I recently interviewed Messiah, a hardcore band from Columbus Ohio. They are the first Know Your Scene band!
Your band’s name is called Messiah and under Myspace you are listed as “Religious” along with “Hardcore”. Is Messiah an official Christian band?
Matthew: Although our name appears a Christian name and our Myspace says we are a religious band, we are not an official Christian band. We chose to take a detour around being labeled as a “Christian” band and label ourselves as “Religious” instead just because of all the drama and criticism that comes from music critics and fans as well. Don’t get me wrong, we all have some sort of faith with the Lord.
Keenan: I guess we could be labeled a “Religious” band, I think that just because we have a song called “Phil 4:13″ doesn’t make us Christian though. The Bible has some really cool and really graphic passages that kids may not know about but are actually pretty metal (laughs).
Nate: Although I am a believer in God, labeling yourself as a Christian band causes many people to think different things and not see you for who you really are, and that is a musician. Religion is all opinion anyway, right? I could believe in a lot of things. It just widens the window when you don’t categorize yourself as Christian. I am hoping that because of that, we can grow as musicians and be noticed for our skill. Not our genre.
The Columbus Ohio scene is known for hardcore and post-screamo bands. How do you stand out?
Matthew: I think what makes us stand out most in the Columbus music scene is what MESSIAH is comprised with. That and just the raw energy we carry at every show. You won’t be bored….I promise.
Keenan: Our music is rather melodic for deathcore, or metal. Yeah I am influenced by Job For a Cowboy and The Black Dahlia Murder, but who isn’t? They obviously make good music that kids recognize and want more and more of it. However that does not mean we copy them, and that i think is what makes us stand out more, we got catchy vocal patterns, riffs, and super heavy breakdowns so kids can mosh and dance, a broad spectrum.
Nate: I would say that we stand out for a number of reasons. When we write songs together, we play what we want to hear. As if we were a fan, we go by what we would think is sweet for a part, and we jam everything possible into it and make it technical, interesting, and catchy. And we play it with passion. Too many people worry about taking the easy way out by putting a breakdown so that somebody might “move”. And too many people do it to be cool and forget to just rage out and have fun. If there’s no passion or feeling, there will be no movement.
Who and what are your inspirations? How have they influenced you individually and as a band?
Matthew: My number one influence is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although I do have many other influences in music and my surroundings. I think our lyrics sum up how Christ has really influenced me/the band and our music.
Keenan: I would have to say music that is heavy as shit.
Nate: My inspiration is my lack of care. My band/family/friends are my inspiration. Writing songs, making music. Putting my heart into everything. Drums and metal are a lifestyle to me. Everything else in the world that pisses me off and makes me want to kick a kitten is gone when playing drums. And I hope when we play, it takes away every other persons problems at home, school, or life, and they just have a shit kickin’ good time.
Because of the numerous bands in Columbus, there always seem to be some type of drama. How do you handle it? Do you choose to ignore the drama or do you confront them?
Matthew: Oh man, drama, drama, drama. It really is hard to escape the constant ignorance. Unlike most bands we approached those situations differently, we find it better to stay away from anything that isn’t positive.
Keenan: I guess you could say drama can be used as a tool to put more emotion into ones music, I stay away from it, and don’t try to cause it either, I want our fans and people that come out to the show to have an awesome time. I want them to realize we are on the same level as them, we are not above, or below them, we are right there with them.
Nate: If you want drama, listen to Green Day. This is not about you, or any single person. Underground metal, and music in general, was made to create a get away for kids everywhere to hangout, have a good time, and be away from trouble. You aren’t and will never be bigger than the music. So get over yourself.
You’ve had numerous lineup changes, and it seems like the current band line up is much more solid than the past. What’s the difference between “Messiah v 1.0″ and now?
Matthew: Yeah, the changes were only for the better. Looking back at all of our members/changes all I can see is how much we have improved as a band and family. There is no more arguing and drama between members, we just all seem to mesh well.
Keenan: I originally tried out for the band back in late April, but we are not just a band anymore, we’re a family. If I saw anyone messing with one of brothers I would do my best to break their face.
Nate: They are family to me just as much as Messiah now. The difference being that we are now more focused and all want the same thing. Now if we can stay on track, we will be fine.
For any band that wants to be well known and exposed to the internet world, what do you suggest they do? Myspace? Facebook? Twitter?
Matthew: The best/only way to get well known as a band now a days is through myspace. Myspace is the biggest network for fans and people and is a great way for people to hear your music. Twitter is nice too though….Keeps people updated.
Keenan: Word.
Nate: The world goes further than the internet! Sadly, i haven’t reached the level of some enough to preach about what somebody should do with their band. My suggestion is to gig like crazy and promote, promote, promote. And don’t let anybody get in the way. Just your band and you.
If you could tour with any band, who would it be and why?
Matthew: Hmmm, if I could tour with any band I would definitely choose either The Black Dahlia Murder or For Today. I know, I know, the bands are totally different…I am looking at different aspects though. The Black Dahlia murder just looks like an all around fun band to be around(PURCHASE MAJESTY! Haha).On the other hand, For Today just has the best message that I have seen in any metal band and I really look up to them for that!
Keenan: Jessica Simpson, she’s a babe. I would have to say The Black Dahlia Murder, The Burial, or Dokken.
Nate: TurquoiseChurch….I mean, Whitechapel! No, but really. Anybody that wants to tour with us!
Any upcoming plans for a tour? Record?
Matthew: Well, we had hopes/ plans to tour Spring Break of ‘98…Wait, I mean ‘10 haha. As of right now though, that doesn’t look too promising for us. Being an unsigned band makes things difficult for you when you want to tour….Money is an issue. Speaking of Money though, we are going to be finishing our highly anticipated E.P. in Lemont, Illinois soon and we plan to release that sometime in the winter :].
Keenan: Yeah I want to say that we will be hitting the road in the summer, It’s weird because most of our fanbase is outside of Ohio. Most states touching Ohio have recognized us which is totally awesome, but weird because we can draw more people outside of Columbus than in our hometown. For recording Matt answered that.
Nate: Of course! So be on the lookout.
-Melissa
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