You're listening to other words or less with Gray Harkins, What is Happening Human Beings?

You're listening to other words or less with Gray Harkins, What is Happening Human Beings?

Welcome to yet another podcast where we talk to people who are involved in independent music. If this is your first time here, we specifically care about the genres of like punk, hardcore, indie rock, emo, all that stuff anything in small, sweaty rooms at some point, and then the people who have been affected by it in a very deep way, and they're now adults and still obsessed over things that are most likely irrelevant to ninety nine point nine percent of the people that exist as this planet. But that is why we're here. I am thrilled to welcome this week's guest because not only is he an old friend, but I am obsessed with all of his bands. His name is Jock Josh Jakobowski or Jakobowski. I'm totally butchering his last name. I don't think I've ever set it out loud to him before. But Josh played in bands like Neil Perry, Joshua, Fit for Battle, the now Hot Cross. He is a lifer in the sense of like he was so active playing in so many bands, and then we personally him and myself we lost touch for I don't know, ten some odd years, maybe a little bit longer, but reconnected with him when my band Taken was playing some shows in the East Coast. He came out to say hi to us and many other friends there and I was like, Josh, I want you on my podcast because no joke, there's a song that I'm going to play, leading into the interview from his band Neil Perry, that is like the essence of what a band, in my opinion, should sound like. It's got melody, it has a break down. To me, it's a perfect hardcore song. And when I say hardcore, like, I'm not talking about sick of it all. I'm not talking about New York City style hardcore, but you know, maybe like the Little Age hardcore. It's just it's everything. And anyways, Josh was incredibly, incredibly welcoming with his time, being able to peel back some of the layers of these bands that are you know, I mean some of them are still revered, but some of them are forgotten about in regards to you know, they're just not available in streaming services or only a portion of their catalog is. It's awesome to be able to speak to him and get to know him on a deeper level, but then also about the bands that he played in. So thrilled to bring you that chat. First and foremost, you can email the show one hundred words podcast at gmail dot com. I love to see emails that come in from people, whether it's guest ideas, whether it's just hey, I really like this record that you recommended, whatever the case may be. Love to get that feedback. Also, if you would not be so kind and supporting the show or zero dollars takes you thirty seconds of time, go to the Apple podcast page. If you've listened there, you can leave a rating and review. Or alternatively, if you listen to it on Spotify, you can just leave a simple rating and then follow and subscribe. Because that way, every single new podcast that comes out, whether you listen to it or not, will be delivered to you, and that way it'll be there, just ready and waiting for when you decide to unleash a listen on a year old podcast, like I'll give you a real world example. I was actually just looking at the statistics of the show, and there are times where I just see spikes, So that leads me to believe that especially when I'm looking at what episode is clicking, Like, Wow, this interview that I did with John K. Sampson from The weaker Lands, which to me was a white whale interview, I couldn't believe I was able to get that got a spike. And I'm like, I'll bet you if someone posted something on like a reddit board or whatever, and that's exactly what happened, because I'm like, there's no reason that this should have got fifteen hundred downloads this past week from this, you know, like I can't even remember the year. I mean it was, we're talking like five plus years ago. So anyways, all that to say, follow along regardless of whether you're listening to old, new, anything in between. Also weekly recommendations. This is the part of the show in which I talk about music that I have recently discovered and enjoyed, because that is the way that we find out about stuff, right. I Mean, algorithms are great, but when you have the human human connection telling you to listen to something, it's incredibly important and helpful for me. And I like, I love this band so much, the band Envy. For those of you that are very well aware, probably are aware of the fact that they have released a new record called Unoia. It's Eunoia, and this came out on Temporary Residence, a label that they've worked with for so many years, and this is their eighth full length. They've been a band since nineteen ninety two, which is incredible to say because usually bands break up and Envy is like, no, you know, like we'll do shows here and there. I've had the luxury of seeing them a couple of times when they came over to the US. But they're just an incredible band and this record is firing on all cylinders. And I want you to listen to a specific song called Beyond the rain Drops. That thing has been on repeat ever since they dropped it as a single leading up to the record, and the whole record is incredible, but that song just really summarizes what Envy does. Good melody, just insightful lyrics, like even though you know a lot of them are in Japanese, there's translations when you get the actual record, and it's it's incredible. I love Envy so much, and if you like melodic, heavy hardcore stuff, you absolutely need to check Envy out. And I challenge you to listen to their older records as well, and I challenge, like, I'm like saying that this is not a very good record like some of their older records, they are all well worth your while. But yeah, I challenge you, if you like this record, go back in their catalog time. I love envy and envy forever. Like if they decide to hang it up and play a last show, I am going to make sure that I'm there in Japan, just like crying with everybody else in the room. So that is what we got. And uh yes, Now let's talk to mister josh from Neil Perry Joshua Fit for Battle then Now and Hot Cross just a scream o legend. I joke around with him about that in the interview. But here we go. This might be a big question to start it off with. But just like your approach to playing in bands, it looks like you said yes to everybody. I know you didn't go on a buddy yeah, but you seemed very comfortable in working with a lot of different people and a lot of different sounds of what have you?

