Interviews

Interviews: Hoods

Hoods, one of the newest bands to find promise under the regime of world-reknowned hardcore label Victory Records, just dropped their latest album, "Time...The Destroyer" on June 5th. It is an album of no-holds-barred metalcore, and is sure to impress any hardcore fan. Below is the interview LochNessPimPster conducted with Hoods guitarist and band leader Mike Hood.

Smother: Where could a new listener go to find out a little bit about Hoods, past and present?

Mike Hood: Go to www.sactohoods.com for the history. Or actually there's a bio at www.victoryrecords.com. That way you could also check out the web sites.

Smother: How did Hoods end up signing to Victory, one of the most popular hardcore labels in the business?

Mike: Well for the last 4 years with this line-up we've been working really hard. We needed the next step. It's so hard to keep doing this with so little support. With victory it really helps because kids can get the cd anywhere. I think that is one of the main reasons we pushed to sign with them soo long. They have been good to us so far and it makes it a lot easier to tour as well.

Smother: Who writes the song lyrics for the band?

Mike: I wrote everything except 'Broken Never Beat'. Ben wrote those lyrics.

Smother: How would you describe Hoods music for a new listener interested in the group?

Mike: Fast and mid tempo parts with the hardest dance/breakdowns you will hear. Metal/hardcore that's really heavy.

Smother: How was the band's mindset different when recording Time...The Destroyer as compared to past recordings? Did the band have new goals with this album?


Mike: We were totally focused. The album is extremely tight. I do wish the vocals were louder on the recording. As far as this album being different than the past material I'd have to say the production is a lot better and the songs are arranged really tight.

Smother: Track 11 on the new album, seems to have some quite bitter remarks directed towards an unidentified source. Is 'Deceived' directed towards anyone in specific?

Mike: That song is totally directed at someone in particular. The thing is is at the time really bad shit was going on with one of our friends. The situation was really fucked. The person however still remains a great friend. Everything was worked out. I think kids can realate to all our lyrics in their own way.

Smother: Now that the band has support from Victory, are there any bands that you would love to tour with?

Mike: Six Feet Under/Machine Head/All Out War/Madball. We did a tour with Hatebreed/Candiria. Jamey really helped Hoods out. That tour now would be huge.

Smother: Hoods are well known in the hardcore community as being a very strong minded DIY band. Do you think signing to Victory as opposed to staying in the underground could darken this image?

Mike: This band will not change because of a label. The thing is look at Madball. They did their last album on Epitaph and I think it's a great album. It's their best album since Set it Off. Now when H2O went to Epitaph all these kids were talking all this shit saying how Epitaph made them change. That's total bullshit. Those bands did what they want. Labels don't change bands. At least not when you're dealing with hardcore. I know this move will only make us stronger. I'm still booking a shitload of shows. We still put on shows. I will always look out for smaller bands as much as possible. I have been going to shows for more than half my life. I have deep roots into this scene/music. I just booked half of our next us tour. The kids know that Hoods is and always will be a strong arm in the scene. Basically I have other options but this is what makes me happy in life. I can say I will be here in the years to come.

Smother: What groups do you look on as band influences?

Mike: I have soo many influences it would take a year to name them all. Right now however I think nor-cal has one of the best hardcore scenes in the world. I have a new comp out called Worldwide and I thinks it's a great way to hear the best hardcore bands in the scene right now. To peep this go to www.westcoastworldwide.com

Smother: Before we wrap this interview up, is there anything you'd like to say?

Mike: My side project Above This World has just released a full length on Thorp Records outta Philly. I think besides Hoods this band is really powerful. I would like to see hardcore return to a time of sincerity. I think hardcore as a fashion is dying out. For the kids who remain in this scene for the love of it is what really matters to me. Thanks to Victory Records for helping four guys do what they love while keeping the kids happy. If anyone has anything they would like to ask about Hoods feel free to contact me through these various ways: Get in touch!

Aol instant messenger: xworldwidex
Official Hoods Website: www.sactohoods.com
West Coast Worldwide: www.westcoastworldwide.com
Hardcore Music: www.hardcoremusic.com
Victory Records: www.victoryrecords.com
E-mail: xhatex@earthlink.net