Hurdcore.com interviewed the Medford, Oregon metal heads of Tallboy earlier this year on the eave of the release of their debut full length album, This Logic Will Destroy Us. As a reconnect to the band and this latest release, hurdcore offers ONE MORE w/ Tallboy (Metal – Medford, OR) or you can read the full interview with Tallboy 2011. This Logic carries a bit of rework on a few classics from their previous EP and an onslaught of new material, capturing the speed, angst and skill that has made Tallboy a fan favorite on stages throughout the state of Oregon. Catch a hard copy of This Logic Will Destroy Us at local distributors in Medford, digital copies online or catch them live.

One unforgettable experience as a performer that taught me volumes about music… Playing with Papa Roach was an incredible experience. They are an extremely personable and professional bunch. Strangest place that you draw inspiration from? Going to the store with my son and people watching. Humanity never ceases to amaze me. Most bizarre thing that happened to you during a show? I’d have to say it was the highly intoxicated headbanging fan girl who kept hitting me in the crotch with her flailing hair while I was onstage. Currently reading…baby food nutrition facts. This Interview! Currently watching…Big Bang Theory, Cartoons, and various cooking shows, The News. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now? Stone Temple Pilots – Crackerman; Five Finger Death Punch – Far From Home; Tool – Aenima; Killswitch Engage – End of Heartache; Billy Joel – Piano Man. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Duct taping on my shoes and shorts. What has performing music taught you about life and music that you didn’t see as clearly before? Singing is such a personal experience. It has taught me courage and responsibility to our fans. I’ve learned to accept all forms of opinions – whether positive or negative, they all have helped shape us into what we are today

Where will “This Logic Will Destroy Us” be available for fans to purchase (will it be on iTunes)? Yes, the album will be on ITunes as well as locally. Our awesome sponsors, the Bomb Shelter, Play’N'Trade, and The Store will all have the CD for sale. Hopefully you will be able to find it at Best Buy also!

Tallboy – Metal (Medford, Oregon) is: Jimmy Roberts, Angel Alvarez, Kevin Kaufman, Brandon Cregan, Justin Bullen. You can find Tallboy through Facebook, Myspace, cdBaby, Reverb Nation, iTunes… Their debut full length album, This Logic Will Destroy Us is available in hardcopy locally and digitally almost everywhere.

Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music.” Reppin’ local by teaming with artists, fans and venues to celebrate local efforts. Hurdcore covers metal, hip-hop, pop and rock from Eugene to Seattle to Davenport and beyond. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!” - Jesus

Jew Jersey has long been recognized as one of the fertile grounds for developing hip hop talent, that said growing up in such an established arena does not mean every performer who tags himself as “rapper” will realize his dreams. While many rail against “the scene” it is the proving grounds upon which every artist must begin his grind, or as stated by our latest interviewee, hip hop artist GDP, “If you’re a rapper and it is seeming like an uphill battle, maybe that hill is trying to tell you something.” GDP has worked with hip hop allstars the likes of Young Zee, RZA and Wu Tang while also building a diverse following with the punk hardcore scene working with bands such as Trap Them and Blacklisted. GDP’s latest full length album Useless Eaters (Run For Cover Records) is infused with lyrical depth and fistfuls of sass with an honest perspective that lurches on the dark side. Teaming again with long time collaborator and fellow Slangcorp alumnus Pistol, GDP prepares to skate and perform through America as his latest tour brings him into Portland, Oregon at the Ash Street Saloon on April 21, 2011. Special thanks to Jerry Graham @ The Musebox for setting up this interview and continuing to promote local music.

What does GDP stand for?
GDP: Getting Donkey Punched

Growing up in New Jersey were you always around good hip hop and encouraged in your performance pursuits or is rap and uphill battle in your hometown?
GDP: I was around a lot of good hip hop growing up, Newark is a hip hop mecca as far as I’m concerned. I am fortunate enough to make music with some of my earliest influences out of Jersey. If you’re a rapper and it is seeming like an uphill battle, maybe that hill is trying to tell you something.