Welcome to yet another podcast where we talk to people who are involved in independent music. If this is your first time here, we specifically care about the genres of like punk, hardcore, indie rock, emo, all that stuff anything in small, sweaty rooms at some point, and then the people who have been affected by it in a very deep way, and they're now adults and still obsessed over things that are most likely irrelevant to ninety nine point nine percent of the people that exist as this planet. But that is why we're here. I am thrilled to welcome this week's guest because not only is he an old friend, but I am obsessed with all of his bands. His name is Jock Josh Jakobowski or Jakobowski. I'm totally butchering his last name. I don't think I've ever set it out loud to him before. But Josh played in bands like Neil Perry, Joshua, Fit for Battle, the now Hot Cross. He is a lifer in the sense of like he was so active playing in so many bands, and then we personally him and myself we lost touch for I don't know, ten some odd years, maybe a little bit longer, but reconnected with him when my band Taken was playing some shows in the East Coast. He came out to say hi to us and many other friends there and I was like, Josh, I want you on my podcast because no joke, there's a song that I'm going to play, leading into the interview from his band Neil Perry, that is like the essence of what a band, in my opinion, should sound like. It's got melody, it has a break down. To me, it's a perfect hardcore song. And when I say hardcore, like, I'm not talking about sick of it all. I'm not talking about New York City style hardcore, but you know, maybe like the Little Age hardcore. It's just it's everything. And anyways, Josh was incredibly, incredibly welcoming with his time, being able to peel back some of the layers of these bands that are you know, I mean some of them are still revered, but some of them are forgotten about in regards to you know, they're just not available in streaming services or only a portion of their catalog is. It's awesome to be able to speak to him and get to know him on a deeper level, but then also about the bands that he played in. So thrilled to bring you that chat. First and foremost, you can email the show one hundred words podcast at gmail dot com. I love to see emails that come in from people, whether it's guest ideas, whether it's just hey, I really like this record that you recommended, whatever the case may be. Love to get that feedback. Also, if you would not be so kind and supporting the show or zero dollars takes you thirty seconds of time, go to the Apple podcast page. If you've listened there, you can leave a rating and review. Or alternatively, if you listen to it on Spotify, you can just leave a simple rating and then follow and subscribe. Because that way, every single new podcast that comes out, whether you listen to it or not, will be delivered to you, and that way it'll be there, just ready and waiting for when you decide to unleash a listen on a year old podcast, like I'll give you a real world example. I was actually just looking at the statistics of the show, and there are times where I just see spikes, So that leads me to believe that especially when I'm looking at what episode is clicking, Like, Wow, this interview that I did with John K. Sampson from The weaker Lands, which to me was a white whale interview, I couldn't believe I was able to get that got a spike. And I'm like, I'll bet you if someone posted something on like a reddit board or whatever, and that's exactly what happened, because I'm like, there's no reason that this should have got fifteen hundred downloads this past week from this, you know, like I can't even remember the year. I mean it was, we're talking like five plus years ago. So anyways, all that to say, follow along regardless of whether you're listening to old, new, anything in between. Also weekly recommendations. This is the part of the show in which I talk about music that I have recently discovered and enjoyed, because that is the way that we find out about stuff, right. I Mean, algorithms are great, but when you have the human human connection telling you to listen to something, it's incredibly important and helpful for me. And I like, I love this band so much, the band Envy. For those of you that are very well aware, probably are aware of the fact that they have released a new record called Unoia. It's Eunoia, and this came out on Temporary Residence, a label that they've worked with for so many years, and this is their eighth full length. They've been a band since nineteen ninety two, which is incredible to say because usually bands break up and Envy is like, no, you know, like we'll do shows here and there. I've had the luxury of seeing them a couple of times when they came over to the US. But they're just an incredible band and this record is firing on all cylinders. And I want you to listen to a specific song called Beyond the rain Drops. That thing has been on repeat ever since they dropped it as a single leading up to the record, and the whole record is incredible, but that song just really summarizes what Envy does. Good melody, just insightful lyrics, like even though you know a lot of them are in Japanese, there's translations when you get the actual record, and it's it's incredible. I love Envy so much, and if you like melodic, heavy hardcore stuff, you absolutely need to check Envy out. And I challenge you to listen to their older records as well, and I challenge, like, I'm like saying that this is not a very good record like some of their older records, they are all well worth your while. But yeah, I challenge you, if you like this record, go back in their catalog time. I love envy and envy forever. Like if they decide to hang it up and play a last show, I am going to make sure that I'm there in Japan, just like crying with everybody else in the room. So that is what we got. And uh yes, Now let's talk to mister josh from Neil Perry Joshua Fit for Battle then Now and Hot Cross just a scream o legend. I joke around with him about that in the interview. But here we go. This might be a big question to start it off with. But just like your approach to playing in bands, it looks like you said yes to everybody. I know you didn't go on a buddy yeah, but you seemed very comfortable in working with a lot of different people and a lot of different sounds of what have you?

What?

What?

I guess what motivated you to be as active as you? Lacked that I just want to play guitar and make music. With my friends or was there something else attached to it?

I guess what motivated you to be as active as you? Lacked that I just want to play guitar and make music. With my friends or was there something else attached to it?

Well, I was thinking about this today actually, so really it was like Neil Perry was my main band, and then we met the Joshua for Battle guys before I was in the band obviously, and then their guitar player left, so I just joined them just because we were such good friends. Once I went into that band, we started the Now, which was a combination of both the bands, so it was again like a friend thing. Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we did like a thing like this. It wasn't super super serious, but we took it serious, but just to have fun in a different way with buddies. Really, it's really what happened.

Well, I was thinking about this today actually, so really it was like Neil Perry was my main band, and then we met the Joshua for Battle guys before I was in the band obviously, and then their guitar player left, so I just joined them just because we were such good friends. Once I went into that band, we started the Now, which was a combination of both the bands, so it was again like a friend thing. Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we did like a thing like this. It wasn't super super serious, but we took it serious, but just to have fun in a different way with buddies. Really, it's really what happened.

And to your point too, it's that era, the late nineties early two thousands. You had plenty of time because you were young. You also just had an abundance of energy, so you're going to say yes everything. You're like, oh yeah, I'll play in five bands.

And to your point too, it's that era, the late nineties early two thousands. You had plenty of time because you were young. You also just had an abundance of energy, so you're going to say yes everything. You're like, oh yeah, I'll play in five bands.

Absolutely correct, that's exactly, And looking back on them, we're older now, so it's I don't even know how I did want. I can barely do one band now, barely who work and all that, But.

Absolutely correct, that's exactly, And looking back on them, we're older now, so it's I don't even know how I did want. I can barely do one band now, barely who work and all that, But.

I can't imagine I understand what you're saying. Just the energy to be able to do all of that is when you're younger, you obviously have that. But then yeah, just the everybody's in that same space where it's just, oh, why would I not play with my friends who just need a guitarist and like need help yah, all that sort of stuff.

I can't imagine I understand what you're saying. Just the energy to be able to do all of that is when you're younger, you obviously have that. But then yeah, just the everybody's in that same space where it's just, oh, why would I not play with my friends who just need a guitarist and like need help yah, all that sort of stuff.

Yeah, it's funny. The best part of that band was band practice because we hung out half the time. We would just talk and hang out and then we write songs. The band practice was to hang so it was easy and fun and that was a car hangout. It was just hey, let's get together, I write songs and we'd end up hanging out most of the time writing stuff. It was just a cool thing to do at the time.

Yeah, it's funny. The best part of that band was band practice because we hung out half the time. We would just talk and hang out and then we write songs. The band practice was to hang so it was easy and fun and that was a car hangout. It was just hey, let's get together, I write songs and we'd end up hanging out most of the time writing stuff. It was just a cool thing to do at the time.

It was just fun instead of the guys going out to local pub, Like you just go into a smelly room with a bunch of guys and make different noses.

It was just fun instead of the guys going out to local pub, Like you just go into a smelly room with a bunch of guys and make different noses.

Yeah, and it's fun. That was definitely inspired, you know what I mean. I was definitely feeling it then, Like a record would come out and it wouldn't inspire me and I want to write Like I was doing that all the time, and that's the kind of the thing that I do miss now where it's not a competition thing, but it's oh wow, they did that. Now I want to write something as cool as that, Like it really was a big inspiration because there was so much great stuff back then.

Yeah, and it's fun. That was definitely inspired, you know what I mean. I was definitely feeling it then, Like a record would come out and it wouldn't inspire me and I want to write Like I was doing that all the time, and that's the kind of the thing that I do miss now where it's not a competition thing, but it's oh wow, they did that. Now I want to write something as cool as that, Like it really was a big inspiration because there was so much great stuff back then.

Were you actually born and raised in New Jersey or so?

Were you actually born and raised in New Jersey or so?

I was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, which is an hour from Philly, and then my family immediately moved to New Jersey to Free Old New Jersey and I was raised there, so I've lived there. I've been basically from Free Old New Jersey since I was like one. And it was awesome, a great scene in New Jersey obviously, but yeah, it was central Jersey right by the shore.

I was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, which is an hour from Philly, and then my family immediately moved to New Jersey to Free Old New Jersey and I was raised there, so I've lived there. I've been basically from Free Old New Jersey since I was like one. And it was awesome, a great scene in New Jersey obviously, but yeah, it was central Jersey right by the shore.

Got it? And what was your family stresser? Like like mom and dad and the house, brothers and sisters.

Got it? And what was your family stresser? Like like mom and dad and the house, brothers and sisters.

