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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See more on Rendered Useless and concert information at their myspace

Regiment 26 has been on scene locally since 2006 and has already rallied local fans and attracted the attention of national acts, including an upcoming show with renown Mike Thrasher Presents at the Hawthorne in Portland, Oregon slated for February 24, 2010. Regiment 26 isn’t a band that is still working out the bugs, they are a force in motion with a biting hardcore sound crisply weaving speed with range and energy with sheer brutality.

HC Tell us a little about the history of the band. How did you all come together as musicians and at what point did you decide to take a serious run at going public with Regiment 26?
R26 We formed originally as a four piece sometime about five years ago. The only original members are Tim (drums) and Cole (guitar), who got together out of a mutual love of music. At the time we had no idea of what was to come or how far we could possibly go. Now with the current line-up, with a new second guitar player AJ, bassist Per and vocalist Eric anything seems possible as we strive to create unique and brutal music.

HC Regiment 26 has a solid hardcore sound with a range of rumbling lows, blistering guitars and guttural vox, are there particular influences or intentional dynamics that you have sought to accomplish through the music of R26?
R26 As a band we try not to take too much from other bands and create our own original sounds. Some of the bands that have probably influenced us are August Burns Red, Black Dahlia Murder, and Veil Of Maya. We see our band as an entertainment act so we hope that fans can come out of a show and say they had a blast watching as well as listening. We also hope the music we write will stick with them for a long time to come.

HC When you write and play, what do you hope fans of Regiment 26 come away with?
R26 We see our band as an entertainment act so we hope that fans can come out of a show and say they had a blast watching as well as listening. We also hope the music we write will stick with them for a long time to come.

HC Regiment 26 is currently based out of Salem, Oregon, correct? What are some of the local influences that have helped the development of R26?
R26 Actually R26 is based out of Portland, OR only the vocalist is from Salem. We have a lot of bands we consider friends and think very highly of their music.

HC What are some of your favorite places locally to perform or attend shows?
R26 Some of the best places we like to play are the Hawthorne Theatre, Satyricon, and Roseland Theatre. Other awesome places are The Space in Salem, and the Samurai Duck in Eugene.

HC What were some of the highlights from 2009 for Regiment 26 and what are you looking forward to in 2010?
R26 In 2009 we had the opportunity to play with many national touring bands like Within The Ruins, Seneca, Knights Of The Abyss just to name a few. We also have booked a show with Mike Thrasher Presents at the Hawthorne Theatre [Feb 24, 2010 - Portland, Oregon] with Winds Of Plague, Despised Icon, For Today, The World We Knew and Stray From The Path. Hopefully 2010 will bring lots of new opportunities for us!

HC What are the weapons of choice for Regiment 26?
R26Eric – vocals – loves his Shure 58a mic; Cole – guitar – uses Peavy head and cab and ESP axe; AJ – guitar – Crate head and cab and ESP guitar; Per – bass – Ampeg cab and head with Ibanez Prestige 5 string; Tim – drums – Pearl drums with zildjian cymbals and DW pedals; Jason – lights – lots of cans and strobes with his magic fingers!

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS:
Jan 8, 2010 – 7PM @ FCC, w/ LIFERUINER
111 West 19th St., Vancouver, Washington – $10

Jan 9, 2010 – 6:30 PM @ The Domino Room, w/ LIFERUINER
Bend, Oregon – $10

Life is a journey that is not traveled without its trials, thankfully it is seasoned with its share of beauty as well. A Hope For Home assembles as a group of young men grafted together through tragedy and committed to pressing forward in pursuit of their dreams, a process that they invite others to share in through the medium of music. So, whether you are a dancy dude or not, I think you will find a sincerity and even a challenge in A Hope For Home that can be appreciated by all.

Is there any significance or story behind your name? What are the origins of A Hope For Home and how long have you been at it?

AHFH When we first started up, our guitar player, Kyle was dying of cancer. It was a rough time, and it was actually a name he came up with, that obviously had a lot of meaning to him. That was 3 years ago and while that hardship has come and passed, I think its a really cool reminder of him.

