to the creation of the album that hit the band big-time, Le Sexorcisto Devil Music Vol. 1

Any plans for a White Zombie reunion tour that you are aware of or any discussions about de Prume being the victim of some gruesome death in one of Rob’s upcoming films?
IDP hahaha… No plans right now…

Are you still actively drumming, if so what are some of the other acts that you have worked with?
IDP I had many project that came and went since White Zombie. The two bands that are still at the forefront are Healer and Kreep. After leaving White Zombie, I began envisioning a new sound, musically, for many years but it wasn’t easy to create until I took it upon myself to form the band Healer. I wanted to bridge some musical elements from different corners of the globe… This sound came into fruition with the album “Awakening” that I co-wrote, played drums/percussion, engineered, produced, mixed and financed in my own home recording studio and it was a fantastic experience. I also play with Kreep and we just released an album last year called “Lead Us Not”.

Is Metalopolis your baby? How did you get involved with the show?
IDP My wife Stephanie was making calls to radio stations to get my band Healer played and she landed on Chris Patyk, former Operations Manager at KUFO, who asked if I have ever been on the radio. She was confused and said, he is always on the radio with his band White Zombie. He answered, no what I meant was, has he ever hosted a show, do you think he would be into doing a metal show? and she answered, he would be great at that! So, we set a start date for March 7, 2009 and its been awesome ever since.

Metalopolis is aired locally in Oregon on Rock 101.1 FM KUFO, does your show have syndication outside of Oregon?
IDP We are working on that as we speak!

For those who may not have heard your show what is Metalopolis?
IDP “METALOPOLIS” is a weekly radio show hosted by myself burning up the airwaves in Portland, Oregon on Rock 101.1 FM KUFO and you can catch the party streaming around the world online at kufo.com every Saturday night from 10PM – Midnight Pacific Standard Time! You can hear exclusive interviews with the legends of metal such as Rob Halford from Judas Priest, Jason Newsted x-Metallica, Max Cavalera from Soulfly and many more… Although the show plays a lot of metal on the harder side, we do play all styles of metal as long as its good music. We play bands that are on top of the world to the bands that are unsigned and starting out with a kick ass demo. We cover metal beginning from the late ’60s to fresh new releases… As long as it falls in the metal genre and its just good music, I will play it….

What are some of the best and worst changes that you have observed as part of the the metal scene over the last three decades?
IDP Its changing all the time… I feel we are about to hit a new level in music…. I think it has changed for the better as far as technique goes but not as far as creativity. I have have never seen drummers playing so fast with these blast beats and double bass while staying in time and all. With technology bands over the past twenty years have the ability to sound perfect live and in the studio using click tracks and pitch correction but the song writing has suffered for most I have seen. I think this will change because nothing stays the same and aren’t we dying for something new and fresh! We all know it and I think this band will come and will steel us all away… possibly take us to that far away planet!

The topic of defining what is “metal” can be a heated subject for many. For you, who have been some of the quintesential metal bands?
IDP Wow, that’s a good one… Every band that you hear on Metalopolis! hahaha…These are the four songs I picked that shaped me as a metal head from a Metalopolis theme show we did a couple weeks ago…
(1) Iron Man Black Sabbath Black Box: The Complete Original 1970-1978 [CD 2] – Paranoid 5:59 2004; (2) Where Eagles Dare Iron Maiden Piece Of Mind 6:13 1983; (3) For Whom the Bell Tolls Metallica Ride the Lightning 5:10 1984; (4) Raining Blood Slayer Reign in Blood 4:58 1986

Who of the newer acts spike your attention and seem to embody a healthy evolution within metal?
IDP Amon Amarth, Soulfly, Lamb Of God.

