Interviews: Shock Culture

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metalcore band Shock Culture 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 plan it or come out just like that?

Our name came about through a process of elimination. We're all pretty normal-looking guys, so when we start playing, we could be any genre of music. I like the look on peoples' faces when they hear us for the first time.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

This is how we naturally write. Our lineup spans generations with many different musical tastes. Most of the songs start with riff ideas from Jon, whose background is death metal, thrash, metalcore, and deathcore. Since he's the oldest, there's a bit of that old-school flavor thrown in. The other guitarist, Jerry Welch, is more modern in style and approach, bringing a more technical aspect to the music. Matt Wiatrowski, our bassist, is a fantastic guitarist in his own right and helps Jerry and Jon find the groove at the heart of the riffs when they try to get too complicated. Daniel, our drummer and youngest member, listens to a very wide range of music; from folk to black metal; so his musical choices allow us to bring a lot of diversity to the songs, while his technical skill doesn't limit what we're able to do. Our vocalist, Dave Ross, offers intelligent critiques of modern society by way of forceful delivery honed from years of listening and performing hardcore and nu-metal. When you stir all these ingredients together, you get Shock Culture; a band we believe has a sound all its own.

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

Only Matt and Jerry are from Baltimore, and they have been on other projects together. Dave is from Nebraska, Daniel is from Florida, and Jon is from Tennessee.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Jon's favorite band is Carnifex. Daniel's favorite band is Panopticon currently, but it changes yearly or semi-annually. Matt is very into August Burns Red.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Most of my riff ideas start in my head over a cup of coffee. Listening to bands that inspire me really motivates me to sit down and rip out some licks.

6. Where was your last gig?

Zen West in Baltimore, MD in support of Smile Empty Soul.

7. Where would you like to act?

I would like to grow our base on the East Coast. There are so many great cities very close by. We're 3 hours from NYC and SoVa.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I think we'd pair up well with most deathcore, modern American metal such as Lamb of god, and heavier metalcore akin to Unearth.

9. Whom not?

Anyone who is chasing the mainstream. We aren't trying to be Taylor Swift.

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

I believe every normal person gets a little stage fright, but it goes away with experience. It helps a lot to remember that when you are playing original music, no one but you knows if you fuck up, so try not to dwell on it when you do. Practice a lot to minimize mistakes. Muscle memory will save your ass in a pinch. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

On the local scene, I have been very inspired by ZFL, Devil in Disguise, and Anxietia.

12. What do you think of your fans?

We love anyone willing to consider themselves a fan. With so many choices of what to listen to, it's special when that choice is Shock Culture.

13. What do you think of our site?

We love what you do and appreciate having people who actually listen and love the music working behind the scenes to grow metal!

14. Something to add?

We do this for the love of making music. We'll never be famous or have a hit; but we hope to have a few fans, play with some of our idols, and sell a few t-shirts.