For those who are unfamiliar with your set, how would you describe yourself? What can we expect from a A Hope For Home concert?
AHFH Well, for starters we aren’t really a dancy band, which doesn’t really go over all that well sometimes when we play with a lot of the bands we do, haha. Nothing against that! Its just not really our thing. We try to convey a lot of emotion, I guess, and we actually have a really cool concept we might be trying to convey live with this record we are doing.

A Hope For Home is currently based out of Portland (Oregon), are you all natives? With your signing is the band discussing relocating or will you stay local?
AHFH We are actually technically from Vancouver [Washington], except for our guitar player Tanner, he lives in Portland. I (Matt) grew up in Portland though, and other than that, most of us have lived here in Portland for the greater part of our lives. We won’t be relocating, but we probably wont be home a lot!

You were signed earlier this year to Strike First Records and have recently signed over to Facedown Records, how have you enjoyed being a member of the Strike First and Facedown families? How has being signed benefited the band?
AHFH I can’t say enough good things about Facedown and Strike First. Since record sales have so violently plummeted over the past couple years some might see signing as a foolish thing to do, but it honestly has been such a blessing. They help keep us on the road and push us in ways we couldn’t do otherwise.

Strike First Records is a subsidiary of Facedown Records, is it not? In signing with Facedown are you working with a completely new team or is there some carryover from the relationships you’ve already established at Strike First?
AHFH Strike First is basically somewhat of a “training ground” for Facedown Bands. Its run by the same people. Its not at all that the bands aren’t as good as Facedown bands, its just that they are not as well known, so it becomes somewhat of a megaphone or stepping stone. All the bands on Strike First are really great at what they do.

A Hope For Home has worked the local and national scenes, gained a strong following and obviously the recognition of established indie labels, how often do you reflect on the process of getting to where you are?
AHFH It is quite humbling but to be honest I try to not think about that too much and just kindof live in the moment-focus on what is ahead of us and what we are currently working on.

As you move forward, what are some of the defining moments that have brought A Hope For Home to this point?
AHFH So many to count! Lots of days where things felt pointless and that we were accomplishing nothing, and I can definitely say its not the case. I don’t really think of us as at a different place than before we signed other than semantics like having an album ad in a magazine or getting better tours.

You have stated that your upcoming album will address the concepts of dealing with doubt and the search for meaning from a first person perspective of reconstructing reality from meaninglessness. Is this a reflection of where you are at as a band ideologically? Is your purpose to create a discussion platform or do you hope to inject some insight and/or experience into the conversation?
AHFH Well I can’t speak for everyone in the band and the things they go through, but we will all bring our perspectives to the table for this record. This concept is something that sort of sprouted from conversations with Nathan, our singer, and just emotions and things we have been feeling. We had been exposed to a lot of different kinds of bands and scenes as we toured this year, seeing a lot of different facets and faces to the idea of a “Christian band.” We have never been too comfortable with that label, because there are a lot of expectations that come along with it. I’m not denying faith, but I’m simply stating that I (and we) believe in what we do because we believe it, not because we are a part of this “Christian band” club. I also don’t really feel like I have some grand metaphysical truth that no one else understands, and that this record will be me telling people that they are wrong, or whatever. It comes from a point of trying to understand what is real, what I believe, which is something that, at least I think, anyone who claims a particular ideology should do. I hope we can reflect the emotions that go through peoples minds and the doubts people fear, but are too afraid to talk about when your favorite band might tell you you aren’t a “good” enough Christian if this, or that, or whatever. My goal is mostly just for us to express ourselves, and maybe it will resound with other people.

What are some of your early influences that got you into music? Who were some of the influences that helped you launch A Hope For Home?
AHFH I think all of us can safely say that the mid 2000’s bands like Thrice and Thursday are the bands that really got us heavily into music. For me anyway, those two bands have had the most effect on my life and I don’t think I would be doing what I am now were it not for them.