Yeah, so my parents divorced at five, but my family's great, all super supportive. I had a pretty good divorce child situation, Like I saw my mom and my dad constantly. They got along like it was very easy to be in that situation. So I was very lucky. My dad was a school administrator and my mom worked for GE for a long time. I was very lucky growing up. I had a good support system older brother. So I don't know if you have an older brother, but the older brother thing gets you into a lot of good music early. So I was lucky on that too.

Yeah, so my parents divorced at five, but my family's great, all super supportive. I had a pretty good divorce child situation, Like I saw my mom and my dad constantly. They got along like it was very easy to be in that situation. So I was very lucky. My dad was a school administrator and my mom worked for GE for a long time. I was very lucky growing up. I had a good support system older brother. So I don't know if you have an older brother, but the older brother thing gets you into a lot of good music early. So I was lucky on that too.

Yeah, the older siblings can definitely be a very interesting jo. Yeah point because it's like, to me, at least my observations, it goes two different directions. One you pick out the stuff that you like from them, but then clearly some siblings rebel and they're like, dude, whatever my brother or sister's into, that's corny. I gotta find my own way.

Yeah, the older siblings can definitely be a very interesting jo. Yeah point because it's like, to me, at least my observations, it goes two different directions. One you pick out the stuff that you like from them, but then clearly some siblings rebel and they're like, dude, whatever my brother or sister's into, that's corny. I gotta find my own way.

Yeah. No, I was lucky to have cool brothers and sisters that were into cool stuff. I don't like I didn't really get all of it or like all of it, but I was always just wanted to just consumed at all, and that was a big thing for sure, big influence for me.

Yeah. No, I was lucky to have cool brothers and sisters that were into cool stuff. I don't like I didn't really get all of it or like all of it, but I was always just wanted to just consumed at all, and that was a big thing for sure, big influence for me.

I definitely identify you as complete Jersey. That's as far as I'm proud of that, right, totally. You're friendly, but then there's an edge to you whereas don't get on the wrong side of him, but not in a terrible way. You're gonna beat people, thank you. Right, Yah, there's an East Coast edge to you.

I definitely identify you as complete Jersey. That's as far as I'm proud of that, right, totally. You're friendly, but then there's an edge to you whereas don't get on the wrong side of him, but not in a terrible way. You're gonna beat people, thank you. Right, Yah, there's an East Coast edge to you.

I love that, you know, a lot of East Coast people, so I think you could detect that pretty easily. But yeah, i'd agree so Jersey, but it's it's a thing, and especially from Momouth County where I come from, and it's just a great place to live. I was just super lucky to grow up here, and then the whole music scene was amazing. So I was just super lucky as a kid, and looking back on it now, I have a little one in my house now and it's man, I was so lucky. So that really gave me a platform to do all this great stuff because I had a good support system.

I love that, you know, a lot of East Coast people, so I think you could detect that pretty easily. But yeah, i'd agree so Jersey, but it's it's a thing, and especially from Momouth County where I come from, and it's just a great place to live. I was just super lucky to grow up here, and then the whole music scene was amazing. So I was just super lucky as a kid, and looking back on it now, I have a little one in my house now and it's man, I was so lucky. So that really gave me a platform to do all this great stuff because I had a good support system.

Sure, and you also on that same notion, like you're outgoing where you're willing to put yourself out there and obviously meet people and be friendly, but I sense a bit of I'm totally fine not interacting with profession, like.

Sure, and you also on that same notion, like you're outgoing where you're willing to put yourself out there and obviously meet people and be friendly, but I sense a bit of I'm totally fine not interacting with profession, like.

Yeah that's funny, Yeah that's funny. I think once I stopped doing music for my main thing and just went back to school and worked, I think I just needed a break from it. So I think maybe was perceived as all right, this guy needs he's doing his thing in peace or whatever. But yeah, it wasn't like a planned thing or anything. I think I just focused on getting getting everything together for my future after that, because it's weird when you do something for so long and you just kind of make a left turn and figure it all out. So I think I was just focused on that. But yeah, no, I'm as long as all my friends are doing well, I'm happy. I don't have to be. I don't want to bother people. I feel like I bothered people, right.

Yeah that's funny, Yeah that's funny. I think once I stopped doing music for my main thing and just went back to school and worked, I think I just needed a break from it. So I think maybe was perceived as all right, this guy needs he's doing his thing in peace or whatever. But yeah, it wasn't like a planned thing or anything. I think I just focused on getting getting everything together for my future after that, because it's weird when you do something for so long and you just kind of make a left turn and figure it all out. So I think I was just focused on that. But yeah, no, I'm as long as all my friends are doing well, I'm happy. I don't have to be. I don't want to bother people. I feel like I bothered people, right.

I love how you just leave that statement there. I feel like I bother people.

I love how you just leave that statement there. I feel like I bother people.

I don't want to be annoying my annoying.

I don't want to be annoying my annoying.

I can guarantee you're not annoying. And I actually put this in this sort of New Jersey stew as well. There's this like low level anxiety that exists of just like that statement that you said right there.

I can guarantee you're not annoying. And I actually put this in this sort of New Jersey stew as well. There's this like low level anxiety that exists of just like that statement that you said right there.

Yeah, yeah, like the dichotomy of it. Yeah, yeah, it was really on that.

Yeah, yeah, like the dichotomy of it. Yeah, yeah, it was really on that.

That idea exists in most people where it's like, oh man, I don't want to be annoying. No, it strives to be annoying. But yeah, your awareness of the fact that I'm like, I don't want to be annoying, so I'm going to ren'll do the opposite of that, and then.

That idea exists in most people where it's like, oh man, I don't want to be annoying. No, it strives to be annoying. But yeah, your awareness of the fact that I'm like, I don't want to be annoying, so I'm going to ren'll do the opposite of that, and then.

In due just fick me out.

In due just fick me out.

I's all trying to get to know people in a real way.

I's all trying to get to know people in a real way.

But I saw Brandan the other day. He's what was up, Like, where you've been?

But I saw Brandan the other day. He's what was up, Like, where you've been?

I don't know, man, I've been around.

I don't know, man, I've been around.

I'm like, I love you, man, I don't know what's saying.

I'm like, I love you, man, I don't know what's saying.

I am incredibly excited to tell you about mad Vintage. For those of you that are like me who are obsessed with old band shirts or just band shirts in general, Mad Vintage is the place to go. You have probably seen some of the ridiculous prices that people charge for shirts that are either not of quality or they're just charging ridiculous price based on the fact, Like, I think this is what I can probably get. Luke over at Mad Vintage wants you to do two things, and I want you to do two things. First of all, go to mad vintage dot com or follow him on Instagram. There'll be a link in the show notes where you can find both, and you'll be able to shop till your heart's content. In regards to awesome old band merch, he specifically focuses on punk and hardcore, but does a lot of metal, does a lot of like cool ninety stuff, and it's all for reasonable prices. Like, clearly it's a business, so of course he's gonna make some profit, but not to the extent where you feel gouch. I personally have gotten like a Damnation ad shirt that I was looking for forever, got a Uniform Choice shirt. They have some really really cool stuff they as in Luke, the second thing I want you to do is sell your old shirts to him. If you're just sitting on some stuff and being like I don't know what to do with this stuff, like I just want it out of my house. There you go, hit up Luke. He will be able to take care of you and buy your shirts. And I've done that. I've sold some of my old shirts to him and it worked like a dream. So go to mad Vintage dot com check out the offerings, or sell your stuff to him and tell them that this show sent you. Go check it out and enjoy shopping. To that idea too. When you are so connected to people, whether it's touring, playing and music, yeah yeah, you cannot see somebody for as many years as we hadn't seen each other, and then yeah you would just you just pick right up.