Are you an Oregon native? If not, what brought you to Portland?
IDP No! I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Then moved to Los Angeles for fifteen years. I moved here because it kicks ass out here… the bottom line is that I find it fulfilling to all my needs and desires to stay alive and be happy. The most basic is cleaner water and cleaner air and after 15 years of being deprived of that in Los Angeles… I am in heaven in this juicy land of life. I find an undercurrent of an incredible scene here, great talent and the level of creative, weird, wild and different energy is very much needed when you are an artist in a community. New York and Los Angeles has had that spark in the past but I just didn’t see it anymore. I travel all over all the time for projects and I enjoy heading back to Los Angeles and New York and they are still great cities in my eyes.

How metal friendly is Portland and How does it rate against other cities for metal-mania?
IDP I must say it has one of the best metal scenes in the country… Especially now that we have Metalopolis!

We often hear tidbits in the news of actors and sports stars
residing in Oregon, who are some of the music figureheads that you are aware of who call Oregon home?
IDP I found a few in Portland… Art Alexakis, member of Everclear, Black Francis, musician, and founder of the Pixies, Brad Wilk, Portland-born drummer of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave… check out this site [for more]

Aside from Metalopolis, what else are you currently involved in?
IDP I have an awesome wife and three kids. I am owner of Burningsound Studios where I produce and engineer bands. I just remixed a KMFDM song Never Say Never off their latest release Blitz. It has just been released on their new album called Krieg and the song has been titled Never Say Never (Naughty Habit Mix by Ivan de Prume). Healer and Kreep are in the writing stages at this time for future releases.

How did you get into drumming? Do you remember the first song that you ever learned on the sticks?
IDP I just always loved them! There was this hippie dude that lived in my house when I was like 12 years old! He helped me pick out my first drumset and taught me a couple of beats! Other than playing along with songs on the radio, I think the first song I learned with a band was my Junior High School Band class performance with a song called “Blue Rock”

What were some of the key lessons and/or techniques that helped you as a beginning drummer? What are some tricks that you utilize now to keep your skills sharp?
IDP Counting, and starting very slow so your coordination can develop! Now what I like doing to help me stay in shape is simply playing along to different tracks and playing left handed. Also applying accents you hear in songs to different limbs and drums, such as playing a part in a song only on one drum while keeping the pulse with the high hat or kick drum… or playing accents with the kick drum and high hat while keeping a solid rhythm on the toms or ride!

Best and worst experiences performing a live show?
IDP Best show… wow so many great ones… recently it was on our last Kreep at a benefit show called Blakefest in Idaho to raise funds to take a young girl who was dying of cancer to Disney Land before she went cause that was her last wish… This girl who was sick was doing cartwheels on stage and became the bands number one fan! Our guitar player gave her his guitar! Worst show… ahhh lets not go there… I think it was a White Zombie show when we thought we were going to be killed by Skinheads in Chicago

(Question CYCLONE) Any song that gives you the most trouble live? With practice and preparation I found nothing is a challenge live! If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment that I would purchase for the band is? New crash cymbals. Trend that you have noticed that you will never join? Dora back packs. Currently reading interview questions, listening to the kids fighting in the other room! and watching myself turn into my dad. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? I like to be alone stretching, and getting myself in a space visualizing and playing the entire show from beginning to end! When you are a diva/rockstar the three things that you will demand be in your dressing room are? A personal assistant, who can hopefully do everything from laundry to chiropractic techniques, my wife and kids but in a separate suite so I can focus, and healthy fresh meals and drinks for after the show! Band you have shared the stage with that blew you away? Pantera and Slayer. Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now? Amon Amarth Twilight_Of_The_Thunder_God, One Soulfly, Preacher’s Daughter 3 Inches Of Blood, I Wizard Smoke… they change every day!

