Crystal Castles Video

Don’t untrust us, their music and style is good.

EgoAssassin’s Interview with Intro5pect

It’s hard to find a band that offers substance in their music. It’s even harder to find artists who value not only meaning in their content, but deliver raw and avant-garde sounds. I’m often excited to be alive when I observe humans who create solid music, as it shows our passion for unique expression, diversity, and having a voice. I recently came across a group named “Intro5pect”, who in my opinion holds a revolutionary sound and message that is extremely rare and refreshing. Although I don’t want pop-culture to get their dirty hands on these youngsters, I do wish them the best and appreciate their time in answering the following interview questions. You can catch Intro5pect live on tour in the USA and Europe with another solid band called Citizen Fish starting in June, 2008. Cheers! -The EA

*Ego Assassin’s Interview with Intro5pect*

May 30, 2008

Members:
D - Dave (vox, guitar, programming)
S - Sara (synth, electronics, vox)

EgoAssassin: Can you give a quick synopsis of how Intro5pect came together? (When, where, why, and who?)

Dave: I (Dave) had been in a couple of different punk bands and was also writing electronic music as a separate project. I eventually just got tired of trying to separate the two and took the aspects that I liked from both and combined them. The hard part was finding a band to play live. There have since been many different variations of the band, but it wasn’t until we got the lineup that we have now that it really started to feel like a real band.

EgoAssassin: What are three major influences on the overall sound, energy, and style of Intro5pect? (doesn’t have to be music)

Dave: Our socio-political views are a huge influence on the band. We’ve always been a “political” band and this has probably had a huge influence in the path that we have taken. The way that we write and record also affects the overall sound of the band.
Sara: some bands that we like are kraftwerk, crass, the clash, the faint, the smiths, metallica, lady sovereign and so on. we have pretty varied tastes.

EgoAssassin: Do one or two people write most of the songs or do they come together as a group effort?

Dave: Traditionally its been mostly one person (Dave), but we’ve been trying to write more stuff together recently. You can kind of see this progression in the fact that there are a lot more vocals done by people who are not Dave on Realpolitik as opposed to our first album.

EgoAssassin: What social, political, or global issues bother you guys the most?

Dave: Overpopulation is a big issue that doesn’t really get much if any airtime. It’s one of the easiest (theoretically of course) issues to solve, we have the technology and ability to give every couple the choice of children- or more importantly not having children. It’s really just a cultural issue at this point. But it’s really important in the fact that overpopulation and the strain that it puts on resources is really the root cause of a lot of the other issues that our world has to deal with.
Sara: equality is a big issue for me. i think Americans in particular are overly concerned with gender and race than in other areas in the world. it’s still a shame that people have refused to let me into shows because they didn’t think i was a member in the band because i’m a girl. things like this need to change.

EgoAssassin: Would Intro5pect consider signing with a major record label if they approached you?

Dave: No, It’s hard to see anything that a major label could bring to the table that a good indie label couldn’t, and with the way that the music business has evolved over the past 10 years or so, It’s getting harder and harder to even justify why bands need any label- indie or otherwise.
Sara: yeah i agree. there’d be no benefit at all for us. we do almost EVERYTHING ourselves (everything from recording to sending our merch) so it’d be pointless to put in the same amount of work but have a large chunk go to faceless suits at a large company.

EgoAssassin: What do you think is the most important song that you guys have written so far?

Intro5pect: I think the answer to this question depends on how you define important!? I think that one of the most important topics that we write about is (as stated before) overpopulation, and we tried to cover that on “Sustainable Yield”. But as far as overall importance to the band I’d have to say “The war at home” for a couple of reasons. It’s a topic that we all feel very strongly about, and the topic of immigrant rights is something that people can relate to wherever we play. It’s also the first song that we did with Sturgeon (from Leftover Crack) and it was the first time we’ve worked with someone outside the band. It’s also an important song in that it probably introduced Intro5pect to a lot of people who would have never noticed or heard of us otherwise.

EgoAssassin: If you had a chance to send one message to the people in the world who need help and change the most, what would you tell them?

Dave: I’m not sure that I’m the most qualified person to send that message- but assuming that I did, it would go something like this- Never forget that change is the only constant, and no matter how bad things are they will change, and with that comes the hope and opportunity to make things better.
Sara: change doesn’t come without hard work and dedication. if it means that much to you, you will fight for it but the rewards will be well worth the effort.

