Mike Hood

Hoods

After reviewing many stuff from the Black Metal scene I was really tired and this Hardcore band appeared like an oasis in front of me. Their pure brutal Hardcore could just not leave my CD player. As soon as I reviewed their latest album Ghettoblaster, I thought it was also time for a short interview. Let's see what Mike Hood (guitar, vocals) had to say.

By Yiannis Dafopoulos

• June 4, 2007

Hello guys and thank you for taking the time for this interview. I recently reviewed your latest album Ghettoblaster and it kicks major ass!

Thank you so much!

First of all, I would like you to give me a short bio of the band for all the people that are not aware of your music.

This band has been around since late 94'. Right now it's Marty on guitar, Vito on bass, White Boy Ben on beats, xBlack Taxi Driverx on vox, and I play guitar and yell.

The first thing that amazed me when I got your promo was the totally gangsta cover artwork. Who designed it and whose idea was it?

Sean Taggart. He did all the AGNOSTIC FRONT art, JERKY BOYS, and our Pray For Death album. He is the best artist in the world in my book.

Which bands have influenced your music?

Not really hardcore bands at all. We really love Willie Nelson, RUSH, CREDENCE, and last but not least Fatt Elvis.

Name me some bands that you would like to share the stage with and you didn't have the opportunity to do it until now.

SLAYER! ONLY SLAYER!!!!

Who is in charge of the band's music and who writes the lyrics?

I write pretty much everything. I sit at home and write tons of shit everyday. I love getting lyrics out. It makes me feel better. If I keep it in, I trip out. This is free therapy.

What is the process you follow when composing a song?

I write the music based off the lyrics. Always.

Who do you think is the most important in a hardcore band, the singer, the guitarist or the rhythm section?

The whole band is the engine.

Is Hardcore just a music genre or something more?

HOODS is a family that happens to play music. For other bands sometimes, it seems like they are just going through the motions. We eat, live, sleep together (not in a gay way). I am with these guys more than my girl and family. We are extremely close.

Why do you think the Hardcore scene is more connected than other music genres? Is this genre based on friendship and honesty between bands or it just happens?

Nothing like this just happens. It comes from not having anything to really do with the mainstream. There are us, then them. We all stick together. I only care about this scene.

Let's suppose that one day you decide to quit playing Hardcore. What other genres of music would you like to play?

I would never quit. I do like playing all types of music but I would never quit.

Some people say that Hardcore musicians just play this music because they do not have the guts or musical knowledge to play something that requires more technique. What do you have to say about that?

I can play anything on bass as well as guitar. There are however a lot of shitty musicians in hardcore. It is more about the energy than talent. I am lucky to be in a talented band. It does get annoying sometimes when I see totally shitty musicians though.

Have you planned any tours for this year? Are you going to visit Greece?

I really want to go to Greece. That would rule. We will be all over the world this year.

What is the craziest thing that has happened to you during a live show?

I cannot tell you or I would have to kill you.

How do you see the hardcore scene nowadays?

It is way bigger and less tight. I think it needs to get back to where it was. People are to into fashion. Fuck fashion. I hate emo pussies as well.

If Hardcore was a food, what would it be?

Pizza, spaghetti, and pussy. I love it all.

Keep the Hardcore flag high and keep up the good work! Some last words from you...

Check us out on www.myspace.com/sactohoods or hit me at www.myspace.com/mikehood

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