HUGE Thanks to Ivan de Prume of METALOPOLIS, listen in every Saturday at 10PM-12AM PST on 101.1FM KUFO (Portland, OR) or online at kufo.com. See website for instructions on how to get your band airtime on Metalopolis! Listen or see Ivan play live with bands Kreep and Healer.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Hurdcore readers from the Northwest should not be ignorant of Portland based progressive hardcore artists A Hope For Home, especially after our official introduction to the band in late 2009 (LINK). AHFH adds a depth to the movement within the hardcore scene which has been fighting against the syncronicity of sound that has been eating away at any progression or diversity in tone that might otherwise drive the scene to flourish as a creative beacon. Whether you’d label it post-hardcore or progressive, this West Coast quintet of melodious brutality remains humble in their pursuit to express themselves through music, inviting those with an open mind and divergent tastes to explore the outer limits of where innovation can take us. A Hope For Home will be releasing their 3rd Album ‘Realis’ on Facedown Records on March 30th, 2010 so we thought we’d catch up with the band to get an idea of what we might expect from this incarnation of the bands progression.

2010 is kicking off as a busy year for A Hope For Home, you are launching a national tour and preparing to release a new full length album ‘Realis’ on Facedown Records. The tour takes you from the Northwest into the Midwest and down South with several different bands meeting up with you along the way. Looks like you pick up In the Midst of Lions, Hands and Onward to Olympus once you hit the Midwest. Have you played/toured with these bands before?

AHFH We did a little stint with Hands last summer. They are probably some of our best friends in the whole world, and we are so stoked to be out on this tour with them. We’ve never met any of the other dudes, but it’s definitely been a great time so far.

In touring what has the reception for A Hope For Home been like and what are some of the most rewarding elements of being on tour?

AHFH Touring is an interesting monster. It can be really tiring, but I personally love it. My favorite part is honestly just hanging out with the bands every night. Getting to know another group of dudes and seeing new places every night. It is difficult to gauge reception because every tour we’ve done so far has been drastically different. But its always amazing going to a place you’ve never been and meeting one person who has been impacted by your music- that’s all I could ever ask for.

Last we spoke, you mentioned that you aren’t really a “dancy band” and I agree that AHFH’s sound while clearly hardcore in its roots is quite unique in the complexity of sound that you bring to your craft. What about your writing style and/or approach makes your sound so unique?

AHFH Haha. I just honestly write with my influences in mind, and that’s what I can say about everyone else. We aren’t consciously trying to be weird all that much. Being creative is definitely always in the back of our minds, but I would just say we are wearing our influences on our sleeves. Bands like Cult of Luna, This Will Destroy You, Thrice, etc.

If samples such as Post Tenebras Lux are any indicator of the direction you are headed with your latest release ‘Realis’, this is possibly a more brutal A Hope For Home than ever. How have your tastes in music as fans and performers changed over the years?
AHFH We definitely wanted to make this record heavier than The Everlasting Man. We tuned down to B and focused on bigger riffs and grooves rather than shredding and double kick. Our tastes have definitely changed as we’ve grown, I’ve been in this band for 4 years and gone from being influenced by bands like Beloved and Underoath to bands like the ones I mentioned previously. And honestly, I would rather create music I like to play rather than try and emulate whoever the biggest band in the scene is at the moment.

How have you seen fans respond to your music? Do you think AHFH is a sound that has to grow on you?
AHFH Some reactions have been a little disappointed, as I expected, but others have been really stoked that we are trying something new. We try to not really even think about that though and just write what we like to play. The minute you start thinking about who you are trying to please artistically is when, in my opinion, your art loses its value.

Your previous release, “The Everlasting Man,” was a concept album based upon a work by GK Chesterton of the same title, what drew you to this literary piece?
AHFH I was reading the book while listening to instrumental demos of the songs on that record we were recording, and thought that some of the themes would translate really well to the songs we had recorded would make for a good concept.

Writing music is a difficult enough process, does having the textual outline for what you want to communicate (ie Chesterton’s work) already laid out help the process or make it that much more difficult?
AHFH Well, we pretty much wrote all of the music for The Everlasting Man before any lyrics were written, and decided halfway through the recording process to base it off of the book. Realis was done the other way around.