I am incredibly excited to tell you about mad Vintage. For those of you that are like me who are obsessed with old band shirts or just band shirts in general, Mad Vintage is the place to go. You have probably seen some of the ridiculous prices that people charge for shirts that are either not of quality or they're just charging ridiculous price based on the fact, Like, I think this is what I can probably get. Luke over at Mad Vintage wants you to do two things, and I want you to do two things. First of all, go to mad vintage dot com or follow him on Instagram. There'll be a link in the show notes where you can find both, and you'll be able to shop till your heart's content. In regards to awesome old band merch, he specifically focuses on punk and hardcore, but does a lot of metal, does a lot of like cool ninety stuff, and it's all for reasonable prices. Like, clearly it's a business, so of course he's gonna make some profit, but not to the extent where you feel gouch. I personally have gotten like a Damnation ad shirt that I was looking for forever, got a Uniform Choice shirt. They have some really really cool stuff they as in Luke, the second thing I want you to do is sell your old shirts to him. If you're just sitting on some stuff and being like I don't know what to do with this stuff, like I just want it out of my house. There you go, hit up Luke. He will be able to take care of you and buy your shirts. And I've done that. I've sold some of my old shirts to him and it worked like a dream. So go to mad Vintage dot com check out the offerings, or sell your stuff to him and tell them that this show sent you. Go check it out and enjoy shopping. To that idea too. When you are so connected to people, whether it's touring, playing and music, yeah yeah, you cannot see somebody for as many years as we hadn't seen each other, and then yeah you would just you just pick right up.

No, it's pretty cool.

No, it's pretty cool.

Yeah, yeah, we don't have to warm up to each other, it's just I'm just glad to see you. I'm glad you're here.

Yeah, yeah, we don't have to warm up to each other, it's just I'm just glad to see you. I'm glad you're here.

Yeah, doing the touring thing and just this pursuit in general of just playing music for people. It definitely connects you with people big time. I feel it for sure. People have toured with and done going to different countries with and stuff like. I feel a big connection with that. And I don't know if everyone does, but I definitely do for sure.

Yeah, doing the touring thing and just this pursuit in general of just playing music for people. It definitely connects you with people big time. I feel it for sure. People have toured with and done going to different countries with and stuff like. I feel a big connection with that. And I don't know if everyone does, but I definitely do for sure.

Yeah, and having hundreds of these conversations. It's one of those things where it's just like a weird alternate version of team sports. It's such weirder.

Yeah, and having hundreds of these conversations. It's one of those things where it's just like a weird alternate version of team sports. It's such weirder.

Yeah, like just totally that's a good call.

Yeah, like just totally that's a good call.

Yeah, this pirate ship of traveling around and then on top of it playing completely unlistenable music for most people and but takes you a point that just bonds everybody.

Yeah, this pirate ship of traveling around and then on top of it playing completely unlistenable music for most people and but takes you a point that just bonds everybody.

Yeah, And like early on for us, I think the first stur I ever did with Neil Perry was probably I don't I'm not good with years, but it's probably ninety nine or something or two thousand. I had not one sen with me when I left. It's like I had nothing, So that kind of bonds you a little bit, like hopefully we can get home. It is. Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. I was just like, all right, I'm good.

Yeah, And like early on for us, I think the first stur I ever did with Neil Perry was probably I don't I'm not good with years, but it's probably ninety nine or something or two thousand. I had not one sen with me when I left. It's like I had nothing, So that kind of bonds you a little bit, like hopefully we can get home. It is. Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. I was just like, all right, I'm good.

And just last Yeah, truthfully, you didn't think you were.

And just last Yeah, truthfully, you didn't think you were.

Just like honestly like so ridict. Like I don't. I probably had like a bag like all right, cool.

Just like honestly like so ridict. Like I don't. I probably had like a bag like all right, cool.

See, well, as you were growing up and developing an identity, you know, the high school and what have you? The sports kid? Were you into school?

See, well, as you were growing up and developing an identity, you know, the high school and what have you? The sports kid? Were you into school?

Oh wow? Big? Yeah, so I played soccer. Soccer was a big thing for me, still is now. Played it like started at five, played till like senior year in high school. And I wrestled in high school. I wrestled for a long time too, So I wrestled from like sixth grade to like eleventh grade, and that was a big thing. That was like my life, you know, in high school. And then I met and then I you know, found punk rock and it's oh and I got a problem here. Can't wrestle and be punk rock? What's his name from Tool that Maynard wrestled. I think he's like the only punk rocker that ever wrestled. But yeah, his dad was a wrestling girl. Pretty interesting. I'm sure there's more, but yeah, so it was funny. I was on the wrestling team. But then I go play shows. It was awesome, but people didn't really couldn't really figure me out.

Oh wow? Big? Yeah, so I played soccer. Soccer was a big thing for me, still is now. Played it like started at five, played till like senior year in high school. And I wrestled in high school. I wrestled for a long time too, So I wrestled from like sixth grade to like eleventh grade, and that was a big thing. That was like my life, you know, in high school. And then I met and then I you know, found punk rock and it's oh and I got a problem here. Can't wrestle and be punk rock? What's his name from Tool that Maynard wrestled. I think he's like the only punk rocker that ever wrestled. But yeah, his dad was a wrestling girl. Pretty interesting. I'm sure there's more, but yeah, so it was funny. I was on the wrestling team. But then I go play shows. It was awesome, but people didn't really couldn't really figure me out.

And especially at that time too, there was this really bright dividing line between being into sports and then being into punk.

And especially at that time too, there was this really bright dividing line between being into sports and then being into punk.

Oh totally, like.

Oh totally, like.

You you could do both of them, but you shouldn't talk about that.

You you could do both of them, but you shouldn't talk about that.

Yeah, those crowds, especially wrestling, that's like the most jocksport you can do, probably other than football. It was a good experience, but really I pretty much stopped doing that because I just wanted to spend more time just being a kid really and not trying to go win a state championship or something.

Yeah, those crowds, especially wrestling, that's like the most jocksport you can do, probably other than football. It was a good experience, but really I pretty much stopped doing that because I just wanted to spend more time just being a kid really and not trying to go win a state championship or something.

Did you care about school?

Did you care about school?

No, It's funny, Like my dad was an administrator, so he I actually went to the same school he worked at, so I walked down the hall to see him in the hall. It was fun because dad school as hell. But yeah, like I was never a school person, even when I went to college, like it was just because I had to. I just never I was just never into school. So obviously I just want to go play music. That's not never a great plan.

No, It's funny, Like my dad was an administrator, so he I actually went to the same school he worked at, so I walked down the hall to see him in the hall. It was fun because dad school as hell. But yeah, like I was never a school person, even when I went to college, like it was just because I had to. I just never I was just never into school. So obviously I just want to go play music. That's not never a great plan.

Yeah, that's not the point.

Yeah, that's not the point.

That wasn't terrible at school, but I just didn't care I was class clown in a senior year though.

That wasn't terrible at school, but I just didn't care I was class clown in a senior year though.