Do you remember the first artist/album that grabbed your attention and set you down the path of hip hop?
GDP: I got into hip hop really young. I remember The Box was a local television station that you would call in and pay like $2.95 to request a video and then they’d play it. Got into a lot of cool music that way. My man Papi Pere’z older brother Jacob was always playing Nas, Wu Tang, The Fugees were huge when I was in elementary school, by middle school I started really doing my research.

You recently completed the “Fxxx The World Tour” – are you an equal opportunity hater or are there certain people/things that set you off?
GDP: GDP is committed to equal hate opportunity without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, gender identity, gender expression, domestic violence victim status, military or marital status or arrest/conviction records.

As you travel, what have been some of the most inspiring and/or fun places to perform hip hop?
GDP: California is always a fun time, Canada is beautiful, New Mexico too. Looking forward to Oregon round 2, last time show got ruined and it was a lot of driving but I skated Mt. Hood and it was sick. Getting to ride my skateboard in new places is also excellent.

Your latest album “Useless Eaters” has been described as a loose concept album touching on the end of society. Is the album apocalyptic or more your take on what is wrong with things?
GDP: A little bit of both, not complaining just explaining. Humans are a selfish breed and we deserve whatever we have coming to us.

The album is the upside down cathedral, you have a song “No Gods” and your personal website is embedded with 666 – do you and religion have a history?
GDP: Me and religion go way back. Ever since I realized Santa wasn’t real I knew I wanted to go to hell.

How did you get involved with Slangcorp and what made this rap-pack a good fit for you?
GDP: It was just the next logical step as Division East Records was about winding down. Peace to Division East. Pistol put the pieces together on Slangcorp, connected the dots if you will. We were all friends and collaborators beforehand and now Slangcorp is where we showcase that. Go to Slangcorp.com for some of the best hip hop music available.

You are pretty open through your music about drug use, when did drugs become a part of the life cycle for you?
GDP: Everything is a drug; oxygen, opium, water, whiskey. Pick your poison.

What is your approach to writing, composing and producing music – what are you trying to accomplish with your brand of hip hop?
GDP: The songwriting process is different every time but my approach is ferocious. What I’m trying to accomplish is total world domination.

What do you see as the main disconnect(s) between commercialized candy rap and real hip hop?
GDP: Technology has really blurred the line between the ‘mainstream’ and the ‘underground’. I try not to concern myself with those sort of things and I know neither do the people I make music with. Popularity has never been an indicator of talent or ability in terms of artistic expression but perhaps the main difference is that the commercial cats are making ends meet off ghost-wrote garbage while some of the best rappers I have ever heard are living like paupers.

GDP (Hip Hop – Newark, NJ) recently released his latest full length album “Useless Eaters” on Run For Cover Records. Keep up to date with GDP and NJ local hip hop through slangcorp.com.

Local bands, artists and events from Northwest and Midwest. Hurdcore.com is promoting local music, art, entertainment and related news from our base in Eugene, Oregon and Moline, Illinois. Whether hardcore, punk, indie or rap. Check in throughout the week, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

As a follow up to our full length interview with The Ghost Inside , hurdcore.com offers this encore follow up with TGI vocalist Jonathan Vigil. If the you missed the interview in its entirety The Ghost Inside Interview from late 2010 fresh off their tours stops in the Northwest and the release of their full length album Returners on Mediaskare Records.

If you had the orb of metal regeneration, what local band from your younger days as a LA scene kid would you resurrect? The Misfits. I know they aren’t from LA but I would love to see them at their prime with Danzig all scary and stuff. So sweet. The first CD that I purchased was…? The Offspring – Smash. For me music is… Expression. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me…? Elitism. Currently reading My iPod. Currently watching All the Harry Potters over again in anticipation for the new one coming out. Favorite movie? Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now? Taken from my top plays on my iTunes: Deftones – Diamond Eyes; A Loss For Words – Stamp Of Approval; The Format – The First Single; Break Even – October 27th; The Spill Canvas – All Over You. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Getting naked in the trailer putting on show clothes together. Haha. When I am on the road the comfort/food/thing I miss most is…? My bed. My Friends. My Family.

The Ghost Inside (Metalcore – Los Angeles, CA) is: Johnathan Vigil – Lead Vocals; Aaron Brooks – Guitars, Backing Vocals; Zach Johnson – Guitars, Backing Vocals; KC Stockbridge – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals; Jim Riley – Bass, Backing Vocals. Their latest full length album “Returners” is available on Mediaskare Records.

Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music.” Reppin’ local by teaming with artists, fans and venues to celebrate local efforts. Hurdcore covers metal, hip-hop, pop and rock from Eugene to Seattle to Davenport and beyond. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!” - Jesus

Build – Destruct – Rebuild – Destroy is the current path for the members of Northern California based hardcore band, And Came Back Brutal. Garnering the attention of labels such as the Artery Foundation and working with bands the likes of Norma Jean, the young men of And Came Back Brutal continue their fight to make Bearcore a mainstay in the heavy music scene. Hurdcore.com presents this follow up with And Came Back Brutal, you can also catch the 2010 full length interview with vocalist Scott Gallagher.

One of your songs that personally means a lot to you and why? They all mean something to me. I really couldn’t pick one out of the line-up. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… An 808 machine and triggers. Current trend in music/scene that bugs you… Commercial ideas. Copying what is seen. Lack of originality. Current trend in your scene that you think is a positive evolution? The music has been getting noticed more, which is nice. Currently reading… Hell Blazer, John Constantine and Berserk Comic Books. Currently watching… Hellsing – Anime. Top 5 songs in your personal iPod right now? That’s a hard one, I can name 3 albums that are continually playing: a) Outcasts: Speaker Box; Atliens. b) Nicki Minaj: Mind Tape Beam Me Up Scotty. c) Impending Dooms newest CD. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? No, none at all LOL. I do like going out to listen to the opening bands and supporting them. Best memory that comes to mind from a show? Best memory was being picked up to play at the Boardwalk. We had a great turn out and got Artery’s attention. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show? Probably our earlier shows, playing for virtually nobody and close minded people who are only interested in current trend and local fad.

And Came Back Brutal (Hardcore – Sacramento, CA) is: Scott – Vox; Marc – Guitar; Peter – 7 String Leads; Will – Bass; Eric – Drums. Check the ACBB FB for music, concert dates and news.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music.” To refresh your memory on the year that was in 2010 we offer these recaps of interviews, reviews and events. Reconnect with the best of local and national music that shared bits of themselves through the medium of hurdcore.

Interview w/ Andy Atkins of A Plea For Purging A Plea for Purging combines lightning fast brutality with refreshing blasts of sincerity and a grounded layer of humor to their unique blend of hardcore/metal. On the eave of the release for their full length album, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell on Facedown Records, we were able to steal a few minutes with lead singer Andy Atkins for a behind the mic session to discuss life and music.

Interview w/ Kyle Benecke Kyle Benecke took the helm for Sioux Falls, South Dakota based hardcore band Nodes of Ranvier in time to record and tour what would be their fourth and final album, “Defined By Struggle” as 2007 was the end of an era for Nodes. Kyle sheds some light on the breakup and encourages us with words of wisdom for today.

Interview w/ …And The Sirens Sang If you identify with pain and have a consuming drive for an expanding depth in sound then you may have no closer musical avatar than Portland, Oregon based melodic hardcore band …And The Sirens Sang. Combining screaming vocal harmonies, breakdowns from dueling guitars, layers of emotive keys and an ingenuity that filters through every aspect of their collective expression through music ATSS is hard at work in the studio and on a stage

Interview w/ Ashylus If fans dare to participate in live performances from these Tri Cities, Washington rockers, they may want to bring protective gear as no fan will be guaranteed to escape without a proper bruising. Their name which stands for Ambition | Strength | Heart | Youth | Love | Understanding | Sacrifice serves as a certain rallying cry that has set these young men well on their way to establishing themselves as a presence in the hardcore/metal circles throughout Washington and Oregon.

Review: The Book of Eli The Book of Eli is cast in a post-apocalyptic setting which takes artistic license to showcase some of what humanity unrestrained might be like, a torrential wasteland of hopelessness and lawless deterioration. Eli stands out in his composure as well as his values, reminiscing upon the world that was with quotes such as, “People had more than they needed, people didn’t know what was precious and what wasn’t, people threw away things they kill each other for now.” Eli is a film that calls for a simplicity in values and a course for life that while far from easy, may allow humankind to experience a taste of what they were created for.