You’ve hinted that your latest release might be a concept album as well, what direction did you go with “Realis”? For AHFH do you define “concept album” as an attempt to build upon a theme, where content drives the project or does it start with a tonal outline?
AHFH The Everlasting Man and Realis are two very different records and different concepts. The Everlasting Man is, I feel, an 11 song record with a bunch of songs and lyrics that allude to a concept. Realis, however, was imagined and outlined before it was written, and the concept pulls and pushes both the lyrics and the music. So, to answer your question, we have done it both ways, haha. While we wanted give Realis a lot of content conceptually and lyrically, we also did not want that to come at the expense of the music. So at the end of the day, concepts and ideas and all this lofty stuff can play a huge role in what we do, but if the music suffers because of it, then we are going about this the wrong way.

Your first single from “Realis” is entitled “The Machine Stops” which takes themes from a short story published in 1909 by EM Forster. What drew you to this work and how did you adapt that into your music?
AHFH The Machine Stops is somewhat of a one-off idea for the concept. I stumbled across the story one day, which you can read for free online, and was really impacted by it. The Machine Stops tells the story of a future where humanity basically begins to worship the technology it has built and in effect, becomes enslaved by it. The key part of the story is where the main character basically disconnects himself from that machine in order to regain his humanity. I thought it was an amazing metaphor and it fit really well at a point in the concept, so we decided to allude to it.

Like most literary pieces, the word pictures can be taken to mean many things, when you close in your adaptation with,

“Detach: can we pull these wires from our veins? Divide our flesh, our blood, our names. In the face of the machine I see my reflection stand and turn, as I walk. I’m never coming back.”

Is this primarily a reference to cutting the cord between man and technology or are you addressing something deeper than that?
AHFH Realis deals mainly with a struggle of faith and belief. I really think there comes a time in everyone’s life when they begin to look at the world around them and try to decide where they fit into it, or how it relates to them. I think it is very important to understand what your beliefs mean for your life and the rest of the world around you. Different ideological systems will lead to a completely different understanding and relation to ones environment. Maybe that is something wrong, or divisive, or whatever. But I think it is true. At this point in the concept, and not to condone his actions, the Man sees the world around him as a metaphoric machine, churning gears toward no specific goal. He decides to “unplug” himself from his fellow man and abandon everyone.

Often fans want to pigeonhole their favorite bands into a corner of what they expect that band to sound like, will this AHFH be recognizable or will we hear significant differences?
AHFH Not sure. I try to not think about that too much. It is definitely different, but we didn’t come out of left field with anything. I would like to think of it as a drastic progression.

For AHFH, the studio process is _____? (ie a grind, the most beautiful experience, all of the above). What do you like/dislike most about the recording experience?
AHFH I really wish I was doing this in the 60’s or 70’s sometimes. Everyone talks about how the Beatles got tired of performing live, so the last however many years of their careers, they just sat in a studio and recorded music. That is so awesome. I wish I could do that, honestly. I love recording and writing music and as soon as we finish a record I always wish I was back in the studio working on another one. We always end up getting rushed toward the end or not being as prepared as we should be, and that kind of sucks. But at the end of the day, I feel much more comfortable recording in a studio than I do on stage.

As musicians are you at the place where you are able to get your instruments to communicate all the nuances and subtleties of emotion that you are trying to express or is there still a struggle to work through that process?
AHFH I think we have come a long way as players since our first record. I’m pretty un-confident with myself as a guitar player. I think we could all do more, and that’s actually something I’ve been thinking about. I really want to push myself as a player on the next record, to step it up a notch. That said, I’m pretty proud with a lot of things we’ve done in the past. I think the day you achieve total comfort and ease in your ability is when you start to lose perspective though. There is always room for improvement, and in our case, I think a lot of improvement, haha.

