Interviews: Chemical City Rebels

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Chemical City Rebels from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE. 

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

Chemical City is a nickname for Baton Rouge mainly due to the large Exxon refinery in the city.  I wanted a name with three words in it.  Chemical City Rebels worked well phonetically to me so I went with it. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I try not to focus on the genre when I’m writing.  That is why I feel that our album has so many different styles smashed into it.  It’s also why I started describing us a “Stoner Pop-Punk”.  I hadn’t seen anyone use that description yet, so hopefully, we can corner the market on it so to speak.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes.  I have been friends with Ben Fridge and Ben Ryland for a number of years now.  The three of us played previously in a band called Routine Fiend.  I met Benton around the scene when my band Big Frank would periodically play with his previous band Dry socket.  When Fridge and I initially got this band going we reached out to Benton to play bass. 

4. Each band member favorite band?

Ben Michon: Hot Water Music

Ben Fridge: Tool

Benton Lovoi: Led Zeppelin

Ben Ryland: Deftones

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Usually, it’s people or situations that I am involved in.  Sometimes it can be something that I passively observe.  I feel like I get more inspired when the seasons change for some reason.  The period when summer is turning to fall, winter to spring, etc.  The creative juices seem to get flowing more during those times.

6. Where was your last gig? 

We played Bald Eagle pub in Baton Rouge a week or so ago with Dead centered and Wimpsville.  The crowd was rowdy and fun. 

7. Where would you like to act?

House of Blues in New Orleans is definitely on my list of venues that I’d like to play.  We’re currently focusing on getting out of the state though.  We are working on shows in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.    

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

We’d love to play with Baroness, Deftones, Iron Chic, The Lawrence Arms, Mastodon, Clutch, Primus, Hot Water Music, Eagles of Death Metal, Avail, Jason Isbell, Tears for Fears, the list could go on forever.

9. Whom not?

Yngwie Malmsteen because he doesn’t like donuts. 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that? 

Michon: I haven’t suffered from stage fright in quite some time.  I find that being prepared is the best combatant to stage fright. 

Ryalnd: Stretching and breathing exercises help. 

Benton: Look towards the back of the venue and try not to focus on the people directly in front of you.  

Stretching and listening to music I like beforehand helps - Fridge

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Probably Forming The Void and Ambassador.  They’re friends of ours who are doing it correctly.  They have inspired me to get off my ass and work harder.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

A sweaty shirt that I was wearing on stage.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

They’re great.  There is nothing more satisfying than someone coming up to you and telling you that a song that you wrote means a lot to them.  It’s why we do this.

14. What do you think of our site?

I love that it is multinational and that you are helping to promote underground bands.  I’m stoked to be a part of it!

15. Something add?

Pick up our album A New Plague wherever you get your music from and give us a shout on social media.  We’d love to hear from you.