Where are you currently grabbing inspiration from and how has this been affecting your music?
AHFH I got really burnt out on heavy music touring this year, just playing and listening to it every night. Everyone else in my band is probably going to hate me for bringing this up but I really heavily got into Pink Floyd this year and honestly probably spent the better part of the year really digesting their album concepts and music, which is definitely and inspiration for making this concept. Bands like Sigur Ros, Isis, This Will Destroy You, and of course the mainstays are probably what I can say for the rest of the guys.

Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
AHFH We always have dates posted on our myspace and keep it updated with info. Recently we have been using twitter a lot (twitter.com/ahopeforhome) and started up a blog (ahopeforhome.tumblr.com) that we will be updating during this process. A facebook page too. So definitely check those out!

What do you enjoy most about the local music scene? Who have been some of the funnest bands and venues to play with locally?
AHFH It definitely comes in waves in Portland, and we are gone a lot so I can’t speak with the best authority. I know that we always have some good friends to come home and jam with like Something About Airplanes and Fallstar. Recently some awesome new bands have propped up like The Sky Electric from Seattle and this amazing new band called Amos Val that you need to check out now. They are all on our top friends so go check them out!

What have you tasted of the national scenes? What have been some of your best experiences on the road?
AHFH Southern California is nuts. The midwest has some pretty rad scenes too. We recently did a tour with our label mates in Hands and every show had a really solid group of kids, and that was in like the midwest/north area of the country. It was a lot of fun.

What are the weapons (insturments) of choice for A Hope For Home?
AHFH We’ve been experimenting with a lot of different things recently! So other than the usual guitars and keyboards we’ll see what ends up being used on the record.

Favorite place to eat in Portland? Craziest thing you’ve eaten on the road?
AHFHThis is difficult! Chipotle is always good but I feel like a tool plugging a national chain. I might have to say the Montage. Get the spold mac!! Craziest thing on the road…there is this gas station somewhere on I-90 in Washington, I forget where, and they sell pickled eggs…which, seriously who eats pickled eggs? One of our friends pretty much told us we had to try it and I seriously wanted to puke, it was awful.

What have been some of the most important lessons for you as an aspiring artist? Any words of wisdom for those wanting to pursue their dreams of music stardom?
AHFH Umm….just work really hard, play music because you like it, not because you A) look cool on stage doing it or B) can get really famous and popular. I mean, I guess if you really want do to that, go ahead, but I don’t see much worth in that.

Any funny and/or scary stories from recent shows or tours?
AHFH We aren’t too crazy, but every touring band has had their share of stories. Driving the van off the road in a snowstorm in Montana, getting stuck on a hill about 34 times when it rained at Cornerstone while everyone walked past and laughed, meeting interesting people at gas stations in rural America at 4:00 AM, the like. Mostly weather for me. I’m dead scared of driving in snow. hah!

A Hope For Home is currently in the studio, look for them to explode onto the local and national scenes again soon and an album ready for listening pleasure! *All pictures taken from A Hope For Home’s Myspace album – give credit where due to these talented photographers!

If you like crowd surfing with 80 year old ladies and are scared of shred-master 10 year olds, this band may be the melodious incarnation of your troubled soul. This band combines their talent for skull rattling hardcore with a robust knowledge of out-of-date dance moves. Is this band the jilted stepchild of Richard Simmons? No, this band is I Am The Monster based out of Portland, Oregon and it’s time for you to get acquainted.

HC Is there any significance or story behind your name? What are the origins of IATM and how long have you been at it?

IATM We were in the middle of recording our EP Scream These Words and were having legal trouble with our name at the time (Hold Steady, Atlas) and actually ended up changing our singer during the process. Cody has a lyric saying ‘I am not a monster, I am a simple man’ in The Life We Never Led, we were in a hurry and landed on that one. I Am The Monster is only two months old but we have been playing since 2005 and really started taking the band seriously this year.

HC For those who are unfamiliar with your set, how would you describe yourself? What can
we expect from an IATM show?