In our previous interaction, you mentioned that your founding member had passed away early in the founding of AHFH. I’ve since read some more from you, particularly the superb write up in Hopecore Magazine (LINK) and there is so much more to this story. How has God continued to use your very personal story to draw you and others to Himself?
AHFH Those were definitely a very difficult couple of months. Kyle never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, or to be the focus everyone’s pity. I remember sitting with him on the couch in the last days of his life, skin and bones spitting blood into a plastic bowl, asking me how I was doing. I would be stupidly complaining about something and he would always tell me that he couldn’t understand what struggle I was going through, and that it must be tough to be going through something so difficult. I always felt like an idiot after he would say something like that, but the fact is that he always put other people first and never once felt sorry for himself. He was by far the most selfless person I’ve ever met. After his death we weren’t too sure what to do, but one thing I remember thinking about was how mad he would have been if we would’ve given up or made everything we did be about him afterward. I think it would’ve been a disservice to him if we had become “Kyles band” or something like that. I felt the best way I could honor his life was to keep pressing on and let the band evolve, just as life was evolving after Kyle’s death. Kyle never let cancer keep him from anything, and I know he would’ve been pissed if we had stopped the rest of our lives at that point.

AHFH started as a local project and through continually taking it to the grind, you have built the foundation for your rock empire with Strike First and Facedown Records. What is the biggest difference between being on your own and having the backing of a known label?
AHFH Its hard to say. I don’t really think of it as that different. It is such a blessing to be able to get connections for booking and the promotion that comes from having a national company push you. I would honestly say the promotion is half of it. Jason and the rest of the Facedown family are so supportive and just knowing that we have somewhat of a solid foundation to build off of is very encouraging. I always see bands so worried about the next record, or the next show, or the next tour, and how much better things will be next year, or whatever. It never ends. Getting signed doesn’t change everything, we are still just as broke as we were before. We are only busier if anything. If we start to worry about “getting huge” or the difference between being signed and not I think we all will forget that we are doing what we want to do right now, playing music every night.

Now that you are full time musicians, how do you stay fresh in your approach to music? Is it ever a battle to keep the passion as you labor day-by-day to make your mark in a competitive and arguably saturated market?
AHFH We are definitely trying to do something different with our music. What gets difficult at times is not trying to be different as much as it is feeling that we never really fit in with any scene or any band we tour with. Most kids who go to heavy shows these days just want to dance, and they just look at us with crossed arms while we play. Playing with softer bands is just as weird since we don’t have catchy choruses. Like I said before, we write what we want to play. That’s really all there is to it.

Obviously there is a spiritual component to your band and you’ve been pretty open about that, how do you maintain a closeness with God while on the road? How do you keep from killing each other when several smelly dudes are packed into a van for an extended road trip?
AHFH Tensions definitely rise when 6 dudes live in a van for months at a time, haha. We just try to stay as grounded as possible. It helps that we are all on the same page goal-wise and, I feel, all in this for the same reason. No one in this band is expecting or wanting to be famous or sell a million records. We are just playing music because we like to play music.

A Hope For Home (Portland, OR)
Hardcore – Facedown Records
Nathan Winchell/Vocals
Matt Ellis/Guitar,Vocals
Tanner Morita/Guitar
Dan McCall/Bass
Lance Taylor/Drums

To Book AHFH contact The Radiant Group – matt@theradiantgroup.net. Visit AHFH’s MySpace Page for music, concert info and news

A Hope For Home has posted a blog on their MySpace giving a full write up and rundown of the lyrical content (LINK) for their latest release Realis, set to launch March 30, 2010 on Facedown Records.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

For most Saturday, March 27, 2010 will be a close to the week of Spring Break. What better way to celebrate than with ALL of your friends jammin’ to the live soundtrack on exhibition from of some of the finest local artists in Oregon? Oregon’s First The Everything Show will be going down at Riley’s Bar & Grill (124 Broadalbin – Albany, Oregon) with a night of music that will boast a little of Something for EVERYone. No matter what you scene is, if you like music you will enjoy yourself with the rest of the crew at Riley’s for The Everything Show. Hurdcore has introduced you to some of the artists that will be performing (link to article), bring your friends, bring your mom and your grandma and we’ll see you at 7pm on Saturday (3/27/10). To give you a little more background to the show, we sat down with the shows promoter, Danny Morgan Jr. aka Suganuts…

