So, you are a young man but you’ve have been rapping and performing for a while, how long have you been doing rap?
PS I was 9 years old and I happened to be hanging out at the Paradox Productionz studio with my cousin Klutch. Klutch and Phonix of Paradox knew that I liked to break dance so they knew I had rhythmn. They wrote me a verse really quick and put me in the booth to see how it sounded, after some instruction and practicing we finished the song which is called “Kyng Syzed”.

How would you describe your sound and what distinguishes you from other hip-hop artists?
PS I think my sound is different because I’m much younger than anyone else that is rapping around here, I don’t curse or talk about stuff that I wouldn’t want my Grandma to hear, ha ha. I mean, I’m only 14 and I’ve been doing this since I was 9 so I think I already have more experience than most other rappers around here.

What is a Pynt Syze live set like?
PS Well I’m a solo Hip-Hop artist and I try to make my shows as energetic as possible. I’m sure when people see a 14 year old get on stage for the first time they don’t know what to expect but I think by the end of the show they come to respect me as a actual artist, not just a gimmick.

Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your local scene?
PS I am born and raised in Albany, Oregon. I think what I like best about the local scene is the support that most every artist gives each other.

Who have been some of the key people that have helped you pave the way to where you are now?
PS The biggest influences I’ve had in music are my big brother Mike, the guys from Paradox (Klutch & Phonix), and all of my family.

It’s the start of a new year, what are some of your favorite memories from 2009?
PS My best memory from 2009 was rapping for Tech N9ne, Slaughterhouse, and all of the other artists on Tech N9ne’s K.O.D. tour back stage before his show in Eugene.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
PS In 2010 I’m looking forward to dropping my mixtape “Class ‘N Session”, working on my debut album, and working towards getting signed!

What do you hope that fans will receive from your music?
PS I hope that they feel my passion for music and understand that you can do Hip-Hop without cursing.

What is one of the coolest stories you have heard from a fan?
PS I guess he’s not really a “fan” but the coolest thing for me was when Tech N9ne shouted my name on stage saying how good I was in from of thousands of people after I rapped for him.

Trend that you have noticed that you will never join? Skinny jeans, they’re not for me. Currently reading I’m reading my 8th grade Science book, haha; listening to Tech N9ne and the songs that I have done from my “Class ‘N Session” mixtape, and T.I.’s “Paper Trail” album; and watching I guess the channel that I watch the most is B.E.T. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Nothing to crazy, but I pray before every show. When you are a diva/rockstar the three things that you will demand be in your dressing room are? If I demanded three things in my dressing room it would be a notebook to write in, junk food, and apple juice. The perfect combo! Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now? I’m a Zune guy, so the top 5 songs in my Zune are Tech N9ne – Riot Maker, and 2-5 would be my own songs, haha! I mainly listen to my own music and other music from Paradox Productionz.

See Pynt Syze tear the stage up at Riley’s on March 27th with Oregon’s First The Everything Show starting at 7PM (124 Broadalbin – Albany, Oregon) see banner link below…

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

How long have you been at the R&B game and how did you get started? FLOI’ve been singing just about all my life…my mom taught my sister and I how to harmonize when we were young and made us practice every night…I hated it then, but I’m grateful for it now. I started pursuing a music career a couple years ago when I recorded in the studio for the first time…there was something electric about it, I knew it was something I had to pursue.

How would you describe your sound and what makes it different from other solo R&B artists?
FLO My sound has a lot of island influence because I’m Polynesian and I love the reggae vibe. But I also fuse some R&B into it. I’d say my songs are all feel-good songs, something you can listen to when you’re winding down at the end of the day or just chillaxin, but the beats still get ya toes tappin!

What is a live experience with Flo like? What are some of your best/worst experiences at a live show?
FLO A live experience with my group is always a good one, crowds get to experience a different type of music that they’re not typically used to listening to but at the same time will catch their ear. I think generally a bad experience at a show is when nobody’s feelin’ what you’re performing. You put your heart into this music and for people to not like it is always a bad experience. Whenever I can get a crowd to move with my music or if I’m able to hit a nerve with some people through my music then I consider it a good show.

Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your local scene? FLO I’m originally from the coast, Florence to be exact…the music scene there is not as active as in other parts of Oregon but it’s nice because the small community there really appreciates any musicians that come out of that town so I’ve always felt supported.

Who has been the greatest influence in getting you to where you are now? FLO My family has been a great influence on my music. My mom has always pushed me musically whether I liked it or not but it’s been a great help in getting me where I am today.

Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now?
strong>FLO Feluteni – Siaosi, Here Come the Hotstepper – Ini Kamikaze, I Love You – Chris Brown, You’re the One for Me – Dondria, Get Me Bodied – Beyonce

Catch Flo in Albany, Oregon on March 27, 2010 @ 7pm withOregon’s First The Everything Show see banner link below…

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

The Great Exploration is fairly new as a band, how would you describe your sound?
TGE mixes progressive/experimental/and alternative all under the same roof.

You’ve played a few select shows and had some great turnouts, what is one of the coolest things a fan has ever said to/about your band? TGE Wow, that’s a tough question! We recently read an article in the paper where we were compared to Coldplay, Seabird, and Danyew. We thought that was pretty cool.

What was your favorite memory as a band from 2009?
TGE Honestly, our favorite memory was recording! We work with a close friend who is a recording engineer and had a blast with him.

TGE has a polished sound and you all play well together, as a band you’ve said, “Musically we strive to grow in the creativity God has given us and to give it back to Him through worship.” Is The Great Exploration a worship band, as in you play regularly for a church on Sunday mornings?
TGE I hope I don’t confuse you with my answer! Is TGE a worship band? Yes and No. When I say no, I mean we don’t “sound” like a typical worship band. We are beginning to progress more towards a experimental/progressive sound. When we create music, we try to be unique. When I say yes, our lyrics are completely geared towards worship.

Alright, so for those who still have trouble understanding the distinction, what’s the difference between a worship song and worshiping God?
TGE Music in general is worship. When you come to the realization that God is the one who has given you the talent and creativity to play music, you in turn give it back to Him. This is worship. Giving yourself in complete surrender. This is the difference between a worship song and worshiping God. It’s funny, we all go to different churches. Some of us play on worship teams, others don’t.

TGE had a strong upstart in 2009, what are you all looking forward to most in 2010?
TGE As for 2010, we were looking forward to playing at Tom Fest. Unfortunately we just read that the owner is revamping some things and will be postponing Tom Fest until next year. Oh well.

What has been your favorite show to date?
TGE Our favorite show was last Saturday night (Feb 6th)! We played with some fun bands and had a HUGE turnout of 500 people!

Have you had the chance to tour yet?
TGE Ha, no tour. We’re all in school full time, so a tour is kinda out of the question. Maybe someday!

At the time of writing this interview, your TGE MySpace profile quote reads, “Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.” What do you mean by this?
TGE As a band, we believe God has sent us to love, not condemn people. You will find this mindset deeply rooted in both our hearts and our music.

Your song “Comforter” is obviously a spiritual tune, is this a general song about God or is there a specific circumstance that inspired the writing?
TGE “Comforter” actually was inspired from scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NIV) Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter.

John 14:16 (ASV) And I will pray (to) the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever.

It’s a song to remind us that we have a comforter who is watching over us no matter what situation we may be in.

How is He [God] a comforter? Is He only a comforter to those who believe/obey Him?
TGE He is our Comforter in this crazy world. Not only is He a comforter to those who believe in Him, but he can be a comforter to those who choose to let Him in. It all starts with a personal choice.

A lot of people say that they believe in God or some kind of higher power. Saying that you believe in God, and maybe even being a Christian, doesn’t necessarily tell a complete story, what specifically do you believe about God?
TGE We believe God is love. Absolute, complete, pure and perfect love. God is truth. He created us. He inspired creation. He is in us and around us. He chose to love us so much that He gave his son Jesus Christ to die a gruesome death so we might live forever with Him.