CHECK OUT Hurdcore.com 2010 Recap Part 3

Hurdcore.com is local music, local art and local entertainment. Local music reviews, interviews, event promotion, art and entertainment collaboration. Whether hardcore, punk, indie or rap. Check in throughout the week, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

As a Washougal, Washington based thrash/hardcore band, Mourning For Memories is bringing a positive message in a dark and hefty package. Hurdcore.com first experienced Mourning For Memories live as part of the mega-gathering of local heavy music talent at Savage Fest 2010 hosted by members of …And The Sirens Sang and King Arthur Booking. Connect again with these aspiring artists as hurdcore.com presents One More with Mourning For Memories, you can also view the original full length interview with the gents of MFM from 2010.

One of our songs that personally means a lot to me? Echoes and Shattered Yesterdays both tie for our most meaningful song. Echoes tells of a life of former addictions. Shattered Yesterdays is about heartbreak. Both are meaningful and strong and are meant to portray hope and a brighter side to darker motives. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… Either a P.A or new guitar amps. I play music because… We love music. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me… People that stand around at shows. Currently reading… the questions in this interview. Currently watching… Terminator Salvation “We have no fate but what we make” -John Connor. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now? Airplanes by B.o.B, Machine Gun Mouth by Our Last Night, Sex Education by I Set My Friends On Fire, The Escape Artist by August Burns Red, and No Bragging Rights (Whole CD).

Any crazy pre-performance rituals? We stretch…..like really hardcore stretch…and some of us aren’t very flexible to it looks pretty weird, and we pray. Best memory that comes to mind from a show/tour? The Hawthorne show we played, or Savage Fest. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour? We played a show with two acoustic acts cause the other bands dropped out so it was an odd show.

Mourning For Memories is: Tyler Duff – VOKILLZ; Steven Murphy – GEETARS; Dylan Pollard – GEETARS; Kyle Van Zitteren – SLAPPIN DA BASS; Mike Towell – PERCUSSION. Keep up to date with songs, releases and tour info at the MFM Myspace

Music news, reviews and interviews posted weekly at hurdcore.com. Partnering with artists, fans and venues to fan the flames of local ambition. Hurdcore supports local rock, pop, hip-hop and metal from Northwest to the Midwest. Keep reppin’ local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12

J Philly has been known for sometime throughout local hip hop circles within the Southern Willamette Valley, but for the aspiring artist 2010 was a year of leaps and bounds. From mainstay at Eugene hip hop extravaganzas such as Summer Jam, to charismatic host of Oregon Duck flash mob inspired Flock The Village to feature tracks on Eugene Weekly’s Next Big Thing, J Philly and his Phil-Da-Beast Records are taking tremendous strides to Reach The Top of the music mountain. Now joining forces with Balou The Sasquatch to form the rap duo known as Cave Dwellers, J Philly is making feel good music that gives more than lip service to faith and doing hip hop in a positive way. J Philly is vested in every aspect of music, making his mark with crisp beats, fresh flavors and tight flowing rhymes that are rooted in classic hip hop. Keep an eye out for the Cave Dwellers debut album Out Of Hibernation dropping late Spring 2011.

There is a lot of thanking “God and my mother” within rap, what is different about your approach faith and hip-hop? I use Hip-Hop as a ministry tool, so my faith in God gets thrown into a lot of my music. As far as bringing the people closer to Christ, I leave that up to them, not pushing my views, but opening doors. I try not to push my faith on anyone, kind of like honey to vinegar, because nobodies trying to hear an arrogant Christian Rapper.

Do you remember the first album/song that got you hooked on hip-hop?
Yes! Sir Mix-A-Lot’s first album “Swass”. As cheesy as it was, I was only 4 years old and didn’t know any better but, Posse On Broadway and Iron Man were definitely the prime cuts, then I moved onto De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising and developed an obsession.

You talk about “the original elements of hip hop,” what is hip-hop to you?
Hip Hop to me is another way to express yourself through a vastly growing culture; you always have to stay relevant and know what sounds good. If you come out with something wack, you’re automatically labeled as “just another wannabe” or “not serious with your music”.