For those locally and nationally who still might not know who Suganuts (aka Danny Morgan, Jr.) is, tell us a little about yourself and what you have learned that has helped you get to where you are as an artist.
SN Honestly I make it because I make the most out of a chance. To make it, is to make music at my will, not to make fetti. I make music because I would be truly NUTS if I didn’t.

As a performer, what has being in Albany, Oregon been like for you?
SN I proudly do concerts and music with Poverty’s Posterboy, Yung Royal, Mr Great White, Tr3u aka Tha Hustla, SOUFside Ink, Weside Ink, Mr 541, Bent, Pynt Syze and EVERY single other rapper in Albany. Much love to all of you. Well I’m sure there are a few I haven’t but can’t quite think of any. Albany is nothing but love. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. Wish I could stay here forever.

You are a family man, carrying a fulltime job by day, writing, mixing and performing at night, how long have you been in the game? How many albums have you released?
SN If you are one of the few that know me, you may know I have 4 boys the oldest being 6 and a wife… If you also have a child you know how much love he/she may bring. I’ve been writing since I was a young teen and performing when I began driving. I’m almost 31 (flavors) and I’m proud to say it. I’ve release 2 pre-pressed albums and 2 pressed. The 5th will be out this year.

You are originally from The Bay area of California, were you performing down there? When did you decide to move to Oregon and Albany specifically?
SN Yes sir. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, but became a man in Oregon. I did a few shows as a youngster but not like the activity since I was introduced to Albany, Oregon, two years ago….. This is where we are supposed to be.

What do you enjoy most about the local rap and hip-hop scene?
SN Because of the talent we make each other better each day. The respect and love is top-notch. Unless you were here you wouldn’t know. It gets frustrating sometimes because the local rappers are honestly better then 99% of mainstream artists. They’re hungry. Someone needs to tell world leaders about Albany hip-hop.

Do you remember your first show here in the 541?
SN My 1st show in Albany was THE BLACKOUT May 2008 also at Riley’s Bar and Grill. Dub-U-Records and Bentley was the reason for my appearance that evening. A great evening and a great show.

As I talk to local artists, venues and promoters it seems that the name Suganuts is synonymous with a track record for putting together successful shows. Why do you think you have been so successful in putting shows together? What are the keys to a great show?
SN *I think my partner in crime… My wife is my key to success in that department. With her support and help it soothes the passion. *Time to plan. *Be creative, everyone else is throwing a show so do what only people have imagined and what you have dreamed of. Make it Re-ality. *Great artists, don’t settle. *Promotion—- really hand out the flyers, treat each one as a guest, posters….wait I can’t tell you all of my tactics.

Many of your larger shows have been at Riley’s (124 Broadalbin, Albany, Oregon) which is the location for The Everything Show. What excites you about hosting a show at Riley’s again?
SN It can hold more people and those people can breathe…I think we all are excited to perform at Rileys and with KC Productions & Entertainment. The vibe is great and stage is awesome to rock.

What have been some of your best experiences at this venue?
SN I think my most memorable experience was Sept 4th 2008 when I released the IMPAIRED album. The show was free and it seemed all the artists were ready to blow up. Everyone killed it that night. The place was packed and in my face. It was the best time at Riley’s.

Tell us about The Everything Show, is there any significance to the name? You’ve been successful with rap and hip-hop shows, why did you decide to take on the challenge of putting together a mixed genre show such as this?
SN Well, I wanted to develop an atmosphere that every age, every gender, every genre of life could come and have an F’n blast with everyone. I’ll never forget an instance when I have handed this lady a flyer and she had said “I don’t like that music.” Say NO now lady.