You’ve stated, “As a band, we don’t want to be surface Christians. We want to continue to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and spread his love in every way possible. Every day we aim to discover more of this incredible God who has shown us so much love and grace.” When did you become a Christian?
TGE This is a hard question! Only because there are 6 of us and we all came to Christ at different points in our life. I personally (Kit Day) grew up in a Christian household. I will admit, when I moved away to college I slipped a little. It’s funny how when you have absolute “freedom” to do whatever you want you tend to give into the pressures of society. I can tell you I hit a point where I asked myself, “Is this really how you want to live?” My answer, of course, was no. I sensed I was distant from God and it felt horrendous. Once I made a point to turn back, God swooped me right back into His arms. It felt, for a lack of a better word, monumental.

What are the origins of TGE? Can you pinpoint the moment when you knew you wanted to get serious about being in a band?
TGE When TGE was formed, it wasn’t meant with the intentions to last. Dan and I needed a 3rd band to play at Treehouse, so we thought why not put some songs together? We collaborated with some of our music buddies and put some songs together in a month’s time. After that, we realized we loved playing together and it took off from there.

We thought we recognized some of your faces from The Treehouse Venue (see hurdcore article from 2009 on THV) how is this effort going?
TGE Daniel Langenberg and myself (Kit Day) operate a local music venue called Treehouse Venue. It’s been open for about a year now and slowly getting its feet off the ground. We’re in the middle of a transition phase (new building, new sponsors, and lots of other new stuff!). I can’t really go into details because nothing has been finalized, but we’re exhilarated with anticipation!

So, you have become a two-headed monster with your efforts in TreeHouse Venue and now The Great Exploration, are you all native Eugeneians? What makes Eugene special?
TGE I think I am the only one who is not a Eugene native. I come from different places in Oregon, California, and Washington. I finally ended up in Oregon after moving away to college. Our favorite feature in Oregon is how beautiful and green everything is! The summer’s here are also amazing!

Who has been the greatest influence and/or support in getting you to where you are now?
TGE My greatest support would definitely be my wife! She has been amazing during this process and I thank God for her every day. Our close friends also supported us tremendously.

What are the weapons of choice for TGE?
TGE Uh-oh, now you’re asking for a LONG list! Where do I start? We love having as many instruments on stage as possible. I won’t post everything we use because the list will tire your eyes. Here are the important brands we enjoy:
Fender! (Fender guitars, fender tube amps); Taylor Acoustic Guitars; Boss, MXR, Fulltone, Vox, and Ernie ball Pedals; Furman Pedal board; Schecter Bass; Ampeg Bass Amps; Pixiphone; Xylophone/glockenspiel;
Lots and Lots of percussion

As a fan of music, who are you digging right now? What would be the top 5 on your ipod playlist?
TGE Here are our the 5 that inspire our music the most: Future of Forestry, Deas Vail, Glorious Unseen, Mutemath, Danyew.

…A few quick questions: If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment that I would purchase for the band is a massive glockenspiel!? Currently reading Come Thirsty by Max Ludado, listening to This Will Destroy You and watching Ice Age (yes, all at the same time!)?

Our thanks/kudos to Will Foster Photography for the pics of TGE.
Follow Treehouse Venue to keep current with local concerts in Eugene, Oregon.

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

Friday, February 26th
6pm-8pm
$2/person or $5/family
Come see the premiere of Veggie Tales newest release “Pistachio” before it is available in stores!

This event is for children K-5th grades, a fun night complete with dinner, activities and the feature film from Veggie Tales Pistachio – The Little Boy That Woodn’t (a lesson on listening to your parents).

VeggieTales twist on the beloved story of Pinocchio! Young Pistachio gets involved with some slippery characters. His bad choices and disobedience towards [his father] Gelato lead to some sticky situations.

This event will be held at South Albany Community Church – 2418 SE Geary St. Albany, OR 97322. Call the church office for more details (541) 926.4762

Veggie Tales came out when we at hurdcore.com were a bit younger, though aimed at grade school children, take a peek at the song that started it all and see if you can’t keep yourself from laughing at a singing cucumber…

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

It’s the start of a new year, what are some of your favorite memories from 2009?
TB (Kevin) Favorite memories would have to be our fans have become more of our family than just a fan! Hiring Jimmy and Brandon, then sharing the stage with Big names like Papa Roach, Hinder, Kotton Mouth Kings, and Floater.

