Having trouble finding a good local band or venue that will allow you to do more than bob up and down like a buoy?! Hurdcore.com is bringing the music to the people, we offer a glimpse into the background and mind of Graham, Washington based hardcore band Swinglow. Our thanks to Trevor of Swinglow for taking the time to share with us.

HC What inspired the name of your band?
SL i kinda just picked it out of a list of names our drummer made and i really liked it so we kept it haha.

HC When did your band go from the dream stage to actually putting tracks down and going on the road?
SL well we started jamming and making music back in april of last year but didn’t really start playing shows till October and since we’ve been playing shows off and on and recorded an ep.

HC How would you describe your musical style?
SL i personally would call us hardcore with a mix of melodic and metal influences.

HC Where are you at currently in terms of writing and/or releasing an album?
SL well we just released an ep about a month ago and we will start recording another short demo in june as for a full length we would like to starting writing for that by the end of summer as for releasing i honestly have no idea.

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
SL um definitely www.myspace.com/swinglowsucks

HC From the concept of your band, the makeup of its members and the lyrics of your songs, would you say that there is a prominent theme (i.e. religious, political, philosophical, etc)?
SL yes i guess would say the theme is simply music that is glorifying to god and nothing less.

HC Where are you currently grabbing inspiration and/or frustration from and how has this been affecting your music?
SL from worship songs, sermons at my church and personal experiences.

HC What have been some of the most important lessons for you as struggling-artists?
SL i guess we’ve learned lately not to rush things especially when it comes to getting new songs ready its better to go at your own pace and see how things play out.

HC Are there any favorite/funny/scary memories from your current tour that you’d like to share?
SL so far we’ve played only one out of state show in waldport oregon and it was interesting but no great stories to tell yet.

HC What has been your favorite tour stop so far? What new foods have you discovered (scary or good)?
SL since we havn’t had a tour yet i wouldn’t know haha

HC What has been the most challenging part of taking your band public?
SL i guess just finding time to fit show’s,practices,ect into all of our busy schedule for the last 6 months this has been our main problem.

HC Any words of encouragement for aspiring bands?
SL i would just stick with it as long as possible you never know what could come of it!

UPCOMING SHOWS:

:: 05/15/09
@ Studio 7 – Seattle, WA
5PM, $8adv/$10doors
Aschemia CD Release Show w/ As For The Dead, Sanctity In Silence, SWINGLOW, more TBA

:: 06/14/09
@ The Viaduct – Tacoma, WA
5412 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 98409
w/ Swinglow, Earth From Above & Dear Life

In an ever expanding effort to expose and inform, we are pursing interviews from local bands, helping aspiring artists to connect with a broader base of listeners so that they can be converted to devoted followers. Again, through the miracle of MySpace, we were able to conduct an email interview with the articulate and insightful Aaron of Seattle based metal band 7 Horns 7 Eyes.

HC What inspired the name of your band?
7H7E It comes from the Bible, where in Revelation 5:6 it describes Jesus as a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes. Throughout the Bible, the number seven is used to connote completeness or perfection, so in this case, the seven horns describe that Jesus’ power is complete and perfect, and the seven eyes that his knowledge and vision are complete and perfect. It really is just a statement about the nature of God.

HC When did your band go from the dream stage to actually putting tracks down and going on the road?
7H7E This band is made up of members who have played in previous bands, and it actually spawned from the death of a previous band, so it was never actually at a purely “dream stage”. However, it officially began in March of 2006.

HC How would you describe your musical style?
7H7E We are definitely a metal band. Our music is dynamic, polyrhythmic at times, generally ambient, often quite epic sounding, and overall quite heavy.

HC Where are you at currently in terms of writing and/or releasing an album?
7H7E We begin drum tracking for our debut full length in just a couple weeks (late April 2009)!

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
7H7E Myspace has been our most effective tool of communication thus far, which also links to all other relevant internet locations (merchandise, YouTube, etc.): http://www.myspace.com/7horns7eyes

HC From the concept of your band, the makeup of its members and the lyrics of your songs, would you say that there is a prominent theme (i.e. religious, political, philosophical, etc)?
7H7E Our lyrics are written from a Christian perspective, and cover various subjects that we have either dealt with personally or can somehow identify with.