Oh do you actually got voted in the year but for that, yeah.

Oh do you actually got voted in the year but for that, yeah.

Yeah, I got that locked down. Three people and Neil Perry were all had superlative senior year, most artistic, most individual, and I was class clown. And I'm hilarious.

Yeah, I got that locked down. Three people and Neil Perry were all had superlative senior year, most artistic, most individual, and I was class clown. And I'm hilarious.

That's so funny. I love that.

That's so funny. I love that.

I just realized that. I'll probably my head. It's hilarious.

I just realized that. I'll probably my head. It's hilarious.

How did the class clown manifest itself? Be you playing pranks or was it.

How did the class clown manifest itself? Be you playing pranks or was it.

You know, I mean I probably was more of a joker then, but he's just always goofing around. I just want to have a good time. That's my thing, even at work. Let's just we can do this. But let's just let's have a good time and do this. We can. You can have both.

You know, I mean I probably was more of a joker then, but he's just always goofing around. I just want to have a good time. That's my thing, even at work. Let's just we can do this. But let's just let's have a good time and do this. We can. You can have both.

Yeah, they don't need to be mutually exclusive.

Yeah, they don't need to be mutually exclusive.

Yeah, no, it's funny. Yeah, I'm just yeah, I've just always been a joker, just messing around and stuff.

Yeah, no, it's funny. Yeah, I'm just yeah, I've just always been a joker, just messing around and stuff.

I think that inclination comes from the idea of lightning whatever mood. It doesn't have to be serious. Life isn't serious overall, right, Like you said, have fun while we're doing it.

I think that inclination comes from the idea of lightning whatever mood. It doesn't have to be serious. Life isn't serious overall, right, Like you said, have fun while we're doing it.

Yeah, yeah, totally. Yeah, that's the school is the same thing. That's probably I didn't get great grade. I was just trying to make people laugh.

Yeah, yeah, totally. Yeah, that's the school is the same thing. That's probably I didn't get great grade. I was just trying to make people laugh.

So when did you, I guess, like independent music like you said, that's when you had to make that decision of pursuing wrestling with pursuing bands, Like how how did it get introduced?

So when did you, I guess, like independent music like you said, that's when you had to make that decision of pursuing wrestling with pursuing bands, Like how how did it get introduced?

So I so my older brother Joel is fourteen years older than me, So that's a big gap, right like when I was I've known about Jane's addiction probably since I was like four years old, because he had the poster in his room the whole time that he was older than me. So I've just been exposed all that kind of stuff early, and not like I liked them then or anything like that, but I was just aware of it. And like everybody else our generation, once the whole early nineties thing happened MTV, Dirvana, Allison Chain, Soundgarden, that just changed everybody. That's all my favorite stuff now. So when that thing hit, it just affected everybody from that time, really did right.

So I so my older brother Joel is fourteen years older than me, So that's a big gap, right like when I was I've known about Jane's addiction probably since I was like four years old, because he had the poster in his room the whole time that he was older than me. So I've just been exposed all that kind of stuff early, and not like I liked them then or anything like that, but I was just aware of it. And like everybody else our generation, once the whole early nineties thing happened MTV, Dirvana, Allison Chain, Soundgarden, that just changed everybody. That's all my favorite stuff now. So when that thing hit, it just affected everybody from that time, really did right.

And when did you start to get into the more you know, like DIY stuff, were you.

And when did you start to get into the more you know, like DIY stuff, were you.

So it would have been right, it would have been like it probably would have been freshman year I met a bunch of cool people that skated, so it was through skating, and it would have just been like all of the fat record stuff pop punk. I read all that pop punk stuff. Green Day obviously a major But once I've found those friends, they've introduced to me to all that underground stuff like the Rev stuff and initially all that gern Blanston, just all those kind of underground labels that were just always floating. Around the time, we had a record store called Princeton Record Exchange that's still there that they would have all this stuff in. So once I discovered Princeton Record Exchange, which is about twenty minutes from my house, that's where I was exposed and I could really buy seven inches and LPs and UCDs and really discover all that stuff. It was definitely a big thing.

So it would have been right, it would have been like it probably would have been freshman year I met a bunch of cool people that skated, so it was through skating, and it would have just been like all of the fat record stuff pop punk. I read all that pop punk stuff. Green Day obviously a major But once I've found those friends, they've introduced to me to all that underground stuff like the Rev stuff and initially all that gern Blanston, just all those kind of underground labels that were just always floating. Around the time, we had a record store called Princeton Record Exchange that's still there that they would have all this stuff in. So once I discovered Princeton Record Exchange, which is about twenty minutes from my house, that's where I was exposed and I could really buy seven inches and LPs and UCDs and really discover all that stuff. It was definitely a big thing.

I do like when people from the East Coast get into the whole epitaph and fat records and stuff like that. I know that anybody could get into that with the explosence right punk in the early nineties, but it really truly felt like such a unique West Coast thing where it's cool though, yeah, you know, but to get the next level where you're like, not only do I like Offspring and green Day, but love Now he's her name and Lagwagon.

I do like when people from the East Coast get into the whole epitaph and fat records and stuff like that. I know that anybody could get into that with the explosence right punk in the early nineties, but it really truly felt like such a unique West Coast thing where it's cool though, yeah, you know, but to get the next level where you're like, not only do I like Offspring and green Day, but love Now he's her name and Lagwagon.

Yeah, yep, totally totally all that stuff, even op Ivy. Like once once everybody discovers op Ivy and you're skating, it's just I remember like skating my driveway listening to that, just like get low in my mind. Just again. I'm just so inspired by it. Dude, I want to do something, but that was just all that stuff just made me feel like that. So I was very lucky to meet them and then just have cool record stores around where we could go. We won't have to travel super far. These coasts has so much great stuff as far as that goes. New York's only like forty five minutes away from where I grew up, and Philly is like forty five minutes, so I'm right in the middle of those two. So it's had all that stuff. See, great stores. Great, you were exposed to a lot.

Yeah, yep, totally totally all that stuff, even op Ivy. Like once once everybody discovers op Ivy and you're skating, it's just I remember like skating my driveway listening to that, just like get low in my mind. Just again. I'm just so inspired by it. Dude, I want to do something, but that was just all that stuff just made me feel like that. So I was very lucky to meet them and then just have cool record stores around where we could go. We won't have to travel super far. These coasts has so much great stuff as far as that goes. New York's only like forty five minutes away from where I grew up, and Philly is like forty five minutes, so I'm right in the middle of those two. So it's had all that stuff. See, great stores. Great, you were exposed to a lot.

How were your parents reacting to you bring this stuff that was very weird to them?

How were your parents reacting to you bring this stuff that was very weird to them?

It's so funny you say that, because so my older brother, he was an original punker and like this, and my dad always told me he wouldn't let them by the dead Kennedy's because he loved John F. Kennedy. My dad. That was like putting his foot down. So once it got to me, it was just like, oh, it's not the dead Kennedy's. Even't think it was like threatening at all, you know what I mean. You didn't like it. He thought it was weird. But yeah, after my brother's thing, it was like easy.

It's so funny you say that, because so my older brother, he was an original punker and like this, and my dad always told me he wouldn't let them by the dead Kennedy's because he loved John F. Kennedy. My dad. That was like putting his foot down. So once it got to me, it was just like, oh, it's not the dead Kennedy's. Even't think it was like threatening at all, you know what I mean. You didn't like it. He thought it was weird. But yeah, after my brother's thing, it was like easy.

