Interviews: The Chop

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Stoner Metal/Heavy Metal project, The Chop 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?

It's intended as a play on RoastBeef (as in roast beef sandwiches, which Arby's restaurant serves), but really it just popped out easily from our initial discussions about the project, from before we wrote any material at all we had this as the project name

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

First - because we love listening to heavy music, especially with the 1970s, mid-tempo feel. But second and perhaps more importantly, what genre could possibly fit a record about a fast food franchise more perfectly than heavy metal? Everything about fast food is metal - the industry is brutal to animals, employees, and consumers alike.

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

Tom (bass. vocals) and Rob (guitar, vocals) have been friends and musical collaborators since we were 17 and had already made several records and played countless shows together. The project really began to gel however when we recruited Scott (drums) and started jamming together. After a few months of getting comfortable playing together, we began work in earnest on GhostBeef

4. Each band member's favorite band?

This is always a tough question but I’ll have a go at some major influences for the record: Rob (guitar, vocals) tends towards more of the hard rock 1970s like Thin Lizzy and Bon Scott era AC/DC Tom (bass, vocals) tends towards more of the hard rock of the 1990s like Smashing Pumpkins and Alice and Chains Scott (drums) tends towards the funkier / prog-ier side of things with bands like Mars Volta and Muse

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Seeing live bands play (of any genre) always excites our minds and gets the creativity flowing. For GhostBeef we spent a lot of time over the years talking about Arby’s - their menu, their corporate strategy, and their marketing campaigns. So when we came up with the songwriting prompt the song's ideas came relatively easily from there. Then it was just a matter of working to connect the dots on a larger narrative about a tyrant’s rise to power and eventual downfall.

6. Where was your last gig?

I recently spent some time in Bangkok and played a show there in October 2022. The GhostBeef songs have (as of writing) never been performed live, however, 2023 we are planning to book some gigs.

7. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Exposure therapy (i.e. look for more opportunities at stage time, whether playing in a band, by yourself or simply doing any version of public speaking is good practice for your eventual stage show). Additionally, just pay attention to your own mind and body and really get to the bottom of what’s making you nervous. For me it’s usually about feeling practiced enough - so I just channel that energy into more preparation.

8. What bands have inspired you the most?

The Sword was an immense inspiration, as was the early Black Sabbath. Also, bands like Ween and Tenacious D have always been appreciated for their serious approach to weirdness. 

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

Coupons for beef and cheddar sandwiches.

10. What do you think of your fans?

Delightful weirdos and people who appreciate taking a goofy premise and executing it with dead seriousness. In short, our kind of people.

11. What do you think of our site?

We love anyone who’s helping promote independent music and people who make things.

12. Something to add?

The story of John Arby needs to be told. This golden vinyl record explains how his shock troops seized power and held an entire populace in thrall until eventually, a hero arose to challenge him. Ring the bell, my friends. Ring the bell for freedom.