Interviews: Bloodshot Cyclops

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal/Punk/Rock/Metal band Bloodshot Cyclops from the USA. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Douglas: Honestly, I was just trying to come up with something catchy and original...something with lots of promotional possibilities. I was just going through the alphabet and got the Bs and was going through all the B words....made it to BLOOD......bloody, blood money, bloody mess, blood-soaked, blood stained....bloodshot...then I was like, OK...now something about eyes.... and right away CYCLOPS popped into my mind. Perfect. Very catchy and memorable....even kind of rhymes. No deep meaning or anything. Just a cool, fun name. I ran it by Jeff hoping he wouldn't think it sucked....and he did not.

Jeff: I thought it was really cool, being a user of Cannabis I totally related to the Bloodshot part, and as a super fan of the old-school Sinbad movies you can’t go wrong with Cyclops. At least the Visene eye drops last twice as long….

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Douglas: Once you hear the entire album, I'm not sure what genre that is....it's heavy...with influences from any and everywhere making their way into the mix. I just love to create and record. Live shows are fine....but recordings are forever. 

Jeff: I’ve always written thrash and heavy stuff but never had the time to experiment with things that are fun or strike a laugh. This is that project.

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

Douglas: For years....at least 20...probably more. Denial was one of the first local Charlotte bands I ever saw when I was maybe 20... They caught my attention because they had killer tunes and were professional. They actually looked like a band. Not just something thrown together. Jeff was a great frontman, player, and writer. I've wanted to work with him forever.

Jeff: we both had bands in the same Genre and played many shows together where we would trade off watching(being on the front row to cheer on) and performing (being on stage and cheering out to our buds on the front row). We partied together and Doug’s band always had the killer moonshine. (I and my guys had to build a tolerance if we wanted to hang out LOL)

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Douglas: Too many to list...Elvis and Johnny Cash got it all started...then KISS warped my 9-year-old mind.....Sabbath, Maiden, Priest, Ozzy, Dio, AC/DC, Van Halen, Metallica, Slayer, The Who, Jane's Addiction, GnR, Celtic Frost, Voivod, Anthrax, FEAR, Frank Zappa, The Darkness, Motorhead.....Motown, 80's pop, classic country, old school gangsta rap....tip of the iceberg

Jeff: Many for me, I was into Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Daniels band, Ray Stevens, and the Smothers Brothers, then I heard Quiet Riot (Yep, it was when they first came out so I am a dinosaur) after that I got into metal and heavy music. I also love Tupac, Dre, and all of them too. LOL

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Douglas: Any and everything. An observation, an experience, another song, a photo, a movie, a news event, a person, a word or phrase.....anything.

Jeff: Yep, it’s either to make a statement about a situation in society or government or make fun of something. LOL

6. Where was your last gig?

Douglas: One of the last shows I ever played was a show I booked and promoted at Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte right before it shut down forever.. I'll be playing a few songs at the upcoming ANTiSEEN 40th anniversary show in a few weeks. Bloodshot Cyclops is more of a project than a band with plans to play live. That would only happen by a miracle....like if the Prince of Bigcockistan summoned us to his palace with the promise of gold, jewels, and an endless supply of boobies and beer.

Jeff: In a galaxy, in a shithole so far far away, but I did play in front of 26,000 people at the 106.5 End of Summer Weenie Roast in Charlotte (1998) with my band Method 51. We went on right before Creed and people started tearing stuff up. They shut us down on our last song, I was tripping on a full hit of windowpane.

7. Where would you like to act?

Douglas: Act as in perform? Any famous venue or festival. Donington...Budokan... Madison Square Garden.....

Jeff: That would be cool but I’m past my prime on performing live. Too much carpal tunnel. The studio is the only way I can cheat and sound good.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Douglas: I would love to play a show with any of my childhood heroes...

Jeff: Me too

9. Whom not?

Douglad: Hmmmm...any band who lip-syncs or fakes major parts of their music. 

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Douglas: No..not really. But I would say just close your eyes or keep your head down and go for it....if anyone in the crowd cheers at the end of the first song...you'll be fine.

Jeff: A little, when I was young. Then I learned to channel that energy into the performance and getting so absorbed into the music and moving around I didn’t care if there were 3 or 3000 people.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Douglas: All the people I listed as my favorite bands in the previous question and many more. Sabbath is always at the top of the list. They are the creators of all that is heavy.

Jeff: What Doug said and more! I’ll try to listen to anything I can think of, mostly inspired by heavy bands. I am also inspired by music like Bassnectar and EDM stuff that pushes sonic boundaries.

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

Douglas: Musical advice. LOL

Jeff: A tattoo of my band’s name on their ass. (granted it was a stripper)

13. What do you think of your fans?

Douglas: Anyone who has ever bought, listened to, enjoyed, and mentioned it to others is as good as gold.

Jeff: I would think they are the greatest fans in the world, I hope it brings them as much joy as it brings me to create this music with Doug.

14. What do you think of our site?

Jeff: Hats off to you guys! It gives me a warm feeling and a meaning in life to create music and it is the best thing in the world to have people like you interested in stuff that we create.

Douglas: You promote underground and indie metal and music so you're doing God's work and you infinitely rule and rock and kick massive amounts of proverbial ass.

15. Something to add?

Douglas: I know the internet has made underground indie bands seem way more like a dime a dozen than they were back in the day. It's harder than ever to get attention and appreciation. So thanks to anyone who can give us a few minutes of your time to listen. We're just enjoying writing and recording together and trying to put a little fun back into music. Thanks for helping us get the word out!

Jeff: We have way more stuff coming out, hope you guys will check it out. It shouldn’t suck. LOL

Thank you for the opportunity and support for our original music!