Is there a difference between hip-hop and rap? Yes, there is. Which pertains to your last question. Rap is just one element of the Hip Hop culture. Rapping is what an MC does, where as you’ve got the DJ on the turntables, Graffiti artists, B-Boys and B-Girls break dancing, beatboxing, and knowledge of the culture, so study up!

Are you at a point where hip-hop is paying the bills or do you still have the 9 to 5? I am happy to say that I quit my job a few years ago to focus on my music! It’s been a great ride so far, and I don’t see myself going back. My wife keeps a 9 to 5, but the ultimate goal is to make enough doing what I love to let her stay home.

Phil-Da-Beast Records is another venture of yours, are you involved in all aspects of recording? Phil-Da-Beast Records is a label I started back in 2007. I needed the business aspect of things to give it a professional feel and push myself out of a 10-year slump. I do everything including production, editing, recording, mastering, DJing, and self-promotion. I’ve always gone by the independent rule, “do as much as you can, for as long as you can, then ask for help”.

Do you produce artists other than yourself? I’ve produced for a bunch of artists, mostly local, but if you want a taste of the Phil-Da-Beast flavor, you can check out Todd G, The Cave Dwellers (Balou The Sasquatch and myself), Incyte, Endr Won, The Reward System, Mack Dub, KB The New, Brittani G, Fish Martinez, and recently a 12-year-old singer named LeLe. I’m always looking for people to collaborate with as well.

Your last release was a Mixtape titled Leak Of The Week, was this a compilation of previous songs or all new material? It was all new. I wanted to come out with something to get a buzz, and to stay relevant, something for the fans between LPs. I decided to leak a free downloadable song to anyone that wanted it every Friday for 3 months. I gained quite a few fans from around the way, and got a lot of people to admit they know me, haha!

Obviously in these parts the Ducks have always been a big deal, but this past year was one for the ages. How did you get involved with the Flock The Village event? I was brought in to the project because I had auto tune, an effect needed for the track. The song we did was a rendition of The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got A Feeling”, so they needed to make someone sound like Will.I.Am. They also wanted me to be the hype man-rapper guy. They didn’t really know much about me until I started suggesting crucial ideas, then I became the vocal editor and go-to what sounds good advisor. I even gave the band the name “4toFly”. That event went so well that there’s talk of doing an annual pep rally for the fans. Being a part of that project also stemmed off so much business for me, I’m still reaping the benefits.

2010 was a big year for you with popular local shows, Flock The Village and inclusion in Eugene Weekly’s Next Big Thing compilation album. What did you learn/discover in 2010 that you want to expand upon in 2011 as an artist? I really got a feel for how to conduct myself as an artist here in Eugene. I received loads of respect and head nods, and plan to keep pushing the envelope, giving the people what THEY want and not exactly what I want to give them. It’s an ongoing balancing act, but I think I’ve gained more knowledge of how to keep my music personalized, yet catchy.

With all that you were involved with in 2010 – what are some of the “must attend” events for local music coming up in 2011? Here in Eugene, the must attend Hip Hop event is always “Summer Jam”. That’s where they bring out all the heavy hitters. There’s talk of The Cave Dwellers opening for KJ-52 so be on the look out. Other than that, anything that Cool Nutz is at and anything that doesn’t involve a janky promoter.

When/how did J Philly and Balou The Sasquatch become The Cave Dwellers? Actually, it started with a weekly bible study. After each study, we would talk music. We became best friends and decided because we collab so much, it might be a good idea to do a project together. Thus, The Cave Dwellers were in full effect!

Is there any meaning or story behind the selection of the name? Yes! Since Big B is a Sasquatch and I am a Beast, we wanted to come up with something mutual. The only thing we could find was a cave. It’s for the people too! I believe that we all feel like we are stuck in a cave in some point in our lives, so it’s a metaphor for finally seeing the light and doing something about it.

How close are we to seeing an EP/LP from The Cave Dwellers? Very close, in fact it might be available before this interview comes out. We have a 17 song LP slated for April/May 2011.

J Philly (Hip Hop – Eugene, OR) solo hip hop artist as well as member of the rap duo The Cave Dwellers w/ Balou The Sasquatch and point man for Phil Da Beast Records. Look for Cave Dwellers to release their first full length album, Out Of Hibernation, April/May 2011.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

Get another taste of Raw Rock – if you missed the full length hurdcore.com interview with Showbread HERE, you need to link back to their in depth perspective on the state of music and what they are doing to take it back.