When did the idea of playing guitar enter the playing field?

When did the idea of playing guitar enter the playing field?

I got my first guitar fourteen, I was just obsessed. I wasn't I've never really been a great guitar player. Really, I'm not like a technical guy. Like well, I first got my guitar, I was just stoked that I could play Beatles songs. I just love melody and songs, like from day one. So when I got my first guitar s fourteen, and I was definitely learning Green Day and a Bouncing Souls stuff like that, But it was definitely day one was just yeah, I want to learn Beatle songs.

I got my first guitar fourteen, I was just obsessed. I wasn't I've never really been a great guitar player. Really, I'm not like a technical guy. Like well, I first got my guitar, I was just stoked that I could play Beatles songs. I just love melody and songs, like from day one. So when I got my first guitar s fourteen, and I was definitely learning Green Day and a Bouncing Souls stuff like that, But it was definitely day one was just yeah, I want to learn Beatle songs.

On some music became the focal point for you. Did you have the immediate gring to start a band or pull your friends together?

On some music became the focal point for you. Did you have the immediate gring to start a band or pull your friends together?

Yeah, so that would have been in high school, so that was probably a year after I had my guitar, I had for this guy named Jay Fillmore who was a good musician, so he taught me and then we did like a band, and it was really through him that kind of hey, we should do it. It was just like bad pop punk four chord stuff. But I was stoked and it was cool at the time. He would write all these songs and he would give me like the tabs, so like, even like from day one, it was always like the arrangement of the song. Like it wasn't just hey, let's just play a bunch of bullshit. It was like, what's the song gonna be. It's gonna be this. So from day one, it was just always about songs, arrangement, do it right, even though you can't really play that well. So that's where I started with all that kind of stuff.

Yeah, so that would have been in high school, so that was probably a year after I had my guitar, I had for this guy named Jay Fillmore who was a good musician, so he taught me and then we did like a band, and it was really through him that kind of hey, we should do it. It was just like bad pop punk four chord stuff. But I was stoked and it was cool at the time. He would write all these songs and he would give me like the tabs, so like, even like from day one, it was always like the arrangement of the song. Like it wasn't just hey, let's just play a bunch of bullshit. It was like, what's the song gonna be. It's gonna be this. So from day one, it was just always about songs, arrangement, do it right, even though you can't really play that well. So that's where I started with all that kind of stuff.

I always felt like the touches that you brought to all of the bands that you played in did have exactly what you're talking about, that structure. I can't get to punish you you on how much I love Neil Perry and Joshua for Battle and then that, But it was like just that element.

I always felt like the touches that you brought to all of the bands that you played in did have exactly what you're talking about, that structure. I can't get to punish you you on how much I love Neil Perry and Joshua for Battle and then that, But it was like just that element.

Of being able to try, that's really cool.

Of being able to try, that's really cool.

Write a song in the context of you an unstructured environment, which is obviously punk and hardcore.

Write a song in the context of you an unstructured environment, which is obviously punk and hardcore.

That's actually really cool. That's an amazing compliment. Yeah, I like always my thing among others, of course, but like my thing always was writing the music, Like that was my number one thing in the band. Like that's was always my focus. Let's work on the songs, let's you know, I don't know, for some reason, that was just always a big thing for me.

That's actually really cool. That's an amazing compliment. Yeah, I like always my thing among others, of course, but like my thing always was writing the music, Like that was my number one thing in the band. Like that's was always my focus. Let's work on the songs, let's you know, I don't know, for some reason, that was just always a big thing for me.

You know what, I love companies that make my life easier. You know what. I also love band merch, Vinyl, all that stuff. How about the love that I have for Evil Greed Done Net because they combine all of it for you be consumer. They have web stores for awesome record labels like Triple B, Flat Spot Records, Sergeant House. The list goes on and on. But the thing is is they have a very specific point of view. They welcome in cool, artistic, heavy stuff like it isn't you know. The doors are just wide open and any band anywhere can work with them. They work with cool bands like Scowl, Brutus, Bloody Incantation, Nails. You get it. If you listen to the show, I can guarantee you you will find something on evilgreed dot net to purchase. They're based in Berlin, Germany. But do not let that scare you, because the shipping rates to us here in the United States are very advantageous. So hop on it and you will enjoy rad rad Merch Vinyl sweatshirts. Just order it all, you know, put a bunch of stuff in your cart, order it all, and feel no regrets, because I have done that, and I can tell you I have zero regrets sitting here talking to you right now. The first band, like you said, was just rudimentary pop punk or what have you. And I'm guessing that was your first experience of like playing shows and experiencing that.

You know what, I love companies that make my life easier. You know what. I also love band merch, Vinyl, all that stuff. How about the love that I have for Evil Greed Done Net because they combine all of it for you be consumer. They have web stores for awesome record labels like Triple B, Flat Spot Records, Sergeant House. The list goes on and on. But the thing is is they have a very specific point of view. They welcome in cool, artistic, heavy stuff like it isn't you know. The doors are just wide open and any band anywhere can work with them. They work with cool bands like Scowl, Brutus, Bloody Incantation, Nails. You get it. If you listen to the show, I can guarantee you you will find something on evilgreed dot net to purchase. They're based in Berlin, Germany. But do not let that scare you, because the shipping rates to us here in the United States are very advantageous. So hop on it and you will enjoy rad rad Merch Vinyl sweatshirts. Just order it all, you know, put a bunch of stuff in your cart, order it all, and feel no regrets, because I have done that, and I can tell you I have zero regrets sitting here talking to you right now. The first band, like you said, was just rudimentary pop punk or what have you. And I'm guessing that was your first experience of like playing shows and experiencing that.

That band, like the high school appump band. We never played shows, but that band turned into another band very quickly that was actually funny enough scream I can't find the demo, but looking back on it, it was my Constantine Sinkathad. It was like loppy, but it was a weird direction. It was screaming and stuff, so we quickly got into that kind of thing. And I can't it would have been from the band in Still I don't know if you remember them. They were like a local band that was amazing. But they were screaming and doing the whole hardcore thing, and that was like the first band that really clicked, like, oh, okay, I get this, because at first I didn't really get it. I was all into my whole melodic thing, and then you go see a band live and it's all, okay, I understand this now. So they were a big thing. So yeah, senior year in high school, started playing shows with hardcore band. That band was called Red all Over and it had two members of Neil Perry. So again that kind of turned into Neil.

That band, like the high school appump band. We never played shows, but that band turned into another band very quickly that was actually funny enough scream I can't find the demo, but looking back on it, it was my Constantine Sinkathad. It was like loppy, but it was a weird direction. It was screaming and stuff, so we quickly got into that kind of thing. And I can't it would have been from the band in Still I don't know if you remember them. They were like a local band that was amazing. But they were screaming and doing the whole hardcore thing, and that was like the first band that really clicked, like, oh, okay, I get this, because at first I didn't really get it. I was all into my whole melodic thing, and then you go see a band live and it's all, okay, I understand this now. So they were a big thing. So yeah, senior year in high school, started playing shows with hardcore band. That band was called Red all Over and it had two members of Neil Perry. So again that kind of turned into Neil.

Perry seek back. What we were talking about in regards to taking a compliment or you being front and center, that idea of playing in a band like you put yourself with out there, and was that natural for you?

