Interviews
- Home
- Interviews
- Madball
Madball
Interview with Mitts on Sep 13, 2007 by
Madball is one of the most influential hardcore bands ever. After seven albums and almost twenty years together, the band is still going strong with their recent Ferret release, Infiltrate the System. One of our new staff members, Doug Klein, was able to email guitarist Mitts a list of questions. Here are his responses.
By: Doug Klein
First off, let me just say I've heard Infiltrate the System and the album is killer to say the least. How was the writing process for this album and was it any different from anything you've done with past albums?
Mitts: The writing process was more or less the same as we had done for Legacy (our last release). We spent about 2 months in the rehearsal room, writing and arranging the songs, and then we went to Planet Z Studios with our good friend Zeuss and recorded it. It was our second time working with him, so we were already familiar with his method. Everything clicked right away.
How do you guys go about writing a song? Is there any sort of pattern you follow, or is it more just a combination of things?
M: Generally, the riffs are written individually, on our own time, and then we bring them into the rehearsal studio and arrange them as a band. A few of the songs for this record were written on the spot. We even wrote some from the drums out.
What were the major influences for the songs and overall feel of Infiltrate the System?
M: We wanted to make a record that was a little more modern in sound without going too far away from the traditional Madball sound. The idea with this one was that every song should be aggressive, every song should have a strong breakdown part, etc.
What does Infiltrate the System mean to you personally as an album and as a statement?
M: I would hope that it's the album that makes people take notice, in terms of us still being able to move forward and progress. We didn't want to make just another hardcore record. We wanted to make a record that can hang with today's heaviest and hardest sounding bands, even though we're not a new band.
Does it ever seem hard to maintain your sound in a day and age where bands completely change their sound from album to album to keep up with trends?
M: I don't see it as hard. Madball has progressed from record to record throughout its entire history. We would never want to radically change, cause that would sound corny. But at the same time, we always try to break new ground and do something new and different each record.
What's it like to be on tour all around the world and see kids chanting your songs and keeping the New York hardcore spirit alive?
M: It's great. We're lucky enough to have made an impact not just in the US and Europe, but on virtually every continent. That's really flattering, and we appreciate it very much.
The term "hardcore" seems to have a different definition now then it did in the late 80s and early 90s. How do you define hardcore and how has your perception of hardcore changed throughout the band's history?
M: Hardcore has changed, and it should change as time goes on. No form of music, or art, would continue to be interesting if it stayed the same over time. Music should always progress, and I think hardcore has done that. If you listen to mid 80's hardcore, it sounds nothing like some of the metal influenced stuff you hear today. But that's fine, so long as the bands involved keep in mind those who came before them.
Your songs always have strong emotional content and always have a purpose. What do you hope listeners will take from the songs off Infiltrate the System?
M: Seeing as Freddy wrote the lyrics, I can only give you my interpretation of them........which is that this record is about encouraging people to get active. Infiltrate The System refers to our generation (our friends, family, and extended hardcore family) growing, maturing, and moving into positions of power, and influence. The more people from our walk of life that get involved and take charge, it will make for a better world. The lyrics to "Revolt" and "Infiltrate The System" say it best.
What bands or artists defined your childhood and sparked your interest in music? Was there a specific show or event that still sticks with you today?
M: I grew up listening to hardcore and metal. At first it was metal. Bands like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest. Those were the bands that made me pick up an instrument. Shortly after, I was introduced to hardcore, with bands like Agnostic Front, Cro Mags, Sick Of It All. I can't name a specific show, but when I was a teenager, I went to about 6 shows a month, metal and hardcore.
The New York hardcore scene and sound are legendary. What is it like to be a part of such an intense and iconic genre?
M: It's an honor. I think New York is the center of the hardcore universe, we're proud let people know that's where we're from.
Does it ever become hard to balance a "regular" life along with you life on the road with the band? In what ways is each one affected?
M: It is hard. Nobody has ever gotten rich off of being in a hardcore band, so it's always a challenge to do it full time. Very few people can afford to do what we do, and still pay bills. Being away from home takes it's toll on friends and family.
Is it ever hard to keep up the energy and creativity after so many years?
M: Not for me, personally, no. I look at this as a blessing. There's maybe 90 percent of the public out there who are stuck doing jobs that they don't care about. We're lucky in that we get to make a (modest) living, doing something we're passionate about. Anytime I need motivation, I think of all the other things I could be doing for work.
Did you ever imagine yourself being in one of the most respected and long-lasting hardcore bands? How does it feel to know you are basically an icon or hero to many different people?
M: Again, from a personal standpoint, having been with the band since 2001, it's an honor for me to be a part of this band. Every day.
What lies in the future for Madball?
M: We're going to continue to tour in support of the new record. We're also working on a DVD that should be out in 2008. It will be a complete history of the band, past, present and future. Look out for it.
Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions and I hope that Madball continues to have its well-deserved success.
M: No problem....
A big thank you to Mitts for taking time out of his schedule to answer these questions. And thanks to Judy over at Warm Fuzzy Publicity for setting everything up.
