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Band page - Inner Surge
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 Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
I'm Steve Moore and I sing/yell for Inner Surge. Bryan Sandau hits the drums, Scott Taylor plays guitars and Jim Fernandes is on the bass.
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
The band started in 2001 with an idea to bring something new to heavy music, to mix other influences not usually characterized with the style and give it a different meaning. The current lineup started in 2004 when I began writing new material with Bryan and Scott. I was listening to a lot of hardcore and punk at the time (Refused, Fugazi, Propagandhi, Snapcase) and the other guys were more into progressive material like Tool. We ended up meshing our influences together and the music came out more original as a result. "Signals Screaming" came out of this writing process.
Highlights for us to date have been dealing with good people like Shaun Friesen of Free Zen Design, who will be directing our next music video for "Wolves". Working with Brad Trew of Cyclone Records, who helped us release "Signals Screaming" has also been great. Overall though, any live show where people connect with what we're doing is the best high point you could ask for.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
Yes, every other day. But in between those days we get a response from a fan, magazine or a film that are interested in us. We're taking a difficult road in not being a cookie cutter band and we're aware of that. We just don't have the desire or the hairgel to go about it any other way. I feel now that from where we're at, we have a future in the industry without a doubt. People seem interested in what we're saying and how we're saying it. There has to be a small niche for honesty in today's music world and I know a lot of people are searching for it. We write music the way we enjoy it, and it may be a little loud, but it's honest. The industry is 10 years behind now. Nobody wants to hear the 30th Nickleback clone. Many of us could have done without the first one. We don't need to settle.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our latest album is "Signals Screaming". It was produced by Casey Lewis of Echo Base Studios and released by Cyclone Records. We're proud of the album and it's gained us a lot of new listeners. There's a lot more hardcore and metal influence on this album than our previous works. The lyrics are mostly cryptic in nature but do refer to some important events and books that we've studied over the past few years such as the Rwandan genocide of 1994 in a track called "Wolves". "Retribution Song" was the first single on the album, and a video for the song is available online at Google video, youtube, myspace and www.cabrassoundtrack.com. The song will be on the 2007 "Cabras" movie soundtrack as well.
How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
The style is loud rock music when it comes down to it. As far as today's styles and influences, I would say it mixes rock, metal, hardcore, progressive and experimental influences. A lot of reviews have noticed a jazz influence but I feel it's unintentional. We just take a different approach to our writing. We will continue to expand that. We're into everything from rock to electronica, classical to industrial and we're not interested in blending in with the hordes of heavy bands out there. We're interested in music, not conforming.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Shooting our music video for "Retribution Song" was a great experience. We shot half the scenes in minus 20 weather in the middle of the woods full volume with the drums going and me screaming the song. There were old ladies walking their poodles but nobody complained. They seemed more curious than anything. Recording the album with Casey Lewis was also a good time had by all. We're looking forward to seeing him again.
How is the writing process in the band?
Usually Scott or Jim will start the songs with a riff, and if it clicks, Bryan will start experimenting over it. We'll get a rough format together from there. I write all the lyrics seperate from the band and choose which ones go with the sounds, and how I should re-arrange them to make them the most potent. I usually have a lot to choose from and want to have everything come across as strong as possible. It's the same thing with the music. We try to whittle it down until it's at it's most potent, and everyone has an equal part in this process. We're currently writing material for the followup to "Signals Screaming."
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
Besides wanting to be a dinosaur when I was very young, I never really considered any other path. If you have a backup plan you become your backup.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
I have a lot of idols, although idols are not necessarily a good thing. It depends on how they inspire you I suppose and what you do with that inspiration. Malcolm X has always been an inspiration to me. He spoke out without any fear of death or anything else. He faced the racist beast head on that much of the United States was at the time and some of it still is today. For that reason, his message is as potent today as ever. The Zapatista's are my idol's and I like to keep track of their movement, words and message. Talisma Nasrin is another idol of mine for risking death by writing critical material of the religious status quo in Bangladesh and Pakistan and the unfair treatment of women by religious institutions around the world. Chuck D is another person I have deep respect and admiration for. People who, as a band, we think of and smile would include Noam Chomsky, Bill Hicks and Howard Zinn, among many many others.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
Well, in hindsight, you always feel you could have done better. We're perfectionists, so in the end we're never 100 percent happy with things we've done. This keeps the fire burning though. It's a good thing.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
I'm not a big fan of some of the early material so much anymore, but tracks like "Backlash" continue to be popular. I don't really have that clash though as far as fans having favorites and myself getting tired of them. One thing we come across though is people who have no idea of what we're talking about, but it's par for the course. We're just happy to have more people at our shows.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
The lyrics are very important in this band. I put a lot of effort into them to make them as effective as possible. They represent the band so everyone has to approve them and believe in what we're collectively saying. They're a big part of our voice.
 What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
The music industry, I feel sometimes, is a small group of sleazy men cleverly selling terrible children's music to adults and children alike. When I say children's music, I mean music like Britney Spears, Simple Plan, the Black Eyed Pea's, Default, that James Blunt guy...music with no substance that is marketed to young people, but for some reason, adults flock to it as well because the marketing is so effective.
There's a lot happening with podcasting and independent radio where people are deciding to play and listen to what they want. That's why we're so involved in the Podsafe network and we reach out to the podcasters. There's good things in the industry once you get past all the bad music.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
Putting out good music. People will always download your songs and you may as well not be an asshole about it. If the music is good enough though, people will take the initiative and buy the album. Yes, music piracy is hurting a lot of indie artists, but we can only hope these people are spreading the word and enjoying the music. I always buy CD's by artists I enjoy and respect.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
I don't want to stop learning. I don't see how people are content to ignore history, obvious facts, science, current events, spirituality, any of these things. I want inner peace just like anyone else but you can slap me if I start going door to door when I feel I've found it.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I wake up and I eat breakfast. From this point, it's either "Groundhog's Day".....or "Falling Down" minus the violent altercations. My days are good.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
I like good movies just like about anyone else. "Hotel Rwanda", "Malcolm X", Water", "Taxi Driver" and "Swing Kids" are some of my favorites.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Meeting Helmet when we played Warped Tour was quote the nice surprise. Great guys too. I thought the guys who wrote "Meantime" would have a chip on their shoulder but not at all. They would be one of our ultimate bands to tour with as well, so it was a highlight for us to meet them.
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
Albums: Tool - AEnima
Dead can Dance - The Serpent's Egg
Refused - The Shape of Punk to Come
Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine
Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet
Books: Noam Chomsky - Failed States
Howard Zinn - A People's History of the United States
Subcommandante Marcos - Ya Basta!
George Orwell - 1984
What is your favourite joke?
It's a Bill Hicks quote:
"I love the Pope, I love seeing him in his Pope-Mobile, his three feet of bullet proof plexi-glass. That's faith in action folks! You know he's got God on his side."
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
Yes, we're about to work on a new music video for our track "Wolves". Shaun Friesen of Free Zen Design will be the director. We're also going to have our music featured in the psychological thriller "AMOK", as well as the "Cabras" movie soundtrack. More is in the works as well. We're working on our next album which we'll begin recording next year. Hopefully we'll tour in the Spring as well and do some further promotion of this album.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
Thanks for your support everyone, it's been a great year. You can keep in touch with us at www.innersurge.com or on myspace. Take care!
Added by Steen - 10/27/2006
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