Interviews: Ugly People

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metalcore/Hardcore band, Ugly People, 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 like that?

When the project started, Ethan and I (Steven) each had a list of names. We didn’t know if they were band names or song titles or what. But when we combined our lists, we took something from each one and felt like “Ugly People” just fit with what we’re going for!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all have influences in so many different genres, not only in metal and hardcore, but also in pop and hip hop as well. We go into writing not necessarily thinking “this is going to be the fast song” or “this is the mosh song”. We just bounce ideas and riffs around and organically let what comes out come out.

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

Ethan and I have coincidentally crossed paths for many years in the local music scene. We played shows together in different bands, Ethan used to run a venue I’ve played at a million times back in the day, and we have so many mutual friends. The number of times we hung out in the same room(s) but we didn’t directly know each other yet is hilarious to me.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

Eric - Knocked Loose, Kublai Kahn, Tyler Childers, Leprous, Joey Brodnax, Eminem, JID, Julia Wolf, Prof 

Ethan - Coheed & Cambria, Norma Jean, Every Time I Die, Thrice 

Steven - Glassjaw, Slipknot, Cancer Bats, Underoath, Saves The Day, ETID, The Chariot, Remembering Never

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

As vague as it sounds, Life… From the ups and the downs and everything in between. Love, Hate, Emotion. Being alive! We don’t pigeonhole anything. Nothing is off the table. I honestly look forward to the blood, sweat, hugs, tears, and smiles this project is going to bring all of us in the long run.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last show was around the end of November in 2024. It was at The Underground in Mesa. Since then, we’ve taken the last year to really focus on our sound and what we’re planning on for our future!

7. Where would you like to act?

We’re hoping to play as much as we can anywhere and everywhere that will let us in 2026! House shows are my personal favorite, but besides locally in Arizona, it would be great to stretch out to California for a few gigs as well and jam with some of our friends out there!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

If I could feature anyone, I would choose to work with Daryl Palumbo, Andy Williams, Brandon Kellum, Wade McNeil, Josh Scogin, Schuylar Croom, and Luke Holland, to name a few.

9. Whom not?

Tim Lambesis

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

I personally feel more comfortable performing than I do having one-on-one conversations. I wish I could give sound advice for first timers, but one thing I will say is always remember that 9 times out of 10, you’ll probably never see these people again, you’re performing in front of. So have fun and make memories!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Being the “old guy” in the band, I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of shows and a lot of bands back when they were starting out. Bands like Glassjaw back in the late 90’s. Everything from Deftones, Linkin Park, System of a Down, and Korn touring on their first and second albums, all the way to groups during their inception, like Norma Jean, Every Time I Die, The Used, The Chariot, and Underoath, when I was in high school. Having the opportunity to see the raw energy each of those groups put out always inspired me to one day “be on the road and be on that stage doing the same thing.

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

I once walked off stage and fainted from dehydration. I woke up to a circle of people around me asking if I was okay, and when I stood up, a guy I didn’t know ran up to me, acting super worried and co center. He proceeded to ask me if I was okay and went on to offer me to have relations with his wife “if it would make me feel better”. Needless to say, I did not accept his offer.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We appreciate anyone/everyone who enjoys our music. I find it kind of funny to refer to people as “fans” because I’ve been that kid in the crowd watching the band on stage and admiring the performer from afar. Once I eventually got to the point where I realized we’re all just people, we’re all equals. I’m no different than that dude in the front row singing along. I brush my teeth every morning just like you. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. I appreciate someone who calls themselves a “fan”, but really, we’re all friends. We’re all family. We’re all equals. I’ll talk to everyone in that room until my voice is gone. I’ll hug everybody until my arms fall off. I’m forever appreciative of everyone who walks through that door to watch us play and support us somehow.

14. What do you think of our site?

I dig it. We appreciate ya’ll taking an interest in this new project at its foundation! 

15. Something to add?

Our first single, Crisis, is out now on all streaming platforms all over the interwebs! We’re in the works of releasing a full EP in the next few months!