What are the origins of Tallboy?
TB (Justin) The funny thing is that 3 of the 5 members of Tallboy have known each other for years, but have been in other bands, so we never had a chance to jam with each other. The opportunity arose for Kevin, Angel, and Justin to jam together, and with our previous singer, the first incarnation of Tallboy was born! Members have come and gone, but we feel that the 5 of us are now the “dream team” of musicians we could find.

If we were flashing on the life of TallBoy, what differences would we notice most between the infantile TB and the current TB?
TB The new Tallboy is better lyrically and musically. Our musical abilities have evolved immensely in the last year, where as is in the first year this was very new. (Kevin) I had never been in a successful band before…never played in front of more than 50 people. I also figured out how to “rock-out” and play at the same time.

As recently as August of 2009 you were getting regular play for your single “Taken Back” on local 96.9 KROG. How were you able to accomplish this and how has that exposure affected your band?
TB (Angel) We were able to accomplish this with a great recording, a competition we were involved with, and fan requests. The Exposure has been phenomenal!

How would you describe the sound of Tallboy? TB Energetic, Inventive, Fist-pumping, Aggressive Rock, Complicated, Melodic, and Driven by passion!

What do you believe sets Tallboy apart from other bands?
TB (Angel) Our stage presence and unique sound get our crowds going. We’re always trying to write new and creative songs that keep the fans entertained and interested. Going beyond the boundaries of the normal, and involving our fans more than you would expect!

Does your name have any particular meaning or significant history?
TB (Justin) At first it was just based on a Tallboy of beer, then it was discovered that the name is based on a World War II Bunker Buster, also called an Earthquake Bomb. We thought that encompassed our sound pretty well.

Who have been some of the funnest bands, venues and people to work with?
TB Six Ounce Gloves, A Single Second, Dryseason, Holdfast, and Hired Gun. Playing with Papa Roach & Hinder at the Lithia Amphitheater was the biggest rush we have had in our entire life. All of the local and touring bands we have worked with have been great, and an absolute pleasure to share the stage with. Some of our favorite venues have been Lithia Motors Amphitheater, Medford Armory, Shenanigans, and the Rogue Theatre.

Live local hardcore concert with Oregon band Tallboy

Can you pinpoint the moment when you knew you wanted to get serious about being in a band?
TB (Justin) From the very beginning, something amazing was happening. The songs we were writing were the most complex, and entertaining that we had ever personally played. On top of that, we had never had an easier time writing the music… it seemed to write itself!

Who has been the greatest influence and/or support in getting you to where you are now?
TB Our Fans, Our Family, Our Passion for what we believe in.

What were some of the key lessons that you learned as musicians that helped you get to this point?
TB Don’t ever give up! Trust, Determination, Confidence, Practice, Practice, Practice. When you’re done practicing, go practice some more.

What were some of the key lessons that you learned as performers and businessmen that helped you get to this point?
TB (Jimmy) The more into the music you are, the more the crowd is. Being respectful to your fans, and business owners, and thanking all of them for the opportunity to share our music with each and every one of them.

As a band, would you say that there is an underlying philosophy or core values that create the foundation for Tallboy?
TB (Justin) We all love playing music and are really good friends. We all want to be successful and would love to turn this into a career when the right opportunity arises. Passion is the core of our band!

For you, what are some of the essentials to a good show – both from the performance aspect as well as the behind the scenes?
TB (Angel) Rock out as much as possible without screwing up your parts. Also, know your limits with alcohol…although, for some reason Kevin is the best at getting drunk and playing. Knowing the demographic of the venue, what track record does the venue hold, how popular is the venue. What other bands would be a great fit for a night out for the fans, what type of sound does the venue have.