I perform music because…? Too much school required to dig up dinosaur bones. One unforgettable experience as a performer that taught me volumes about music… People love music that sucks. Best Place to eat in Guyton [Ohio]? Smokehouse BBQ. Currently reading… A Confession by Leo Tolstoy.
Currently watching… Repeated viewings of the Iron Man 2 blu-ray, but District 9 might be my favorite movie at the moment. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now? The first five songs on Who Can Know It? [Showbread - Come & Live Records]. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? I always have to pee but there’s never enough time, so I pee in whatever opened bottle is lying around backstage. Craziest thing that happened to you during a show? Ivory peed his pants mid-song.

Showbread (Rock – Guyton, Ohio – Come & Live! Records) is: Josh Dies (vocals/guitars), Patrick Porter (bass), Garret Holmes (synth/guitars) and Drew Porter (drums). Keep up to date with news and tour dates at showbread.net. Download their latest album Who Can Know It? at comeandlive.com or purchase on iTunes.

Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music.” Reppin’ local by teaming with artists, fans and venues to celebrate local efforts. Hurdcore covers metal, hip-hop, pop and rock from Eugene to Seattle to Davenport and beyond. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!” - Jesus

Whether you missed the full length interview or you are hungry for more, hurdcore.com is proud to offer you this encore session with Searching For Security guitarist Jason Hartley. To read the entire hurdcore.com SFS interview link HERE to engage a local Midwest metalcore treasure.

I believe music has the power to… To affect a person in many ways, whether it be to inspire, to relax, to enjoy, to escape or just to listen to. The possibilities are endless. Everybody listens to or plays music for their own reasons. Strangest place that you draw inspiration from… sitting in school tapping out rhythms, or humming riffs in your head at Mcdonalds. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… a trailer. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me? All the drama, it gets overbearing watching our fans fight with each other at shows over things that shouldn’t matter so much. Your at a show to enjoy it so just leave the drama at the door and have some fun!!!

Currently reading… History book, ha. Currently watching… Family Guy. Favorite movie… Star Wars. Top 5 songs in my personal iPod right now: Plea For Purging – Eternal Female; August Burns Red – (full album); Black Dahlia Murder – What a horrible to night to have a curse; Whitechapel – This is Exile; Suicide Silence – Lifted. One unforgettable experience as a performer that taught me volumes about music… When doing guitar flips, make sure your face doesn’t get in the way.. or your dentist gets an extra visit. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? We have a stretch routine, involving dragon ball z poses and chants. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour… Traveling 3 1/2 hrs to a show that was cancelled 2 nights before..

Searching For Security (Metalcore – Moline, Illinois) is: Aris Hess – Vocals; Cole Elliott – Drums & Vocals; Carl Pierce – Bass; Jason Hartley – Guitar; Mikey Youngs – Guitar. Look for shows, news and the release of their debut EP “Amongst Ruin” at the SFS Myspace.

Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday. Hurdcore.com is working with artists, fans and venues to promote music events from Portland to Spokane to Chicago. Whether hardcore, punk, indie or rap. Check in throughout the week, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough. – Jesus

“With fans like you, who needs enemies?!” Music fans can be an intense group. If you don’t believe me, listen to the conversations at the cusp of the pit at the next concert you attend. There is nothing more comical than Hot Topic guy or I just learned my first barre chord guy breaking down their favorite (or former favorite) bands before a live performance. Conversations usually digress into pseudo theoretical dissertations about how scene guy could totally shred better than this guitarist or tears shed over how could that band have changed their sound so much. As fans we forget there is a reason that bands are on stage and we are in the audience – someone in the equation put the time in to get their dreams in action and the other party in the discussion paid to observe. Maybe we at hurdcore.com have been asking the wrong questions or maybe some bands are just hesitant to speak their minds, but in our recent interview with the dudes of Showbread we were the glad recipients of an in-depth, insightful and sincere look into the realities of performing music. In an era where the music industry is in serious transition, if not on the verge of death, some artists are taking a very different approach to music. For some, the content of this interview may kick your teeth in but for fans of the art and evolution of music, the path and message of Showbread should be a breath of fresh air.