HC Where are you currently grabbing inspiration and/or frustration from and how has this been affecting your music?
7H7E The musical tone has largely been affected by Meshuggah (to a certain degree), as well as bands like Opeth, Swallow The Sun, and Strapping Young Lad. Lyrically it’s harder to pin down, although hearing a good sermon definitely helps!

HC What have been some of the most important lessons for you as struggling-artists?
7H7E I’m not entirely sure how to best answer this question, although we have definitely learned that in order to have the best chance at success, we need to be like-minded and transparent with each other in every way possible.

HC Are there any favorite/funny/scary memories from your current tour that you’d like to share?
7H7E We are not currently on tour, although when we played at Creation fest 2008 in George, WA our transmission overheated, and the fluid boiled over and caught on fire while we were crossing the Cascade mountains. We were very close to losing the entire van, and perhaps the trailer full of gear as well! You can view our three-part Creation video blog at http://www.youtube.com/7horns7eyesofficial

HC What has been your favorite tour stop so far? What new foods have you discovered (scary or good)?
7H7E we have not yet embarked on an actual tour, although four of us drove our van down to the NAMM convention in Anaheim, CA last February and enjoyed a few In ‘N’ Out burgers, which we do not often get to eat!

HC What has been the most challenging part of taking your band public?
7H7E We’ve encountered some criticism in regards to trying to pair Christianity with metal, but for us it’s a position that occurs comfortably and naturally, so it’s difficult to legitimately criticize.

HC Any words of encouragement for aspiring bands?
7H7E Write original music, approach all that you do with professionalism, and seek like-mindedness in band members’ goals and desires.

Olympia, Washington based metalcore band Reverse The Sunrise has announced that they will be breaking up with their final show being played this Saturday (4/25/09) at The Viaduct in Tacoma (WA).

We love all of the people who have supported us by coming to our shows and buy our buttons and helping us out with equipment. A couple of quick thanks to: Jesus (every one go to his shows!), The Guys from BT, Kevin, our parents, Kenzie, Joey, and again all of the people who came to our shows or listened to our music.

Come see Reverse The Sunrise play their final show on Saturday, April, 25, 2009:
The Viaduct
5412 S Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA

Venue: Club Impact
754 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402

:: 04/25/09
*This is Club Impact’s (Version 1.0) last show, get there early because its gonna be SOLD OUT. This event starts is an All Day Event starting at Noon. Show’s full line up and times:

Noon – Noonthirty… IF BEARS WERE BEES
12:45 – 1:15… A LEAF
1:30 – 2:00… BLOODBOUGHT
2:15 – 2:45… MONSTERS SCARE YOU
3:00 – 3:30… THE SECRET ARMADA
3:45 – 4:15… ASPEN
4:30 – 5:00… LOVE UNFAILING
5:15 – 5:45… COLONIES
6:00 – 6:30… MADISON DRIVE
6:45 – 7:15… BRANDON BEE
7:30 – 8:00… SOULDEEP
8:15 – 8:45… END THE CENTURY
9:00 – 9:30… DEWEY LYBECKER
9:45 – 10:15… INSTANT WINNER
10:30 – 10:55… VISION AND VALOR
11:15 – MIDNIGHT… MXPX

We’re located on the corner of 9th & Pacific in downtown Tacoma at the big, Brick City building at 754 Pacific Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402. Get DISCOUNT tix for all shows @ www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/5694 OR call 800-838-3006

Club Impact is planning to launch Version 2.0, so check in with them for updates on the Club Impact Myspace

Local shows, local venues, local bands for the months of April & May 2009. If you know of another please update. Shows will be updated as we become aware of them.

*NOTE: This is for informational purposes only, www.hurdcore.com is not explicitly endorsing any of the bands or shows. All posted are supposed to be “all ages” but this does not guarantee that these shows will be w/out explicit content.

**Truckload of events all through April & May from The Viaduct, check their MySpace for dates, times and bands. Most shows start at 7PM, The Viaduct is located at 5412 South Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409.

:: 4.17.09 (FRI)
@ El Corazon – Seattle, Washington
w/ The Devil Wears Prada, A Day To Remember, Sky Eats Airplane, Emarosa
>Mixed bag, post hardcore, semi-electronica, and pop-punk.

:: 4.18.09 (SAT)
@ Hawthorne Theater – Portland, Oregon
w/ The Devil Wears Prada, A Day To Remember, Sky Eats Airplane, Emarosa
>Mixed bag, post hardcore, semi-electronica, and pop-punk.

