Interviews: BROWBEAT

We have had the opportunity to interview the Hardcore band BROWBEAT from Italy. 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 come out just like that?

Our name sums up a bit the concept of intimidation and threat as our attitude towards those who are bullying towards the weakest.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

When we formed in 1998 we had a common idea that was to create music in the most intense way possible by combining anguish, heaviness, and lyrics that would highlight the problems of the society. At that time we were in the middle of the 90's Hardcore / Crossover scene and it still gave us a great inspiration to play our music.

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

Yes, we already knew each other because we just played in other bands of the same local scene. 4. Each band member’s favorite band? Inside our band we listen to anything. Old school hardcore to more modern ones, ‘80s thrash, death metal, and the most extreme grindcore. Let's say we don't have a favorite band, we like to listen to good music and take inspiration from that one.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Listening to a lot of different music and what we feel everyday in our life are the main factors for writing songs. Each of us has different jobs and lives, so in our own way we have various and different inspirations that are put into music.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last show was a few weeks ago in a club in Parma (Italy). It was a nice party and there was a great atmosphere, people were involved in our show and enjoyed it. Unfortunately, there are still many restrictions due to Covid-19, we hope that all this can end soon and return to the normality!

7. Where would you like to act?

We want to play as much as possible everywhere, also because I think that the live dimension is currently the best promotion for a band and it gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with new fans and sell merchandise. And it's very funny too!!!!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I think the list is very long but personally I would like to feature with one of my biggest idols who is Henry Rollins, even if he has stopped singing.

9. Whom not?

Ed Sheeran he...he...!!

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

Fortunately, each of us is always calm before going on stage, also because we have been playing for many years now and we have had the right experience to deal with different situations. Personally, I think that playing live is the best thing for a musician, so the advice is to think about having fun because music is your passion that you are sharing with your bandmates.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Hatebreed, Merauder, Earth Crisis, Lionheart, The Acacia Strain, the first Machine Head and Biohazard are the band that have influenced us more. We are very related to the 90's scene, but we appreciate also more modern things such as Nasty, Knocked Loose, Antagonist AD, etc ..

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

It was in 2002 and after one of our shows we met a guy who had followed us from the very beginning. He came to the merch stand and told us that he was going to get our logo tattooed behind his back. I told him it was crazy, but in reality it made me very happy. We returned to play after 8 months in that club and the same guy came back with our logo tattooed on his lower back. We were all blown away because it is usually done with the logos of famous bands, but seeing our name tattooed on a person made us very proud and happy.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Playing for many years has given us the possibility to create a circle of people who follow us and continue to support us, coming to the shows, buying merch etc.. They are crucial for the growth of the band. This situation gives us the strength to go on and always try to give our best both live and in the songwriting phase. It is a form of respect for them.

14. What do you think of our site?

Realities like yours are essential to promote underground bands. We know how much work there is behind a webzine or a blog and you give a lot of support to the scene.

15. Something to add?

Thanks BREATHING THE CORE for giving us this opportunity. January 22 will be out our new ep "THE SHOWDOWN", so stay tuned!! STAY HC!!