Resistance band Interview

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I N T E R V I E W
June 2004
Resistance

Band email paul@resistancemetal.com
Band email mattresistance@netscape.net
Band contact number: (562)756-3557

RCN: Hello, we are here with Resistance a local band from the L.A. area , and they're steam rolling through the local metal scene, so we're going to find out a little more about what makes them tick. . .

1. RCN: What type of band are you?

We like to think of ourselves as Pure American Metal. We have so many influences it is hard to pigeon hole us into one genera.

2. RCN: Tell us the brief history of your band.

Resistance started in January of 2001 and consisted of Matt Ohnemus-drums, Paul Shigo-bass, Dan Luna-guitars, E.F. Martinez-guitars and Tim Shigo-vocals. Paul, Dan, E.F., and myself have been good friends for years and had also played in several other bands together before forming Resistance. When Paul and I started Resistance we wanted it's members to be like family so we sought out Dan and E.F. The four of us hadn't played together in years but when we got together and started to play the magic was still alive. Paul's brother Tim was then asked to help out in the vocal department. Unfortunately Tim had never really sung in a band situation and after we really started playing alot of shows he developed nodes on his vocal chords which forced him to stop singing. Our current singer,Robbie Hett, came to us from a mutual friend and we have been non-stop since. We have done tons of shows and played most of the big venues in the area opening for acts such as Helloween, Jag Panzer, Death Angel, Exodus, Super Joint Ritual, Engine and Prong to name a few.

3. RCN: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

The musical influences in Resistance are very broad which helps to keep our music interesting I think. We are into everything from the Stones and Zeppelin to Dream Theatre and Slayer. We are always checking out new music to see what everyone is doing. Everyone in Resistance is just a big fan of music in general and we take a little bit of everything with us when we write. Our non-musical influences are just as broad.

4. RCN: What are your dreams and goals?

Our dreams and goals are to take this metal machine as far as it will go. The popularity of our type of music is really on the up swing and who knows what could happen. We are just glad to be a part of it all.

5. RCN: Who writes the songs, what are they about?

We write mostly as a whole. Dan or E.F. will come to rehearsal with a riff and we will build on it from there. Sometimes the process is fast, sometimes it's like pulling teeth. We are very lucky in the fact that all of us are on the same page when it comes to what the songs need. I write most of the lyrics and try to come up with a group of songs that have a broad underlying concept which links them together. As an example our new disc "Lies In Black" has an underlying concept of a loss of faith in your god, your country, humanity and yourself. The lyrics are pretty dark at times. They lyric for our new stuff go in a totally different direction.

6. RCN: What's your opinion of George Bush?

No comment

7. RCN: How do you promote your band and shows?

We promote everywhere we can. We use flyers,ads, word of mouth and tons of leg work. Moshking.com is also one of our biggest tools.

8. RCN: Describe your show, visual and musically

Pure Energy! No one has ever walked away from a Resistance show disappointed. It is a non stop lightening strike from the time we hit the stage until we leave. We try and put everything we can into our shows and keep expanding. People are going to be in for a hell of a show at the L.A.'s Gate of Metal Festival show on June 6th. We have a few new things planned. The metal fans who come to the shows pay with their hard earned money and they deserve the best show we can give them.

9. RCN: What do you think about downloading music online?

It has it's pros and cons. It's a good tool to listen to something to see if you like it before you buy it, but it hurts the bands. Especially the smaller underground ones. I like the fact that I can download something old and obscure that I really couldn't find anywhere else, but as new music goes I'll go buy the disc. I like to read the lyrics and really bite into the songs.

10. RCN: What's your outlook on the record industry today?

It's a necessary evil and I'll leave it at that.

11. RCN: What's your claim to fame? (What's unique about your band)

We are not merely musicians we are practically brothers. This helps us get through the rough moments that would break a band up or force the firing of a member. We have had our share of tough times. Our understanding of each other has helped us keep things together and produce some great music. We are our biggest fans and our biggest critics. I wouldn't say we are unique, but we do try to stay fresh and a little different from everyone else.

12. RCN: Tell us a story about a day in your life.

Pretty average. We all have day jobs. Some of us have families. We are all on tight schedules and we have to make the most of our rehearsal time. Dan and I have started to toy with the idea of writing via computer and exchanging ideas over the internet to facilitate the creative process. Hopefully this will speed up our song writing. The band is a democracy and no one person makes all the decisions. Everyone has input. We drink together and fight together like any other band.

13. RCN: What inspires you to do what you do?

We all have the same vision and drive. The simple fact of being able to play and have people like your music is what makes us do what we do.Anyone that has ever played in a band knows what I'm talking about. It's an addiction like no other!

14. RCN: What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Don't be haters. Too many bands are way to competitive with each other and it just hurts the scene as a whole. If all the bands would work together and help each other out, the scene here would explode.

15. RCN: What are some of your pet peeves?

Flakes, egos, ignorance and closed minds

16. RCN: How does music affect you and the world around you?

Music is a world language and can effect everything around me. It can take me up , bring me down or leave me right where I am. It inspires me and and can give me direction when I need it. There is so much wisdom and experience in the music around you if you look deep into it. Music has made me what I am today and will shape what I become tomorrow.

17. RCN: What's new in the recording of your music?

Not much. We did the new disc at Desert Moon studios in Anaheim. We took more time with everything this time around and really involved ourselves with every aspect of it. The new disc sounds awesome and I think everyone will be surprised when they hear it.

18. RCN: What are the biggest obstacles for bands?

Themselves. Too many great bands self destruct before they reach their full potential.

19. RCN: What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?

They best thing about playing clubs is the fans. They make the show! Most of the clubs we have played at have really treated us A+ and very fair. We work hard for them and they work hard for us, it's a two way street. What I hate is the pay to play or ticket selling. The promoters want you to sell tickets to the shows but then they also sell tickets themselves via Ticket master and the door, which is more convenient then tracking down a band, calling them and hoping they will deliver your tickets before the day of the show. It's a hassle all the way around.

20. RCN: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

Our next show will be at The L.A.'s Gates of Metal Festival at Ibiza in Whittier. It's an all day show with tons of metal bands from So. Cal. and around the world, 2 bars, food and merchandise booths. We will be bring it extra hard at this show so if you haven't yet experienced a Resistance show you need to be there! Our CD release party will be sometime after that.

RCN: Thank you for your insight and time. We'll look forward to hearing your music and seeing your next live show . . . Later gator.

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