@ The Revolution – Ashland, OR
w/ Turned Up Missing, Paper Mache, Noah Gundersen
$5, All Ages

:: 04/23/09
@ Satyricon Theater – Portland, OR
125 NW 6th AVE, Portland, Oregon
7PM, $8
w/ Emsley, Diamond Liars and Rythmatic Revolution
> Indie

:: 04/25/09
@ Club Impact – Tacoma, WA
754 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Pass The Torch Music Festival w/ MxPx, Vision & Valor (Tysen/Holyfield), Love Unfailing and 15 other bands
starts at NOON, $15 Door/$13 Adv
> Punk, Hardcore/Metal
*Impacts last show! Get there early its gonna be SOLD OUT

@ TreeHouse Venue – Eugene, Oregon
6:30 PM, All Ages, FREE
w/ Emsley with Eight Seven Central
> Indie/Trance/Rockabilly
***Grand opening night! Check it out!

@ The Viaduct – Tacoma, WA
7PM, 8$
w/ Reverse Sunrise, Open Fire, Lenore, Cowardice and Eterna Nocturna
> Hardcore

:: 04/28/09
@ The Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
7PM, $8
w/ Emsley, Brightwood, and Sleep For Sleepers!
> Indie

:: 04/30/09
@ The Hawthorne Theater
7PM, All Ages, $15
w/ Turned Up Missing, Something About Airplanes, Delta Bravo
> Indie

:: 05/01/09
@ The Big Room – Olympia, WA
508 Legion Way, Olympia, Washington 98501
7PM, All Ages,
w/ Turned Up Missing, Again And Again, The Welcome Home, Emsley and The Everlast
> Indie

@ WOW Hall – Eugene, OR
291 W. 8TH AVE, EUGENE, Oregon 97401
8PM, $13/$15
SAY G&E! TOUR w/ Grouch Eligh, Afro Classics
>Rap/Hip-Hop

:: 05/02/09
@ The Viaduct
5412 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, Washington 98409
7PM
w/ Turned Up Missing, Again And Again, The Welcome Home and Marine View Drive

:: 05/03/09
@ Level 2 – Astoria, OR
7PM, All Ages,
w/ The Seatbelt Tragedy, Turned Up Missing

:: 05/06/09
@ The Hawthorne Theater – Portland, Oregon
7PM, All Ages, $15
w/ Strung Out, Death By Stereo, The Royal Tees
>Classic punk

:: 05/09/09
@ The Masonic Temple – Chehalis, WA
123 w main st, Chehalis, Washington 98532
$4 adv/ 5 door
Benefit Show w/ Love Unfailing, Burning Twilight

@ El Corazon – Seattle, Washington
w/ Furious Styles, Biohazard
>Mix of Hardcore/Hip-Hop

:: 05/15/09
@ Studio 7 – Seattle, WA
5PM, 8$adv/10$doors
Aschemia CD Release Show w/ As For The Dead, Sanctity in Silence, Swinglow, more
> Hardcore/Metal

@ The Space – Salem, Oregon
8PM, FREE
w/ Kill the Kids, Red Headed Stepchild, Last Stand
> Punkabilly

:: 05/21/09
@ The Viaduct – Tacoma, WA
w/ Furious Styles
> Hardcore/Hip-Hop

:: 05/2309
@ Studio 7 – Seattle, WA
5:15 PM, $10 Door/$8 Adv.
w/ Winston Smith, Psyopus, Molotov Solution, Rose Funeral, Woe of Tyrants, I Declare War, Idols
> Hardcore/Metal

:: 05/30/09
@ Club Impact – Tacoma, WA
754 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98042
7PM, Benefit Show – FREE!!!
Get Off Your Ashes Benefit Show (GOYA) – w/ Schoolyard Heroes, Wake The Giant, He is We, Sight vs. Sound, In the Sea, Brightwood

@ The Big Room – Olympia, WA
508 Legion Way, Olympia, Washington
7PM, $8/10
w/ Love Unfailing, Eterna Nocturna, No Living Witness, These Endless Skies, Boston Strangler, Across the Sun
> Hardcore/Metal, Electronica/Grindcore

@ SALT – Ellensburg, WA
6PM, $5
w/ Emsley
> Indie

Venue: The Viaduct – Tacoma, WA
5412 S Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409
$6 All Ages – Doors open @ 7PM

Headlining: As For The Dead – Metal/Hardcore, dark rumbling guitars w/ mix of gutteral and serpentine vox, melodic influences and breakdowns.