What performers do you have lined up and how did you choose these artists?
SN I’m proud to tell you that the shows being hosted by THE VERY FUNNY… WILL WOODRUFF – *Tr3u AKA Tha Hustla *Pynt Syze *Tallboy *KTR *Greenlander
*Flo *October Rising *Wetsock *NewAlias *Dj Unofficial — and Myself (Suganuts). [see hurdcore’s previous article introducing the lineup]

Any funny/frustrating stories to share about these artists or the process of setting up the roster for this show?
SN I think a frustrating point had been when artists didn’t respond. I feel like I listened to every artist in Oregon. I had to truly love their music. So here they are. I also wish I had time for every single type of music. Maybe by the 10th Everything Show.

What kind of support have you received from the community? Tell us about your sponsors. Is there still room for others to get involved, if so how can they help?
SN Anyone local person or business can take a part in the show. If you think you can help get ahold of me and let me know what I can do for you. You can reach me at 541-286-0131. I’ve teamed up with great local businesses to spread the word about THE EVERYTHING SHOW and the great job they do for the people of Albany and surrounding areas. Here they are: *KC Productions & Entertainment *Jack and Jill’s Barber Shop *The Sign Express *Albany Downtown Association *Paradox Productionz *Hightide Pipes and Tobacco *Downtown Tattoo and Piercing *J Photography *Go Figure *Magnolia Audio & Music *Movies and Magic *The Adult Shop (JK!!!) *Ciddicis Pizza *Hurdcore.com

In addition to the music you are having the show hosted by The People’s Commedian, Will Woodruff, are there any other tricks you have up your sleeve?
SN Well the only thing I would like to ad is The Sign Express is developing the 1st EVERYTHING SHOW T-SHIRTS for your wearing. You will be able to purchase and have any artists there sign it. It’s what I hope to do. They are all great people I’m sure each one would do it for free.

What do you hope people walk away with after they have experienced The Everything Show?
SN With an open mind to EVERY kind of music and the urge to come again tomorrow! These are all local artists. These are your peeps from your neck of the woods. The rest starts here.

The flyer reads “Oregon’s First…” are you planning subsequent shows?
SN Honestly this is the 1st. If the fans, businesses, artists, and the people of Oregon want another, then damn right there will be another. I hope I’m in Oregon forever, but the future is wide open.

What else does Suganuts have planned for 2010? Are you working on a new album?
SN I’m just coming off of a break or what I would call a break (my wife would disagree). I have been spending time writing and can’t wait for YOU to hear. The next album ” NATURAL” this year.

Just so we’re clear, when/where and how much is the show? Is this an all ages event?

The Everything Show
March 27th 2010
Riley’s Bar and Grill – $5
124 Broadalbin – Albany, OR
7pm-10pm all ages; 10pm-close +21
I hope to see you, your mom, your dad and your kids there.

Thank you for the Love –Suganuts aka Danny Morgan Jr 541-286-0131
Oh, and there will be prize give-aways from the business supporters. You may be very surprised in what we are giving you if you attend.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships and advertisers – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Whether its alternative, groovy and progressive or progressive, groovy and alternative, Greenlander will awaken your 90’s tonal senses while indulging your more modern tastes. With a firm foundation in the academic branches of the pursuit of musical excellence, these rock practitioners stand at the ready to help you get your boogie on. Greenlander joins the cast of the mixed genre (rock and hip-hop) extravaganza which will be performing with The Everything Show on March 27, 2010 at Riley’s in Albany, Oregon (more info at the end of this article).

How long have you all been at it and how did you get started
GL Greenlander has been playing together since we were sophomores in high school, which was back in 2004.

How would you describe your sound and what makes it different from other bands who may be in a similar genre?
GL Our sound is heavily influenced from 90’s alternative rock. We love to groove and we do so through the use of funk, syncopation, and unison riffs. We are a progressive, groovy, alternative band.