EgoAssassin: Would you consider touring overseas for non-profit causes?

Dave: Yes, definitely
Sara: we would love to!

EgoAssassin: Have you recorded any songs featuring vocals in other languages? Or plan to in the future?

Dave: There’s a small part in “The War at Home” where I butcher some spanish, but other than that, not yet. I think that it would be cool to do in the future. We are a fairly ethnically diverse band- but most of us are at least second generation so I think Sara is the only one in the band that even can speak another language fluently.
Sara: i’d love to, i think it would be great, though i’m not sure as many people would get the message.

EgoAssassin: Last question: Be honest, what’s the flat-out worst record your band has ever listened to while driving on tour?

Dave: Short answer, I don’t know that it’s even a bad record, but Andrew WK’s first album seems to be one of the few things we can all agree on listening to- so it gets played alot more than it probably should.
Sara: Let’s just say that some people’s ipod’s aren’t nearly as popular as others… but we tend to agree on hammerfall, metallica, ace of base, and europe.

The End.

Thanks to Intro5pect. Support them by checking out their music here

We Don’t Own Money, Money Owns Us

Every day I realize how money owns me. 95% of the things I do are directly as a result of money. It makes me say or do things that I would not naturally say or do. It makes me want things that I honestly really do not care about. And it makes me value a future that I do not necessarily need or really desire in my heart. It makes me pursue careers or talents that I really don’t have any care for. Now the reality is that this is just life, but it is an interesting reality. All these years I thought that money was obtainable, but the truth is that we are obtainable for money, and we will say or do just about anything to please it.

I think it’s pretty funny that we actually believe our accomplishments and salaries actually mean anything.  We are in fact pretty insignificant and forget that we can lose things in the blink of an eye. And without the concept of compassion and giving, we are truly NOTHING.  If it were not for family, friends, loved ones, or even strangers around us who constantly give us something whether it be time, money, assistance, advice, etc… we would literally have and be nothing. Life is not all about talents, status, cash flow, fashion, or how well you can do things, but is more about how much we are willing to GIVE to others. Especially when are so blessed ourselves.  Wake up.

-From the Mind of the EgoAssassin

Interview With Lame Excuse

EgoAssassin is back from Japan with a vengeance and excited to post this exclusive interview with punk group Lame Excuse from Connecticut. These guys are a solid band who aren’t only veterans to recording and performing, but also offer substance filled lyrics and messages to their fans. I’m proud to consider these fellas friends and they were nice enough to do an interview for me, so much thanks to Mark and Dennis for their time, music, and passion for positive change. Click here to check out Lame Excuse’s website & buy their latest tunes here

*Ego Assassin’s Interview with Lame Excuse*

Interview Date: May 16, 2008:

EgoAssassin: How did the band start?

Mark: We started about ten years ago when I was fifteen. Dennis and I would basically just play guitar at his house, usually covers of punk rock songs that we liked. We started writing songs together, and got a drummer 6 or so months later. That was the beginning of the dream (which sometimes seems more like a nightmare hahaha). (I actually played with a couple guys, Jon and Dave, for awhile, but after that, Dennis and I got things rolling again).

EgoAssassin: What’s the current band line up? (and where are you guys all from)

Mark: Currently it’s me on Guitar/Vocals & Dennis on Bass/Vocals. Drummers quit our band a lot (usually to become failed front-men), but we’ll have to get another one soon so we can tour it up.
We’re all from Central Connecticut.

EgoAssassin: How did you come up with the name “Lame Excuse”?

Mark: It came at a time in our early teen years where a lot of our friends were dipping out on each other to party heavier and associate with people that we weren’t down with. Basically people loose touch, and the reasoning’s are rarely legit (especially at that age). So, Lame Excuse was indicative of excuses that were given from friends to justify how we were basically all growing up and apart.
Plus it had an air of youthful satire that we thought was pleasantly ironic.

EgoAssassin: How many records have you guys come out with?

Lame Excuse: We have done 3 full lengths, and one E.P.
No one Here to Hear It “99”
Seen Better Days “02”
Rain in Spain E.P. “03”
Stay for the Moment “07”
We’re also considering doing a live record sometime this year, which would be pretty sweet, I think.

EgoAssassin: Any styles of music that you have never attempted to play, but want to?

Mark: I cant stop listening to that new Aggrolites record. I have always wanted to do some reggae tinged punk. Like NOFX “eat the meek” stuff. I’m a huge Operation Ivy kid, and obviously Rancid and what not, but for some reason we’ve never gone for it.
Dennis: I would definitely like to do a little more thrashed out punk rock, probably borderline Grind stuff, but we’ll see…don’t want to alienate the teenyboppers haha.

EgoAssassin: If you could play with any band/artist in the world, who would it be?

Dennis: Lagwagon, Pulley, MxPx, Alkaline Trio, No Use for a Name
Mark: Dennis said a few, but I think the question asks for one, which is really tough, but I’m gonna say…Jawbreaker.

EgoAssassin: What are your major influences that drive your music or ideas?

Mark: I would definitely say my friends (past and present) influence my writing the most. I think some of the closest people to me would be surprised how many songs are reflections of my interpretation of various aspects of their lives. I think that’s important…friends should inspire you! Also faith/doubt are always in there, sometimes more overtly than others. Oh, and I have a consistent knack for waging lyrical warfare against things I hate about the scene.

EgoAssassin: What’s the music scene like in Connecticut?

Mark: Pretty beat actually…Jersey is where it’s at!
Dennis: We have a pretty good hardcore scene here. Originally bands like Hatebreed were big. Then bands like With Honor and Life In You Way really helped put us on the map. The kids here are amazing though. Every time we do shows, there is no shortage of love given.

EgoAssassin: What is the song “Darwin’s Black Box” about?

Mark: There is a scientist by the name of Michael Behe who wrote a book titled “Darwin’s Black Box.” Basically he asserts that evolution cannot account for the whole of complexity on Earth because humans are irreducibly complex. Meaning we don’t function at every level of evolution (which is necessary for the theory). Essentially, living things can indeed evolve and adapt, but life cannot evolve from non-life.
That song is my summation of such notions. I have become relatively obsessed with the works of Charles Darwin lately, and I find him to be exceptionally brilliant. I believe science and faith can exist symbiotically, and they should. If I may quote the song, “where science and faith collide; there ends life’s mystery.”

EgoAssassin: I dig the song “Forever”, can you tell me when you guys wrote this one?

Mark: Thanks man! That song is a reflection of a relationship I was involved in. Things had kind of gone awry, and I was determined to restore things. It’s basically me assuring her (as well as myself) that everything will work out, amidst my own doubts and reservation.

EgoAssassin: What is the biggest problem in our world today?

Mark: Wow, that’s a tough one! I am just gonna toss my biggest concerns out there; I’ll spare you the logistics. MTV, Global Climate Change, Globalization, and Trade Exploitation are some of the biggest. Also, Racism, Ethnocentrism, any and all forms of ignorance. There are far too many people out there that think they have it all figured out. Thus becoming deaf to other opinions or interpretations, and I think that is a really dangerous place to live…Stay open-minded!
Dennis: I think people show an overall lack of care for one another. Everybody looks to the government to fix everything, but that’s not gonna happen. People need to look out for each other, and deal with their own problems…stop looking to blame everyone else.

EgoAssassin: Any books or publications that you recommend that the youth get their hands on?

Mark: I am reading a book right now titled, “The Fate of Africa” by: Martin Meredith…Amazing! Also “1776” by: David McCullough, “Take This Job and Ship It” by: Senator Byron L. Dorgan, and “The Language of God” by: Francis S. Collins.
Dennis: Nope

EgoAssassin: Anything important that you want to share with your fans or just people in general?

Mark: Stop listening to bands whose members have ridiculously eccentric bangs, and or tight jeans. Also, bands that follow the: “Verse, Chorus (sing one line, scream one line), Cheesy unoriginal breakdown, Outro” formula should disappear. There are still people who believe music transcends trend.
It’s funny, I’ve known kids who grew up listening to punk rock with me, and they actually think this fashion-core explosion is a derivative of Punk, but it’s not! Punk hasn’t evolved into anything else, it’s alive and well, just look at bands like Lifetime, A Wilhelm Scream, Dead to Me, The Gaslight Anthem, Crime in Stereo, No Trigger, Smoke or Fire, The Draft, Bouncing Souls. H2O is back, Bad Religion’s new record was amazing, Face to Face is back…and on and on, seriously!
Dennis: Again, I’d just like to see people take care of one another. Support each other, show some love, and play bass.

EgoAssassin: Last question, what’s the worst show you have ever played?