IATM Brian: Interceptors, running mans, european carry-alls, and chopping blocks, are all ‘moves’ you can expect to see at any of our shows. But really its one rowdy, sweaty, loud good time.

Jacob: Lean-Backs, Hairnados, Thinking-Mans, Cranes

HC IATM is currently based out of Portlandia, are you all natives?

IATM Brian: Ya, I’d say more the Portland Metro area, we’ve got a guy in Clackamas, Vancouver, Hillsboro, and two in Portland, so really all over the place. I think I am the only one born out of the area, Hawaii.

HC What are some of your early influences that got you into music? Who were some of the influences that helped you launch IATM?

IATM Brian: Ah man I listened to a ton of horrible music growing up ranging from every pop boy band to rap, to alternative rock. But what really got me into what we are doing today would be bands like Haste the Day, I remember seeing a show of theirs before I knew who they were and was just blown away.

Jacob: Early influences include, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Marty Robbins. Then Slipknot, Mudvayne etc., and for IATM Norma Jean, Haste the Day, ABR, etc.

HC Where are you currently grabbing inspiration from and how has this been affecting your music?

IATM Brian: I love how older Chiodos didn’t follow the traditional verse, chorus, verse and made every song like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. For the most part we try to do the same to challenge ourselves. August Burns Red, Oh, Sleeper and Underoath haven always been pushing the creative envelope with every album and push me to come up with something better.

Jacob: Currently I am all about August Burns Red. Their drummer is a huge inspiration. Like Brian said, Underoath, Oh, Sleeper, also play a big part in how I try to play. Listening to these bands has really pushed us to play better and smarter. We all have to improve as musicians outside of jamming and writing, and we always write stuff that pushes our abilities.

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?

IATM Our myspace (myspace.com/iamthemonstermusic) is the best place to keep up with anything and everything IATM.

HC What do you enjoy most about the local music scene? Who have been some of the funnest bands and venues to play with?

IATM The local music scene tends to be a pretty tight knit group and everyone seems to get along for the most part. The kids that come out to shows just to see a show. I’ve meet several people that come out and don’t know a single band that’s playing. It’s a tough choice to pick between Club Satyricon and the Hawthorne Theatre but Aleen has always been one of our favorite bands to play with, those dudes are awesome.

HC What are the weapons (insturments) of choice IATM?

IATM Brian: Bryan and I both use a Gibson SG Special, mine is rockin a EMG 81 at the bridge. Nolan has a Ibanez Bass starter pack which proves that price doesn’t give you quality… And Jacob has a custom Truth drum kit currently in the works.

HC Favorite place to eat in Portland?

IATM Rock Bottom is always good when we are feeling like high rollers and Rogue Ale House too some goooooood brews.

HC What have been some of the most important lessons for you as an aspiring artist? Any words of wisdom for those wanting to pursue their dreams of music stardom?

IATM Brian: Biggest lesson is things never go the way you plan, whether it be recording or booking, or really anything that comes along with a being in a band. Word of wisdom would be to start playing young. At my age looking up youtube videos and watching 10 year olds shred way harder than you could possibly dream doesn’t do too much for the self-esteem…

Jacob: Make sure you are playing what you love to play.

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

IATM Haha yeah actually, our last show on tour in Grants Pass we made a hugggeeee fan. Only catch is she was probably close to 80 years old. She was head banging with a fist in the air the whole show and when our set was finished she came on stage and gave us all hugs and said we were the most energetic band she has ever seen since Machine Head in 2000. She had us all autograph our EP and even gave us a tip, but ya I think its safe to say we wont meet anyone like her again.

HC You recently completed your first tour, venturing down even into Southern California, how was the tour and what are your plans for building upon this momentum?

IATM Ha well like I mentioned before NOTHING goes the way you planned. We originally planned on playing a straight week of shows but with a month or two of the booking process missing a singer in our lineup its made things a little tiny bit difficult. We played a couple shows on our tour/vacation and got awesome responses from the places we did play and made some really good connections. It was a huge learning experience for us and are planning a spring tour. But next for us is just working our ass off to get our name out there and make sure that everyone knows about IATM.