With this upcoming release and the evolution of your sound, do you anticipate that there will be some initial shock from longtime fans?
SHOW: Shock, frustration, disappointment, excitement… all of these things. It’s very easy and very boring to play to an audience’s comfort. I’d rather divide them, make some of them love us and some of them hate us while challenging the open mindedness of everyone. I love hearing people’s reactions to new Showbread albums, it never fails. Some listeners are so incredibly passionate and enthused and others are completely convinced that we had no idea what we were doing, it’s hilarious.

What about the vision of Come & Live and the timing for your band made the move from a more traditional and established label right for you?
SHOW: Our contract with Tooth And Nail was up right when Chad was getting Come&Live! off the ground. We had been talking with him about it for months and knew it was where we were being led. The idea that we could eliminate the profit minded motivation behind music as a full-time job meant everything to us. At Come&Live! no one will ever make a plan based on what will sell more records, because there are no records to sell in the first place. It’s all about the art and the message, it’s incredibly liberating.

In regards to the free format through which you are releasing your latest album Who Can Know It, you have stated, “Even considering the sorry state the industry is in, the move wasn’t about reinventing the wheel, it was about believing in a message of hope so sincerely that you’d much rather hand it out as a gift than charge someone for it.” What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the flow of professional music in your time as a band?
SHOW: An ever-growing disinterest. Nowadays so many music fans are spoiled, narcissistic thieves. There’s this mentality of “How dare anyone try and charge me for music. I don’t care that it took hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of hard work to create this thing, these arrogant rock stars should just stop being greedy and give it to me for free.” As a result artists have to spend as much time thinking of ways to “trick” people into buying a record as they do actually making the record itself. They have to tweet and video blog and give away posters just to get someone’s attention for a moment before it’s lost to the next record they steal and dismantle. I honestly believe that in the not so
distant future professional music will be completely dead (except for maybe rap and country) and someone will be forced to figure something out. As intense as that all sounds, that wasn’t why we decided to give our album away for free, but it was something that made our “career” a tremendous challenge when we were on a huge record label.

As I understand, to fund your album you opened the format to the fans with a 90 day fundraiser and were very successful with that effort. Where did this idea come from and what did you learn from this experience?
SHOW: We used a website called Kickstarter.com that has recently really caught on as an effective way to fundraise for all kinds of projects. What we learned is the complete irrelevance of the record label. We raised more money than our label would have given us to make an album that we own and control, and we’re nobodies. What reason is there for a band to stick with a label anymore?

In a season of big changes, you’ve teamed with a free music format, produced your album funded by the fans and are preparing to embark upon a free tour. What has been the response from fans and venues for the 2011 tour?
SHOW: I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’ve been told some funny things. Obviously, a lot of people seem to be happy about a free tour and the possibilities connected to it. Other people criticize it. Someone told me people on the internet said we we’re ruining the industry and that we cheapen our performance by giving it away. Sometimes you can’t win for losing. It’s hard to tell exactly how this thing will work, our hope is that someone who might otherwise stay home will show up and we can get them thinking a little. That’s the draw of a performance for us, not selling tickets or having thousands of people cheer for you, but connecting with individuals and loving them. That’s our ideal “concert.”

The name for this album, Who Can Know It is taken from Jeremiah 17:9, what about this passage inspired the theme and writing for this record?
SHOW: The hint of resign in the tone. The human heart is such an unknowable thing, why do we try? It is “desperately wicked.”

Your sound has always had a heavy core while you have continually colored outside of the lines of any particular genre. Even with that uniqueness to your sound, have you felt the pressure to meet certain expectations as a band (whether from fans or labels or both)?
SHOW: Absolutely not. We decided early on to never even consider the expectations of fans or labels or anyone for that matter. To us, it only matters that we make a record that we believe in because we know the people who appreciate what we’re doing appreciate it for that reason; our unwillingness to compromise.

Showbread (Rock – Guyton, Ohio – Come & Live! Records) is: Josh Dies (vocals/guitars), Patrick Porter (bass), Garret Holmes (synth/guitars) and Drew Porter (drums). Keep up to date with news and tour dates at showbread.net. Download their latest album Who Can Know It? at comeandlive.com or purchase on iTunes.

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What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus