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Band page - Birds of Prey
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What is your name and your current position in the band?
Ben Hogg, vomcals (vomit vocals)
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?
Haphazard riff rock meets repulsive metal. We have all played a variety of styles over the years, but when the 5 of us get together that is what happens.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
The Hellpreacher, on Relapse Records because it's a ear busting, ass grappling bad fucking time from beginning to end and it's a concept album that I had to do a lot of work to achieve, so get your wallets handy!
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?
Someone named Daniel at Threeman Records subsidiary Dental Records instructed Erik Larson to find "stoner rock" musicians that enjoyed metal and to comprise a "supergroup" of sorts to do a death metal project. I'm unsure as to why Larson agreed to such an unusual request but he did and one by one he accumulated players for his vision. Bo Leslie, previously from the band Throttlerod, myself from Beaten Back to Pure, Dave Witte drummer extraordinaire from Municipal Waste, Burnt By the Sun, Human Remains, Discordance Axis, Melt Banana, etc and Danny Nick from Suplecs. Of course Larson installed himself on rhythm guitar. Unfortunately for Danny, Hurricane Katrina ran him from his New Orleans base and relocated the entire band to Arizona, effectively ruling him out of the proceedings. Erik had played with a young band called Baroness at some point and hit it off with Summer Welch and the rest is history. We aren't a real band in the sense that we rehearse regularly or even play live shows,20, so highs have been getting a royalty check from the first album and the low was finding out we had earned no royalties for album #2. Now on to album #3.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
Fuck no, we got Dave motherfuckin Witte in the ranks. I knew we would be exactly what we are. An illusion.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
So rarely are we all together at one time (it's only happened 3 or 4 times ever) that I don't recall any particularly interesting group situation. I like getting liquored up with Erik. He's so lame.
=0 A
How is the writing process in the band?
Bo and Erik write riffs and after an appropriate amount are compiled they get together for a weekend either in Richmond VA or Greensville SC and hash them out over drinks. They record the proceedings and pass the tapes around. Witte rehearses with 'em a couple of times, then it's off to the studio! I write words after the initial tracks are laid. I go in later and do my thang.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
Musician? Shit I'm just the singer. For me it's more of a hobby, I have a real job as do the other dudes I think. Dave and Summer are touring enough right now that I'm not sure what they do when I'm not looking.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
Ronny Van Zant and L.G. Petrov vocally. Doug Stanhope comedically.
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?
No time for regrets man! Sure there are things I wish had been done differently or better or not at all, but it's all hindsight and that shit is for fucking losers. I'm the alpha male and admit to nothing.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
This goes back to the fact we have never played live. I don't know what songs our setlist would even consist of. Probably "Mangled By Mongoloids" from the first album and Cokemule too, I don't know if we could accurately replicate "Where Black Lungs Don't Breathe" from the 2nd album, live. There'll be a couple from the new album that would definitely make the cut. All of that is pure speculation though. Absorb the records as a whole. Or in segments. I don't care.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Very, it's the only thing I bring to the party. I hate it if promos go out with no lyrics. That makes me bitter. Review my content By GOD!
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
A million good/great bands, a billion lame/shit bands, all competing for the 0 dollars t hat exist to be made. Labels are in trouble. Revert back to vinyl before it's too late!!!
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
I can't be bothered to care about this topic. Don't lock people up or fine them. That'd be dumb. I'll download your shit too, but if it's cool I pick up a hard copy.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Fucked if I know. Ass, gas or grass nobody rides for free? Maybe that's it.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I work, I pay taxes, I do some drinking, I have acute anxiety disorder and I try to nod off around 10 or 11.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
Sports. I love american football and baseball. Fuck all european based sports. Roll Tide.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Not applicable
Added by Steen - 4/22/2009
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