Dennis: Ashford acoustic show
Mark: Probably that show in Mass with that “Autumn something” band…That pretty much sucked!

***The End***

Because They Said So

We form many of our opinions, traditions, routines, and beliefs on the simple principle of “because they said so”. Think about it, when is the last time you researched facts on important issues for yourself? And I mean actual research that goes deeper than reading one random blog (like this garbage). And not just from listening to the banter coming from some Lego-haired and gaudy news anchor, or from your gossip lipped co-workers who can’t handle their own issues in life, but have the key to solving the entire worlds problems. It’s all a bunch of nonsense and I’m sick and tired of it. Sick and tired. Did you get that?

I’m sick of people always doing exactly what they are expected to do and without questioning anything. I mean, they question things, but still within their boundaries and guidelines. For example, instead of considering the candidates for Republican, Democratic, or even Independent parties, why aren’t we questioning whether or not ANY of these morons are qualified to run this country. Every thought of that? We simply accept what we think is popular, because “they” said it was. We’re going through the motions, supporting what is known, listening to what is popular, and what is broad casted in the mainstream. It must be somewhat accurate right…they said it in the media… well screw the media. It’s only there to fit someones interest and it revolves around hearsay and hype. Why stay in the same box and never attempt to learn about point of views that may not be convenient for us to listen to.

People are painfully predictable these days. If someone leans right in their opinions, they listen to everything fed from the right. If they lean left, they buy up all the propaganda from the left. If someone is undecided, they don’t listen to anything at all, but use their time to complain instead of forming a damn opinion and establishing a new choice for their society.

I say there is always a new choice, and it begins with common sense. Take every situation with a grain of salt and research it for yourself. Don’t just read one book on a subject, read several books. Don’t just meet one person from a different culture, meet several people. Don’t settle for one radio station with your favorite like minded ideas, listen to them all and you will hear that much of it has the same agenda.

The want you to believe that you need to stand in line and support the popular groups in life. That’s a bunch of bullsh**. You are the future and you can decide what happens every day. It’s never been about the majority, it has always been about the choices YOU make as an individual and the decisions everyone can control in their daily lives.

-From the Mind of the EgoAssassin

Why Isn’t Murder a Good Thing?

I got your attention didn’t I? Maybe it’s because you (as a human being) have some level of consciousness and probably hold a strong position on the issue of murder. Of course I’m not here to support the position that murder should be seen as a good thing, but I am here to remind you that everyone believes that murder is bad (if even when happening to them or their loved ones). The reason I remind you of this is that it often seems popular for people to take the position of accepting several crack pot ideas as valid “opinions” or as being significant to what “other people” believe. In most cases, this kind of nonsense sounds more like an excuse to appear open minded, cultured, and tolerant. I believe it is quite the opposite. But my real question to our society is this: Why is murder a bad thing? Can you explain it to a crowd of people who don’t believe in the same things you do? And what if someone from a different background or culture thinks it is acceptable to murder someone? Do they have the right to murder others simply because they think it is a good idea?

If you are someone who holds personal morals or standards in life, you probably understand why you believe what you do. But if you’re one of these people who claim to believe in nothing and whine about how meaningless existence is, then why care about murder? Why care about genocide, war, injustice, rape, oppression, or anything at all for that matter? Honestly, if we’re just a bunch of animals placed here by chance, why does anything matter at all? I know my examples are extreme, but we live in a world that has become very extreme in it’s thinking and this is getting more out of hand every day. I wonder why so many individuals who claim to be “open minded” don’t see that there are in actually rules in life. I personally don’t believe in brainwash, but I also don’t believe in this ridiculous “anything goes” mentality either. I call it common sense, but some may call it conviction, morals, or social standards.

We do in fact expect things of people on this earth, regardless of their religion, culture, or background. So what are your standards in life? How low are you willing to go to please someone? This may be of little consequence if it comes to minor issues, but when it comes to dealing with world philosophies and opinions, you must realize that people think differently and that thinking differently does not give anyone the right to justify those beliefs if they are…INSANE. Murder is obviously one of these insane philosophies, so my point is that for all you morons out there who love to say “it’s all relative” and “to each their own”, I say (f*** you), wake up and start taking an actual position for justice and good. Use logic and open your eyes…hopefully you will do the right thing.

-From the Mind of the EgoAssassin

Dead Kennedys Video – California Über Alles