Perry seek back. What we were talking about in regards to taking a compliment or you being front and center, that idea of playing in a band like you put yourself with out there, and was that natural for you?

I think I was comfortable, Like when Neil Perry started playing, I was super comfortable because it felt like bands were like a little gang. Yeah, We're like we're a little gang here. We're just gonna come in your town, then we're gonna leave. So I always felt comfortable because we had it was just not me up there and we're playing crazy screamy stuff. Later on, when I had to do like solo type stuff that that was a totally differ that I felt self conscious and I was like, oh, I don't know how much you do this, But playing with the bands, I always felt super comfortable. I feel like, if you have a good drummer, you should be you're good, it's gonna go well. So we had a good drummer because you're confidence. I'm sorry, I'm dead serious. Bands that have good drummers, man, you you don't even have to hit a rite note. As long as the drums kick ass, it's gonna sound awesome.

I think I was comfortable, Like when Neil Perry started playing, I was super comfortable because it felt like bands were like a little gang. Yeah, We're like we're a little gang here. We're just gonna come in your town, then we're gonna leave. So I always felt comfortable because we had it was just not me up there and we're playing crazy screamy stuff. Later on, when I had to do like solo type stuff that that was a totally differ that I felt self conscious and I was like, oh, I don't know how much you do this, But playing with the bands, I always felt super comfortable. I feel like, if you have a good drummer, you should be you're good, it's gonna go well. So we had a good drummer because you're confidence. I'm sorry, I'm dead serious. Bands that have good drummers, man, you you don't even have to hit a rite note. As long as the drums kick ass, it's gonna sound awesome.

I always find it so funny when you look at these bands, look at the time frame in which they were around. It's Hot Cross was your band, but then Yeah Perry, Yeah, like you put out frankly probably more material than Hot Cry.

I always find it so funny when you look at these bands, look at the time frame in which they were around. It's Hot Cross was your band, but then Yeah Perry, Yeah, like you put out frankly probably more material than Hot Cry.

But you were around yeah definitely.

But you were around yeah definitely.

Like it's just so funny to compare this to Yeah, the band.

Like it's just so funny to compare this to Yeah, the band.

Was around for four years, which is pretty crazy because it felt much longer at the time, and then you look at it, you're like, really, that was only four years. But yeah, we were pretty active. Was this constant. We just always wanted to do stuff, which was cool for Neil Perry for instance, like we wouldn't. The show capacity wasn't consistent. We would play to nobody a lot of times, so even just to expect the consistent turnout was like totally unrealistic, like completely, dude, it's gonna be three people, or it's gonna be maybe thirty five. We had bigger shows, but for mainly it was just like, hopefully we can play a show and people show up and we can go to the next one. That was literally it.

Was around for four years, which is pretty crazy because it felt much longer at the time, and then you look at it, you're like, really, that was only four years. But yeah, we were pretty active. Was this constant. We just always wanted to do stuff, which was cool for Neil Perry for instance, like we wouldn't. The show capacity wasn't consistent. We would play to nobody a lot of times, so even just to expect the consistent turnout was like totally unrealistic, like completely, dude, it's gonna be three people, or it's gonna be maybe thirty five. We had bigger shows, but for mainly it was just like, hopefully we can play a show and people show up and we can go to the next one. That was literally it.

Do you reflect on the stuff that you were doing towards the end of mil Perry as being like, oh, I feel like we're actually getting somewhere, so to speak.

Do you reflect on the stuff that you were doing towards the end of mil Perry as being like, oh, I feel like we're actually getting somewhere, so to speak.

Yeah, I think definitely that was like our peak and we were still writing some of the best stuff at the time, and it's funny to look Beacon. I don't really know why we broke up. I think justin got in the life ones lost and then maybe everybody just I don't know, it just maybe just slowed the momentum down. But at that point I feel like at the end, now was the peak, so it would have been nice to keep going. We played A Day's Refrain's last show, and it just ended up being our last show as well, because we just never played again.

Yeah, I think definitely that was like our peak and we were still writing some of the best stuff at the time, and it's funny to look Beacon. I don't really know why we broke up. I think justin got in the life ones lost and then maybe everybody just I don't know, it just maybe just slowed the momentum down. But at that point I feel like at the end, now was the peak, so it would have been nice to keep going. We played A Day's Refrain's last show, and it just ended up being our last show as well, because we just never played again.

I like that idea of an accidental last show. It was like, yeah, that's their last show, but we did We're done too.

I like that idea of an accidental last show. It was like, yeah, that's their last show, but we did We're done too.

Yeah, it tells you a lot about Neil Perry.

Yeah, it tells you a lot about Neil Perry.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't really even remember what happened. Justin was just busier with the life once lost, and then I was doing Hot Across and John and Chris were doing a Welcome to the Plague here. But it's funny to look back. I don't really remember. Okay, it's done, you know, I don't even remember having a conversation. That's so funny.

I don't really even remember what happened. Justin was just busier with the life once lost, and then I was doing Hot Across and John and Chris were doing a Welcome to the Plague here. But it's funny to look back. I don't really remember. Okay, it's done, you know, I don't even remember having a conversation. That's so funny.

There's this unspoken cannets where it's like when you see a friend doing another band or whatever that seems to be doing better than the band that you're playing in, you're just like, oh, yeah, they're going to focus on that.

There's this unspoken cannets where it's like when you see a friend doing another band or whatever that seems to be doing better than the band that you're playing in, you're just like, oh, yeah, they're going to focus on that.

Yeah, yeah totally. And that band specifically Neil Perry, Like that was a best friend band that was best friends in high school. Justin was my best friend at the time. Like, we were all very close at that time. So that's probably the most special band that I did, just because of that reason. But we met each other where we were like super young. It was definitely a brother band kind of thing for me.

Yeah, yeah totally. And that band specifically Neil Perry, Like that was a best friend band that was best friends in high school. Justin was my best friend at the time. Like, we were all very close at that time. So that's probably the most special band that I did, just because of that reason. But we met each other where we were like super young. It was definitely a brother band kind of thing for me.

I know that we were joking about the fact that there was no play and for your life beyond just touring in bands or whatever. They're pressure from not your parents, but was there pressure to, like, you know, grow up and figure something out.

I know that we were joking about the fact that there was no play and for your life beyond just touring in bands or whatever. They're pressure from not your parents, but was there pressure to, like, you know, grow up and figure something out.

So I was in school, I was going to college the entire time I was in the bands. I just didn't, you know, I went, of course, I just didn't take it serious as an extension of high school, like I just you know, just enough to just get it done. But I was going to school the whole time with an intention to graduate, but I ended up getting an opportunity with recording and stuff, so I pursued that instead of graduating. So I wasn't in school the whole time, which I don't know how I had time for them five bands in school and work. I don't know how I did that.

So I was in school, I was going to college the entire time I was in the bands. I just didn't, you know, I went, of course, I just didn't take it serious as an extension of high school, like I just you know, just enough to just get it done. But I was going to school the whole time with an intention to graduate, but I ended up getting an opportunity with recording and stuff, so I pursued that instead of graduating. So I wasn't in school the whole time, which I don't know how I had time for them five bands in school and work. I don't know how I did that.

But moving on to the Joshua Fit for Battle stuff, you just joined. Yes, obviously there was a guitar player that was needed and you were able to fill that rule.