What do you hope that fans will receive from your music?
TB (Jimmy) We hope they get excited when they hear our music…maybe brightens their day a bit. We usually get inspired to write music when were listening to music, so our hope is someone will listen to our songs and get inspired to write something as well.

What is one of the coolest stories you have heard from a fan?
TB (Angel) One of our fans was having a bit of a hard time with her life. We didn’t know this at the time, but when we had one of her favorite songs done we sent it to her in an e-mail as a surprise, just for being a great fan. So then in turn she sent us an emotional e-mail back saying, “Thank You, you don’t know how soon this could have come to me in this desperate time of my life, your song ‘Let Go’ just saved my life!” There was more to the e-mail than we will say, but you can get the point that she was relieved and very emotional because this song meant so much to her.

Have you had the chance to tour yet?
TB Not a major tour, as we all do have jobs, some of us have kids, but we do try to get out of town as much as possible and spread the music.

Any funny/crazy stories you’d like to share?
TB (Angel) Kevin stinks and is a ninja farter! Also, on one trip I had to stick my head outside of the van because our defroster doesn’t work in the snow and freezing rain! That sucked! Just fun times doing weekend trips. (Kevin) I’m pretty sure that I claim every fart that I produce…its not my fault Angel feeds me fast food and doesn’t provide any Gas-X. I thought it was pretty cool getting to meet Jakobi before the Papa Roach show. He was behind the main stage fishing and we just sparked a random conversation with him.

What are the chosen weapons of the trade for TB?
TB Kevin: Schectre C-1 Hellraiser (drop D tuning), Godin LG HB (drop C tuning), Peavy Triple X Half Stack, Boss DD-5 Delay Pedal, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal.

Angel: 2 Yamaha RBX474 4 string basses (different tunings) Ernie Ball Slinky’s, Carvin BX1200 watt amp, Carvin 8×10 cabinet, Sony instrument wireless system.

Justin: Premier Percussion 5 piece hand lacquered drums, Zildjian A Customs, Z Customs, Tama Hardware and Pedals, Ahead Sticks.

Jimmy: Shure SM-58 Wireless Mic, Behringer 1000 watt Mains, Nady 4×15 subs, and a whole slew of other outboard gear.

Brandon: Peavey Wolfgang Guitar, Peavey Classic 50/50 tube amp, Peavey cab w/ custom Sheffield 4×12 cab.

If you had an extra $1000, what is the first piece of equipment you would purchase for TB?
TB (Kevin Says) “I have been getting the itch to get a new guitar recently. I’m going to try out some PRS guitars and maybe a Gibson SG (hopefully with EMG pickups).” As for the band, we probably would get Recording Hardware, and Updated Software! Maybe replace worn parts of instruments, and or purchase more merchandise.

As a fan of music, who are you digging right now? What would be on the top 5 of your ipod playlist?

TB We are getting really excited for the new Fear Factory album coming out in February. The new Mudvayne is sick. A Day To Remember, Austrian Death Machine, As I Lay Dying, Dethklok, In Flames, Lamb of God, Straight Line Stitch, Breaking Benjamin, Pillar, Chevelle. The list goes on and on and on and on!

*Thanks to Tallboy and Caitlin Siobhan Photography for sharing their awesome pictures for this article. Tallboy wanted to be sure to thank their sponsors: Legionnaire Apparel (clothing from Medford local Joe Moxley and MxPx’s Mike Herrera), Brett Helfrich and Eads Furniture, Creative Concepts and Monster Energy Drinks (Local Sponsorship)

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

HURDCORE.COM ANNOUNCING: co-sponsor w/ local artist Suganuts presenting Oregon’s First The Everything Show (O1ES) coming to Riley’s in Albany, Oregon on March 27th. (124 Broadalbin ST) Working to make this show a mind-boggling conglomerate of talent that will be the first of many. Mixed genre including the best of local hip-hop, alternative, hardcore, rock, indie, R&B, punk rap and MORE! This will be a night that you will not soon forget, historic Riley’s atmosphere, free prizes, full bar and entire show hosted by the very funny Will Woodruff.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your hurdcore moment for the week…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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