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The Banner

May 14th 2008 12:05
THE BANNER

Singer Joey Southside of New Jersey Hardcore Metal outfit The Banner, took some time out to chat with me about the band, the new album and Gods Girls.




Firstly, thanks for taking the time out to chat with me, especially as you are about to embark on a new tour to promote the upcoming full length release "Frailty".


What can fans expect with the new album? How do you think it differs from your previous full- lengths?

Well I think the kids who have been with us from the beginning know that with each record comes a leap stylistically musical and thats pretty much the case here, but in some ways i actually looked back to our first two releases and went alot heavier. I think the music shows alot of growth on Frailty kind of expanding on what we experimented with on EBH but its also our heaviest/most angry record by far.

Each Breath Haunted and Your Murder Mixtape were both extremely popular releases. Is there any song from either album you're sick to death of playing or never tire of playing?

Not really, I'm mostly sick of playing the songs off the first ep, but people ask for them so we play them, and then kids really enjoy it so while playing it I'm having a good time.

When and how did The Banner begin? And why so many line up changes over the years?

The Banner began in 97 with me and Garrett, and the reason for so many lineup changes is basically it was always me and Garretts' band. When you have something like that and you work with other artists eventually theory gonna want to move on and do their own thing, which i totally understand. We have had plenty of solid dudes and great musicians help us out along the way (and some not so great) and its helped me look at different music genres and art sources as influence which I think has helped the band alot.



When your not living and breathing The Banner what are you doing?


Sleeping. hah no I'm usually drawing or writing something, i like going to shows and seeing bands as much as possible.

Where do you draw your influences from and what inspires you to write most?


Everything inspires/influences me, I' ll be reading a book and something will move me to write, I'll be listening to music and I'll get an idea for a song.Art, books, nature, the news everything I've encountered in my life has inspired me at some point to create something.

You are about to head off on a new tour in mid May, how do you find touring and what do you enjoy most about it?

Well at times its rough because I'm not exactly the healthiest dude and living in a van can be a bit torturous,At the same time going to different place and seeing different things is awesome for filling up my mind with ideas to create stuff. We definitely try to check out all the cities we get to and just look for cool things and meet people, I love that. Plus playing is always so energizing and cathartic.I love playing.


How do the lads from The Banner deal with female attention and groupies on and off tour?


Groupies? I don't think were that kind of band, girls don't look at us and scream and squeal and shake and stuff.I guess its just not a vibe we put forth which I guess is good.People who come up to us mostly just want to talk about the songs or the comic book. Lately I've been getting lots of questions about Pitbull rescue which has been great

Are you a fan of GodsGirls and what do you think about alt erotica in general? Any favourite GodsGirls?

Honestly I've used alot of pictures on GodsGirls as reference many times for drawings and stuff so I guess you could say Imo a fan of their content.I wouldn't say I am or I'm not a fan of alt porn or any porn. Sure,looking at naked girls is awesome but I think I kinda wore myself out on porn when I was younger as far as the sexual thrill is concerned, but I definately use god girls more than most sites when trying to find hairstyles or poses to draw.
My favorite godsgirl obviously is Romy. But I'm a repeat viewer to a bunch of the individual profiles there.

What does 2008 and beyond hold for The Banner?


touring, playing, writing

For those people yet to hear or experience The Banner, what do you have to say to them?

I'd just say if your a fan of aggressive heavy music with leanings towards darker influences this might be your thing,it might not,who knows my mom hates my band.

Any last words?

can i get a godgirls pass now?






For Current Tour Dates & News check out
Really Long Link
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HIMSA Unleash Carnage! (LINK)

March 29th 2008 02:48



Seattle Metal/Hardcore outfit HIMSA, with 6 release under their belt, are now embarking on a European Tour following their most recent album release "Summon the Thunder". Vocalist Johnny Pettibone took some time out from their full on tour schedule to chat music, touring and Gods Girls.



Hi Johnny, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me.


So you're currently on tour in Europe for 'Summon the Thunder', how are you finding it so far?


The tour has been great thank you. We were able to go to some cities we haven't played before like Oslo, Norway and back to places we haven't visited in years like Milan, Italy. The crowds have been fun and we are on our way to the UK and finish up in Russia and we are stoked!

What is the best & worst parts about touring?
The best is if you get to see some of the culture and take in some of the history of cities, playing to crowds have way across the world and witnessing the influence your art has on people, can't explain the feeling. The worst is long drives and bad weather. We were stuck in the Swiss Alps in a snow storm and almost hit by a semi head on....brutal!
At times homesickness sets in and can ruin your day. The element of a tragedy back home weighs on me since the last 2 tours we've had deaths in the family.

When you're not on tour or playing shows what do you get up to?


I work for a promoter and manage a club, watch alot of MMA and skate if the weather is nice. There is alot of great skate parks in the Seattle area. I like getting a good cup of coffee and working on projects and waiting for the wife to get home and rage the streets.

So how do HIMSA deal with female attention from fans and relationships with girlfriends etc?


We are to old and busted for any attention, haha. The ladies at home understand and get the lifestyle, real supportive and excited for opportunities that come.

What has the reaction been to this album in comparison to past ones? And how do you feel about the current release?

It's great. This record has more push and distribution behind it so kids outside the US can actually get it in stores. I love the new record and and very please with the outcome. We had more time writing and recording so nothing was rushed.

What kind of music do you listen to or draw influence on?


Integrity, Death in June, Neurosis, Nick Cave, Grief, Life's Blood, Ruhr Hunter.

From all the reading I've done it seems your are very busy man with HIMSA and your side projects like The Vows. Care to tell me a little about The Vows and other projects your in?

The Vows is old friends, over 30 and still straight edge playing negative hardcore. Me and the drummer, Ryan were in Undertow, Rob the bass was in Unbroken and Chris and Aram were in Champion. Just plain fun. I Am the Thorn is a doom/sludge band I also do with friends but is turning more into a solo project and I have about 3 other things in the works.

I guess you know you've made it right when your on Wikipedia ? hah. According to that you first began in music in a Straightedge band. Are you straightedge and what are your feelings on it?

I am and it has always been a personal choice and the way i live my life. To each is own. The band was Undertow.

So let's talk nitty gritty. Girls. Porn. Boobs. I wanna hear Pettibone's perspective.


Love, love and love. Girls smell so good and feel so soft and they are trouble....hehe. My wife is the muse of my life.

I hear your quite a fan of GodsGirls.com what is it about the site that you like? And do you have any favorite GodsGirl s?


It ruled when I had a password but it expired. No bullshit, to the point putting men on their knees. Alot of talent and wickedness to make us beg for more! I've known Kate for years and Mandy and I like you, Catra, Stilletto, Ariel, Wren, Gia.

Anything else you'd like to say?

Thank you again and hope we get back to your area soon so we can hang...............Shred! xoxo

Once again Johnny I'd like to thank you for taking the time to chat with me. I look forward to seeing HIMSA playing in Australia soon !
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