Interviews: Resistor

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hardcore/Nu-Metal band Resistor from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Your sound has been described as “knuckle dragging wika wika core.” How did that term come about, and what does it mean to you?

To be honest, we’ve always had a bit of trouble categorizing ourselves into just one genre when people ask how we’d describe our band. We just started saying it here and there, and before we knew it, it started to stick. It’s much easier than saying “metalcore mixed with deathcore mixed with hardcore and nu-metal elements and also hey there’s turntables” haha.

2. You channel that O.G. nu-metal bravado but through a modern hardcore lens. What elements of early nu-metal still inspire you the most today?

Of course, the DJ scratching is a big part of that, but also just the overall vibe we are trying to bring with our music. At the end of the day, the most important part is that the music is not only heavy but FUN. We are never trying to take ourselves too seriously, and that’s something that definitely stems from our love of that MTV-era nu-metal.

3. At what point did you realize you weren’t just “genre-bending,” but actually breaking genres apart entirely?

To throw it back to the first question, I think we realized pretty quickly when people would ask us to describe ourselves, and we would have to sit for a second and think about it. Musically, even though we began to incorporate turntables on THE NEW AGE ENEMY, we felt that HEADCASE EP was the point where we truly found our unique sound.

4. BITE THIS! drops March 27 — what was the defining moment during the making of the album where you knew this record hit different?

It is very difficult to narrow it down to just one thing, but really, I think as we finished pre-production with Randy, we already all knew how special it was. Hearing all the songs back to back, even the demo versions, for the first time was an incredible feeling.

5. You worked with Randy LeBoeuf on this release. What did he push you to do that you might not have done on your own?

We truly could not have made this record what it is without Randy. At every point, he pushes us to be the best musicians we can be and is always listening for what is best for the song. Where he truly shines are the little details. The pauses, transitions, things that musicians will hear in the background and go “hell yeah”. 

6. “DEAD SOUL” feels like a statement track. Why did you choose it as the introduction to the album?

We chose “DEAD SOUL” because we felt that out of every song on the album, it is the best introduction to what you’re gonna get with us as a band and a great taste of what the album is gonna sound like.

7. There’s a lot of groove in your heaviness. How intentional is that balance between crushing riffs and head-bobbing bounce?

It is most definitely very intentional. Groove is arguably the most important part. Anyone can be heavy, but NOT everyone can groove, if you catch my drift. Plus, a few of us are definitely into proggier, more technical stuff, and we definitely try to squeeze in little things here and there when we get a chance.

8. Anthony Arce’s turntables add that classic “wika wika” texture. How do you incorporate DJ elements without it feeling nostalgic or gimmicky?

It was definitely a delicate balance at first, but over time, working with Arce, he’s just truly nailed a signature sound and balance that adds just enough to the music without it being too much. Randy also helped a lot in that aspect when it came to finding pockets or cool rhythms to try.

9. Collaboration seems central to your identity. How does the songwriting process typically work between the five of you?

We essentially all just sit in a room, pass a guitar around, and throw out ideas until something sticks, and we go from there. Sometimes someone brings a riff or a short idea, but generally we do most of our songwriting all together.

10. Being from Long Island, NY, how has that scene shaped your aggression and authenticity?

If you can’t tell by our social media, we rep Long Island pretty hard. It’s funny because (Long Islanders will understand) we always complain about it every chance we get, but we truly love Long Island. We have an amazing community here, not to mention the plethora of amazing bands that have come out of Long Island only within the last few years.

11. You’ve played everything from Gathering of the Juggalos to the Inkcarceration pre-show. What’s been your most chaotic or defining life moment so far?

So far, one of our coolest experiences has been travelling to Puerto Rico for a show. We brought a suitcase full of merch, a couple of guitars, and essentially nothing else, and played one of the biggest shows we’ve ever played. Not to mention, I think it ended around 4 AM, haha.

12. Your live shows are described as packing houses and setting it off. What’s the one thing you want someone to feel walking out of a Resistor show?

Our main objective is to always leave the crowd wanting more.

13. Lyrically, there’s a lot of vitriol and intensity. Where does that emotional fuel come from?

It stems from many things. Sometimes it’s something you’ve had bottled up your entire life, others it something that happened yesterday, and a lot of times it is really just “f&$k you”.

14. Metal fans seem hungry for something heavy but fun again. Why do you think this kind of sound is resonating right now?

People are very clearly craving fun in heavy music again with the resurgence of many older bands. I think many people are just tired of bands taking themselves way too seriously. Music should be an escape from all the bullsh*t.

15. If someone’s never heard Resistor before, what track off BITE THIS! What best represents the full spectrum of who you are as a band?

Like I said before, “DEAD SOUL” would probably be our first pick to represent us as a whole. “XXXL” and “LEARNING TOOLS” are also great introductions to us, the former of which will have a music video dropping very soon.

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