Striking The Nations announced that this will be their last live show for a while as they intend to write music in order to record a demo. Fast paced Christian metal w/ hardcore chops, mixture of punk and singing for vox.

Ships Set Sail Christian metal w/ good mix of lead and breakdowns, current recordings are a little choppy so not all elements were clear.

Six Fifteen Punk/Power-Pop

Ballroom Warrior Rock/Metal/Progressive mixture of serpentine screaming and singing, melodic influences

Local Washington venue in Tacoma hosting a mix of metal, hardcore and punk on Saturday, April 18, 2009. This is an all ages show, cover is $6 and doors open at 7PM. Come support local talent and local venues!

Venue: El Corazon (Seattle)
109 Eastlake Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 381-3094

This venue is hosts a bar and a concert area, I don’t believe that they serve any food other than snacks in bar area (21+ only). All agers are able to purchase water and candies at the main window.

The venue is located in a business area of downtown Seattle (there are always things to see in Seattle), but we arrived late for my first visit so I did not take particular note of the surrounding businesses. El Corazon is set in a commercial area with plenty of nearby parking but you will likely have to pay.

The main floor is long and somewhat narrow with a second deck area where the bands can set up for merch and those who want nothing to do with the pit can observe. Bands perform from a raised stage with various speaker arrangements, if you are standing far left/right the sound can be muffled/hollow (may appeal to casual observers).

El Corazon has a noticeable presence of Security but overall seemed to understand their purpose and allowed crowd to do their thing. I did not observe anyone attempting to crowd surf and slam dancing was limited as the venue was pretty packed when I attended.

My initiation at El Corazon (Seattle) included Demon Hunter, the blessed return of Living Sacrifice, (the long awaited rebirth of Embodyment) The Famine, and Oh Sleeper. This venue is of a decent size relevant to comparable venues, I look forward to returning for more hurdcore!

Enclosed are the links to the second of a 2 part in-depth interview with Demon Hunter by Tim Smith of The Resurgence (Mars Hill, Seattle, WA). See notes from previous post.

Of interest in this segment is a new film that Demon Hunter is producing currently entitled 45 days which is a documentary of the band. Unique to this rock documentary is that the perspective is from that of the fans and what they are getting from the music as opposed to just being a behind the scenes of the band.

Demon Hunter is always on the cutting edge of technology and art, so I look forward to the message of this documentary as well as the artistic production details that will be on display. If you saw the film debut at Mars Hill (November 21, 2008) I’d love to hear your take on how it affected you.

As noted in previous post:
Besides being involved in several 90′s era hardcore bands that contributed to the emergence of the Christian alternative scenes, Demon Hunter continues to expand the relevance of Christian music through their latest musical collaboration, talent development and cutting edge artistic contributions to numerous productions.

Hear some great background from the lives of Don and Ryan Clark, their spiritual maturation, stories behind Focal Point, Training For Utopia (TFU) and Demon Hunter. Hear for yourself the integrity of a sincere Christian Hardcore/Metal band and the process Christ used to bring them where they are today.

Links:

Video of Interview with Demon Hunter (part 2)

Audio of Interview with Demon Hunter (part 2)

Enclosed are the links to the first of a 2 part in-depth interview with Demon Hunter by Tim Smith of The Resurgence (Mars Hill, Seattle, WA). The foundation behind the interview is to explore the artistic expression of Christian truths in action today. Demon Hunter is a relevant interview on this topic as they have their hands deep in the Christian music scene through their audio assault as well as there design and artistic contributions.

Besides being involved in several 90′s era hardcore bands that contributed to the emergence of the Christian alternative scenes, they now continue to expand the relevance of Christian music through their latest musical collaboration, talent development and cutting edge artistic contributions to numerous productions.

Hear some great background from the lives of Don and Ryan Clark, their spiritual maturation, stories behind Focal Point, Training For Utopia (TFU) and Demon Hunter. Hear for yourself the integrity of a sincere Christian Hardcore/Metal band and the process Christ used to bring them where they are today.

Links:

Video of Interview with Demon Hunter (part 1)

Audio of Interview with Demon Hunter (part 1)