Interviews: July

We have had the opportunity to interview the  Post-Punk/Dark Rock band July from the USA. Check out the interview.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The idea for the band name `July` came out of literal chaos. My father passed away and I was going through a toxic and torrid love affair with a woman and we got into a physical confrontation. She kicked me in the balls she was so mad haha. It was really crazy. Out of that came the name July so when I think of July I don`t think of laying out on the beach I think of all that chaos and death.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Before high school I had my sisters music which was pop. This is in the 70`s. Her favorite artists were Michael Jackson (she had Thriller) and the SOS Band. When I entered high school I got into a lot of Metal bands such as Slayer, Texas Slayer, W.A.S.P. Exciter but I was also into Rush, Yes, Marillion, Genesis. After high school I was listening to Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths, Gang of Four, Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine. So with July we blend all those influences to create the genre which is Dark Alternative Gothic Rock. The genre is living art and has a statement to make. It`s about Love and Loss. It`s about Chaos and disorder. It`s about lies and truth and created because of the influences.

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

July was founded by Al Augustine and myself then we asked Jim Lunt to join. We all knew each other from the neighborhood in Pittsburgh which was South Side Slopes, Mt. Washington area. I met Josh Turkal (Zero) from an ad in In Pittsburgh which was like the City Paper and Josh introduced me to Tom S.

4. Each band member favourite band?

That`s a hard one. Freddi Hamilton`s is Curve Al Augustine`s is Medicine, Jim Lunt is The Smiths Zero`s is Big Black, and Tom S`s is My Bloody Valentine.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our personal experiences as stated above. Hamilton wrote all the lyrics and a direct influence of the lyrics is the chaotic nature of his relationships. I`ve been in a lot of toxic relationships to be frank which is the only reason the band exists. So thanks to chaos.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig was in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania our home town at Metropol opening for Type O Negative on their bloody kisses tour. We haven`t played live since then. It was a sold out show of course and had about two thousand people at it.

7. Where would you like to act?

We want to play in Japan or the Philippines and may do so in 2023. Swim Alone, The Tide and Breathe are getting airplay there.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

The Birthday Party if they were still around ha ha. Probably Nightwish or Within Temptation.

9. Whom not?

Any Pop group probably.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I have suffered from stage fright (Freddi Hamilton) and the best way to beat it is to do something that terrifies you the night before you go on stage. Or drink a bottle of Russian vodka.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I would have to say as far as lyrically The Smiths and as far as over all Nightwish or Within Temptation. Morrissey of The Smiths is a great writer. Exciter also makes great music. My favorite exciter song is `Black Witch`.

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

Once a girl asked me to lick her toe nails. I declined.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I like our fans they are fun and funny and a lot of them are very intelligent. Some of them are great musicians also.

14. What do you think of our site?

We like your site you are really doing a great service to the art of music.

15. Something to add?

We have more music coming in 2023 and the album Love Apocalypse by July is available on Spotify, Apple music and all streaming sites. See and follow the band at www.facebook.com/hexandthecity www.facebook.com/frederick.banks.94 fbanksdhlr@emailinterface.org hexinthecityent@gmail.com