But moving on to the Joshua Fit for Battle stuff, you just joined. Yes, obviously there was a guitar player that was needed and you were able to fill that rule.

Right.

Right.

What do you look back on that band experience because still people you were friends with, but it was as long running as Ben Neil Perry.

What do you look back on that band experience because still people you were friends with, but it was as long running as Ben Neil Perry.

Relious ships that you had yeah, No, that was another like super fun. Everybody was super close. We have a record called Brothers from Different Mothers, Like we hung out all the time, like it was like one big family. It really was like that. So I was in Delaware all the time, so I was it just made sense to join the band, and it was just such a fun band, Like it was all those guys are super cool. Never took it super serious. It was just the same kind of thing. Let's just play cool shows and have fun. But looking back on it now, I saw a little weird because I was just a random guy from Jersey coming in and theyre had a whole established sound and it definitely changed when I joined the band. I don't know if some people cared. Maybe they didn't, but I don't know if everyone was like, yeah, this is great, this dude coming into the band and changing his sound. And so in the van of Josh Vifer Battle is when the now was created. We were just going to a show, came up with an idea, and then we just started this other band. I don't know why, Ray, I don't know. I mean, I need to see a therapist. I don't know that. I don't know why we needed another band.

Relious ships that you had yeah, No, that was another like super fun. Everybody was super close. We have a record called Brothers from Different Mothers, Like we hung out all the time, like it was like one big family. It really was like that. So I was in Delaware all the time, so I was it just made sense to join the band, and it was just such a fun band, Like it was all those guys are super cool. Never took it super serious. It was just the same kind of thing. Let's just play cool shows and have fun. But looking back on it now, I saw a little weird because I was just a random guy from Jersey coming in and theyre had a whole established sound and it definitely changed when I joined the band. I don't know if some people cared. Maybe they didn't, but I don't know if everyone was like, yeah, this is great, this dude coming into the band and changing his sound. And so in the van of Josh Vifer Battle is when the now was created. We were just going to a show, came up with an idea, and then we just started this other band. I don't know why, Ray, I don't know. I mean, I need to see a therapist. I don't know that. I don't know why we needed another band.

When you look at that era too, like every band did so much, he splits because you say yes to almost every single opportunity. What are we ever going to do this again? Did you take to touring like a duck to water or no?

When you look at that era too, like every band did so much, he splits because you say yes to almost every single opportunity. What are we ever going to do this again? Did you take to touring like a duck to water or no?

I liked it. Yeah, I loved like the traveling was awesome. Like I'm a geography guy, so I like history and all that kind of stuff, so it was super cool for me. I loved it like I was if I was on tour, just like with no money, just playing a show. I was totally happy.

I liked it. Yeah, I loved like the traveling was awesome. Like I'm a geography guy, so I like history and all that kind of stuff, so it was super cool for me. I loved it like I was if I was on tour, just like with no money, just playing a show. I was totally happy.

Yeah. And I know around this time too, especially when Hot Cross started for him, that's when he became, you know, an important part of your life. And like you said with the not pursuing colleges seriously, was recording just like a logical extension for you because you enjoyed being in the studio or was that just a function of your interests.

Yeah. And I know around this time too, especially when Hot Cross started for him, that's when he became, you know, an important part of your life. And like you said with the not pursuing colleges seriously, was recording just like a logical extension for you because you enjoyed being in the studio or was that just a function of your interests.

I think it really just started from like we needed practice demos, so I started. I was like the guy in the band that would do it. I met a really cool guy at the time named Andrew Frankel, who was actually had a lot of knowledge about recording and did interning at Big studios and stuff. So he taught me what he knew just to get started, and yeah, it was really just outing necessity, Hey let's record some demos. And then eventually it was just like we could probably just do the record here, and that's just want it turned into. And then I started doing other bands for level playing and stuff like that, and it just kind of grew.

I think it really just started from like we needed practice demos, so I started. I was like the guy in the band that would do it. I met a really cool guy at the time named Andrew Frankel, who was actually had a lot of knowledge about recording and did interning at Big studios and stuff. So he taught me what he knew just to get started, and yeah, it was really just outing necessity, Hey let's record some demos. And then eventually it was just like we could probably just do the record here, and that's just want it turned into. And then I started doing other bands for level playing and stuff like that, and it just kind of grew.

What enjoyment did you get out of recording?

What enjoyment did you get out of recording?

I really liked the process. I always loved going to the studio. Recording with the bands was always like the best day ever. And I was just aesthetic. I didn't know a lot of technical stuff, but I felt confident, like I knew what I wanted to hear for takes and stuff like that, or even just like general mixing for that level. I just knew what I wanted from performances. So it just felt easy at that time too.

I really liked the process. I always loved going to the studio. Recording with the bands was always like the best day ever. And I was just aesthetic. I didn't know a lot of technical stuff, but I felt confident, like I knew what I wanted to hear for takes and stuff like that, or even just like general mixing for that level. I just knew what I wanted from performances. So it just felt easy at that time too.

Correct me if I'm wrong when you did stuff earlier on for Circa and did you work on some my chemical romance stuff?

Correct me if I'm wrong when you did stuff earlier on for Circa and did you work on some my chemical romance stuff?

Yeah, I actually did. I think it was three songs the demos for Circa that got them signed for Equal Vision. It wasn't because of the demos, but they just hauled me one. They're like, hey, we just need to break record some stuff just so the label can hear it. And they came over and didn't. It was pretty cool. It didn't sound great, but it was pretty cool to see the band kind of form in front of my eyes. It was pretty exciting. And then their manager was Brian Scheckter at the time, and he was managing my Chemical Romance and he basically started a studio in North Jersey and Anthony told him about me. I went up there and I worked for him for a little bit and it was an amazing experience. For sure.

Yeah, I actually did. I think it was three songs the demos for Circa that got them signed for Equal Vision. It wasn't because of the demos, but they just hauled me one. They're like, hey, we just need to break record some stuff just so the label can hear it. And they came over and didn't. It was pretty cool. It didn't sound great, but it was pretty cool to see the band kind of form in front of my eyes. It was pretty exciting. And then their manager was Brian Scheckter at the time, and he was managing my Chemical Romance and he basically started a studio in North Jersey and Anthony told him about me. I went up there and I worked for him for a little bit and it was an amazing experience. For sure.

I wanted to bring up Hot Cross, this band that was made up of people who had experience with the DIY basement stuff, but then you know, had a sound that could live beyond that. Do you find like the intersection of business and playing in band.

I wanted to bring up Hot Cross, this band that was made up of people who had experience with the DIY basement stuff, but then you know, had a sound that could live beyond that. Do you find like the intersection of business and playing in band.

I don't think I got too involved with that side of it with the band. Usually it was just the music side and doing all all that kind of stuff. Definitely with Hot Cross, Greg was running the show. He ran level, playing a lot of experience, and I feel like Greg kind of oversaw all that kind of stuff for us, so we didn't really need to work on it. I mean, he would definitely we would discuss everything and as a band, but he kind of believed he's this very smart guy. He knows what he's doing, and he you know, he just he just kind of would take care of a lot of stuff for us. You know, like we went to Japan, that was all from him, you know, totally one hundred percent. He hooked that up. So yeah, he kind of managed all that stuff, and I think that's why we had a lot of cool opportunities. You know, definitely.