What is a live experience with Greenlander like?
GL When our bass player doesn’t have a dislocated ankle, mono, or SARS we are a very energetic band. Our music is the source of our energy. On stage we’re not acrobats and we keep power jumping to a minimum. However on rare occasions our energy sources will level up to a bewildering 48 jewels and then we get “buck wild” and pull wicked cool combos.

What are some of your best and worst experiences at a live show?
GL As far as our worst live show goes, one time we were playing on the UO campus and the sprinklers turned on during our second song of the set. Our best live experience was when we headlined a 4th of July show at Dexter Lake and had the opportunity to share our music for 3000 awesome people.

Where do the sons of Greenlander hail from?
GL Half of the band is from Cottage Grove and the other half Creswell, Oregon. After high school we all moved to Eugene where we live now.

What do you enjoy most about the local scene there in Eugene?
GL We love the laid back helpful attitude of the other bands we play with. It is nice to be able to hang with the other bands in the area.

Who have been some of the people that have helped you as you continue to develop your sound and presence as a band?
GL When we were going to high school our music director James Phillips was a huge influence, he really helped Merlin and Thomas get heavy into music. Our parents were also really helpful providing encouragement, food and rehearsal space. Now that we are in Eugene, James Book of Ninkasi Brewery has been really supportive of our band and has been really helpful with booking and production. Also our manager Austin Kovac has been amazing with everything he does.

What are some of the best memories for Greenlander from 2009?
GL 2009 was a great year for us because we started to get sponsorship deals. Both Ninkasi and Sparks sponsored our band in 2009. Also Trevor got arrested in Mexico.

What are you looking forward to most in 2010?
GL We are really pumped for 2010 because now that we have a manager we are really starting to get our act together. We are planning a tour in the summer and planning on doing some more recordings.

What do you hope fans will take from your music?
GL Our music is all about having fun. We want people to be happy and have a good time when they listen to our music.

Any favorite stories fans have told you?
GL One of our fans told us this story: When he was 5 years old he went to visit his aunt and uncle. At this point in time he had never heard of a ferret. So he strolled into his aunt and uncles house wearing his favorite sweatshirt, excited by the prospect of seeing his relatives. He sat down on the couch, an unassuming young boy in his favorite sweatshirt. When all of a sudden out of the back room his aunt’s ferret came streaking across the room leaping through the air toward the boy. Claws extended, like a cat pouncing on a startled mouse, the ferret assaulted the boy. He can’t remember if the ferret started pooping before or after it landed on him but he was certain the feces and the ferret hit at the same time. Upon landing the ferret began clawing and twisting and really just going crazy. The boy lept up screaming and running around the room trying in vain to remove the bloodthirsty ferret. Quickly his aunt came to his aid and removed the ferret. His favorite sweatshirt shredded and covered in ferret crap the boy wept. Since that day he has had a deep-rooted hatred for ferrets.

Recent trend that you will never join?
GL College boys with their flat billed hats with the stickers still on and college girls with the giant sunglasses that make them look like flies on acid.

Anything interesting that you’ve read recently?
GL We are musicians we don’t read for fun. All of the books we are reading now are text or music type books.

What has been grabbing your attention musically?
GL The band is on a really big Porcupine Tree listening binge. We are also into Dream Theatre, Mutemath and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy watching?
GL We are watching The Office, 30 Rock and Blazers basketball.

Any crazy pre-performance rituals? When you are all divas, what will you demand be in your dressing room?
GL We don’t really do anything before shows. But when we are rock stars we are going to demand appropriately sized bread and cheese, a miniature basketball hoop, an open bar and all we can eat Charleston Chews.

What are the top 5 songs in your personal playlist right now?
GL Arriving Somewhere But Not Here – Porcupine Tree; Aeroplane – Red Hot Chili Peppers; Typical – Mutemath; Set it Off – Audioslave; Home – Dream Theatre.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook