For my first interview on CORE LIFE we have the Midwest's favorite sons, EXPIRE. These dudes have been hitting it hard for the last two years, touring the United States pretty non-stop. Their second EP Suffer the Cycle is coming out soon on Six Feet Under Records, and I for one am stoked and expect it to be one of the best releases of 2011. You can hear a new track from the record at the Six Feet Under link at the bottom of this. I talked to Josh (vocalist) about the band and about hardcore, here's what he had to say. (Live photos courtesy of keith at Crucial Changes)
Alright first off, how did you get into hardcore/punk? what drew you to it?
Well, I was around 15 and just moved to a new city and started high school all at the same time. Didn't have many friends besides these two punk kids I sat between in math class. They eventually started feeding me music and it took off from there. I really liked the welcoming nature that punk and hardcore kind of had towards someone who didn't feel like they had anywhere else to go. I still see that to this day, and I've made more friends through it, than anything else I could have ever done.
How did EXPIRE come to be? what other bands were dudes in before being in EXPIRE?
EXPIRE was started by Zach, Marcus and Adam the original bass player. They were writing songs and they didn't have a singer yet. Adam brought me in to try out and that's how it all happened. Zach played drums in TAKE CONTROL, Marcus drummed for WHOLEHEARTED, and I sang for BARRIERS NOW BRIDGES.
In the 2 or so years you guys have been a band, you have toured the US quite a bit. Was it your guys plan to hit it hard from the get go?
Yeah, after the tryout the first thing they asked me was "Can you tour?" I don't think we ever looked back. 5 upcoming tours in the works right now. Can't stop, won't stop.
That rules/ Whats your favorite city to play?
Personally, I don't think we've ever had a bad show in St. Louis, MO. Cedar Falls, IA is next in line.
Do you think the Midwest has more of a tight knit scene being so far from the bigger scenes of the coast?
Not so much tight knit being that you have to drive anywhere from 4 to 10 hours to all the major places to play, but with that comes a great deal of appreciation from everyone. We all love each other and it's always nice to see familiar faces.
Do you think this separation that some spots in the Midwest have to the rest of the country reflects a certain sound or attitude that it's bands give off?
You'll see a lot of humility in Midwest bands, and hopefully that reflects when they finally get the chance to play elsewhere.
What are some bands coming up over there that you think people should know about?
It seems like there are all sorts of awesome bands popping up all over the place out that way. There's a lot of great bands that are doing stuff out here. FOCUSEDxMINDS, BENT LIFE, AGRESS, KICKED IN, PICKED CLEAN, RATTLETOOTH, EVERYTHING WENT BLACK and so many more. You don't have to look very hard.
Most of your lyrics seem to deal with some pretty deep seeded personal issues. Was it hard for you at any point to write any of these songs, namely the Grim Rhythm tracks? what were you going through at the time? On the flip side, was it good for you to get some of these things off your chest?
That's why you play in hardcore bands right? To get it all out. I enjoy being able to put my thoughts and feelings out there. Hopefully someone can relate.
Word man I totally agree, I've always seen in at just that.Did the use of Robert Johnson on the cover of Grim Rhythm inspire the name of the record, or was this a decision made after the name was already decided?
The cover came after the name, but it was a perfect fit.
Also agree with that, I was stoked when I saw the name and cover. Six Feet Under Records just announced they'll be releasing your upcoming EP, "Suffer the Cycle". What can we expect from this release? how did you come to work with Dave and SFU?
Dave hit us up about a week after This Is Hardcore, said he enjoyed our set and Grim Rhythm. We're stoked to work with him. STC will be a quick 4 tracks. Just to hold everyone over until we can get a full length written.
Dope man. Alright last question, what do you love about hardcore?
I love that I can act like an idiot on stage every night and make friends doing it.
Perfect. Thanks again for the interview dude
Check em out:
Myspace
Big Cartel
Six Feet Under Records
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