UPCOMING SHOWS:
10/31/2009 7:00 PM at Halloween Show @ The Barn
w/I Am The Monster, Roseway, 66 Lover Letters and All I Ask
2005 NW Cornelius Schefflin Rd,
Cornelius, Oregon 97113
Cost: FREE

We’ve had plenty of hardcore and hip-hop lately, so if your dosage of pop is running low, we’ve got the solution. All She Wrote is as high energy as high energy pop-core can get, a constantly lit flame that is ready to spark a positive energy dance party any time, any place and at any moment. Every aspect of ASW has been motivated by it’s founding member’s sold out relationship with Jesus Christ. ASW is band on a mission, a band with clear convictions that wants to reach the world with Jesus so that everyone can enjoy the eternal dance party. ASW is currently in the studio, thanks to them for taking the time to share with [hurdcore.com], so be ready for their stamp on the pop-core scene to expand from their base in Portland, Oregon to the outer reaches of our universe.

HC Is there any significance or story behind your name? What are the origins of ASW?
ASW Everyone has their story, everyone has their problems, obstacles and joys they deal with, and were hear to give hope to them. In our songs we give the answer to the problems and obstacles in life, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The name is a spin off of To Write Love On Her Arms.

HC Jeremy and Andrew were added into ASW in July of this year, were they in addition to the existing lineup or did they replace vacancies? How has this helped the development of ASW this year?
ASW Andrew and Jeremy were additions to open spots in allshewrote, both filling very important spots the band was then able to hit the studio and begin playing shows.

HC In August you posted video updates for your studio sessions to record you EP, what is the news on that effort?
ASW We are actually on our last day at the studio as this is interview is being done, after this the entire record is sent off for mixing and mastering! Title and release date are yet to be confirmed.

HC The titles to your songs are pretty pithy, i.e. Breakdance Not Hearts and Barrack You Like a Hurricane. Obviously you guys like to have fun with your music, what is different about ASW and your brand of Portland, Oregon Pop-core?
ASW Our music is all about God, positivity, being happy and having fun! With songs about God, hope, dance parties, and just having with friends we want kids to be able to listen to us while just driving around with friends, or help them get through tough times.

HC ASW is currently based out of Portlandia, are you all natives?
ASW We only have three native “Portlandians” Jeremy, John and Grafton. The Rest are from Astoria, Alaska, and Boston.

HC What are some of your early influences that got you into music? Who were some of the influences that helped you launch ASW?
ASW Blink 182, DC Talk, Reliant K, and Emery are what inspired some of the members to begin playing music. To launch allshewrote, yes sounds cheesy and cliche but its the truth, being saved and giving his life to Jesus Christ is what inspired Erik and every aspect of this band.

HC Where are you currently grabbing inspiration and/or frustration from and how has this been affecting your music?
ASW From God, and the way he blesses our lives every single second of every single day. Our happiness and positivity in our music isn’t fake, we don’t use the name God in our music to sell albums, this band is a mission for God.

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
ASW Our myspace at myspace.com/asdub. We LOVE to hear from people!

HC What do you enjoy most about the local music scene? Who have been some of the funnest bands and venues to play with?
ASW We love the people that have stuck with the Portland music scene through the years and still go out to shows and support. The bands that play and write music simply because they love music, and also, the older musicians in the scene that have awesome stories, and can give us their insight on “do’s” and “don’ts.”

HC What are the weapons (insturments) of choice ASW?
ASW Schecter Hellraiser, Fender Telecaster, Ibanez, DW, Truth, Marshall, Shure.

HC (Local Interest) Porltand has finally put a basketball team that is composed of good guys with a lot of potential, how far do you think the Blazers will go this year?
ASW Last year they made the playoffs for the first time in a while, so with improvement we think they will reach, hopefully, the second round of the playoffs!

HC (Current Event) Since you mentioned Barrack – Obama should have put the beat down on Joe Wilson for interrupting his speech? - or - Joe Wilson should have put on the Braveheart cloth and makeup and pillaged all of the Congressional Dems?
ASW WWJD :-]

HC Bowling or Roller Skating?
ASW Well there’s only four of us at the studio right now and we took a vote, three of us (Erik, Andrew and John) chose bowling but one of us (Zach) chose Roller Skating.

HC What have been some of the most important lessons for you as an
aspiring artist? Any words of wisdom for those wanting to pursue their
dreams of pop-core bliss?
ASW Do it right or don’t do it all. You’ve got to present yourself as a big band. However, be humble and professional about everything you do.

HC Any funny and/or scary stories from recent shows or tours?
ASW At one of our shows, our rhythm guitarist/singer tuned right before a song, and forgot to turn off the tuning pedal. Well, as guitarists would know that mutes your guitar, meaning allshewrote didn’t have a rhythm guitar for half the song.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

9/19/2009 1:00 PM at The Camas Courthouse –
Camas, Washington
Cost: $10
w/ All She Wrote, Those Who Lie Beneath, Grab The Camera, Swamp Monster, And The Sirens Sang, AND MORE!

10/30/2009 7:00 PM at Satyricon
A Hope For Home Halloween Party
125 NW 6th Ave Portland, Portland, Oregon 97209
Cost: ?
Dress up and come Halloween party with us!

Roseway & 66 Love Letters (hurdcore alumni) together!!!
When: Friday, September 11, 2009
Where: Life Church
5585 SW 209th
Aloha, OR 97007
Details: 6:30PM; $5 ALL AGES

THEN…..

66 Love Letters, Roseway, Skyward Collapse, and Ezerah
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Where: Hawthorne Theatre
3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd,
Portland, Oregon 97214
Details: 7PM, $8

Portland, Oregon based hardcore band Skyward Collapse brings several firsts to the table for this exclusive [hurdcore.com] interview. This is our first interview with multiple participants as well as our first bro-core (read the interview) offering. Get to know your local bands and enjoy the scene where it is thriving because some of us are planted in regional voids. SC is gaining traction in their local scene and may be heading to your neck of the woods with a live set that is sure to peel back a few layers of your scalp. Thanks to Matt and Tony for taking the time to expose themselves to the masses via this medium.

[Interview Key: MAB = Matt Biddle; TV = Tony Vilorio]

HC What inspired the name of your band?
MAB: Since we’re all religious, we believe we are going to heaven. So when we die, aka collapse, we’re going up, aka skyward. Or I think it was just because the were two conflicting words, because you’d typically think of collapsing as falling down, going up.

TV: My personal take on our band name is that a Skyward Collapse is a fall from a point of personal comfort (whether it be economically, religiously, etc.). Therefore in essence we are all in a state of desperation and the music we create is a form of rebuilding

HC How would you describe your musical style?
MAB: Ummm, I guess its pretty hardcore. I’m influenced by August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada, so that’s kind of the mindset I put myself into when I write.

TV: I would describe it as deathcore since we share the same elements, but the lyrics I write are about brotherhood, family, loss, acceptance, and hope. So, i guess you could call us BroCore hah

HC You are currently based out of Tualatin, Oregon, are you all natives? What do you enjoy most about the local scene?
MAB: Well me and my brother Mitch, the drummer, have both lived in Oregon all of our lives, but I don’t know about everyone else.

TV: I was bon in Cali, moved to McMinnville [Oregon] when I was five, and I moved to Tigard [Oregon] about two years ago.

HC Where can those interested best connect with you to find out about news, releases and tours?
MAB: MySpace for sure. www.myspace.com/skywardcollapse. Or if they know us personally, just ask.

TV: Yeah, we are all pretty approachable, drop us a line we would be more than happy to respond.

HC Where are you at currently in terms of writing and/or releasing an album?
MAB: We’re hoping we’ll have that EP by the end of summer.