Run With The Hunted Interview

 

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

We recorded "The Sieve and the Sand' back in September. Since then, we've been laying kind of low, doing all of the things required to release an album. Finalizing artwork, layout, promotional stuff, interviews like this. Lately, we've been practicing a lot gearing up for all the shows we'll be playing to support the record. 

2.You have a new album coming out in June, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the new recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have done in the past?

This record is a lot more musical than our previous ones. We've always been a hardcore band and that will still be very apparent to people who hear this record but we really kind of let go this time around, we stopped trying to force ourselves to sound a certain way and just let the songs develop as organically as possible. We all listen to a lot of other genres outside of punk and hardcore and I think many of those influences found their way into the music as well. 

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

I would say the record deals with the pain of acknowledging our true singularity as individuals. We can surround ourselves with loved ones and give and receive love as much as possible but at the end of the day, we only really have ourselves. I think embracing that is a vital step in anybody's personal growth, at least it has been for me. It seems scary but really I think it's the foundation of being a complete and happy person; you have to learn how to accept your loneliness as an inevitable part of the human condition. The record also deals with the idea of universal truth and attempting to understand why people believe what they do. Ultimately, I believe, there are no universal truths and the things people subscribe to like religion or culture are just attempts at control; all we have are our choices and we can always choose to be someone or something different than what we're told. Recognizing the inherent freedom you have 

4.I have seen this band on a lot of straight edge and vegetarian websites, what impact does this lifestyle have on the music that you play?

I would say it's had some impact on the style of hardcore we play for sure. Run with the Hunted has never been a vegan straight edge band; we never set out with that agenda or any specific agenda really other than attempting to express ourselves. Some of us are straight edge, some of us are vegan and these ideals are incredibly important to us but it's never been the focus of the band. But we all agree that hardcore is at its best when it has a political consciousness; in my experience, that often means a vegan or straight edge band. 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Run With the hunted'? 

Run with the Hunted is the name of a collection of stories by author Charles Bukowski. When the band formed, a few of us were really reading a lot of Bukowski at the time and his writing style really embodied what we wanted to do with our new band; he was raw, emotional, gritty, sometimes ugly and hard to swallow but always poetic. I think that just really resonated with us. 

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Hm, the most memorable shows for me are probably Rainfest in Seattle, WA in 2011, Fluff Fest in the Czech Republic in 2012 and the final Seven Generations show in San Diego, CA in 2009. All of them were just incredible; hardcore has this very special energy that is indescribable, I've never come across another style of music that even comes close. When a hardcore show is going off, you can literally FEEL the energy in the room, it's palpable. 

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

We have 4 record release shows planned, in AZ and CA and we will definitely tour in the fall but nothing is set in stone yet, stay tuned. 

8.The band is currently signed to Panic Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Our good friend Timm runs Panic Records out of Seattle, WA. He plays guitar for Trial which was kind of surreal for us at first because they were our favorite hardcore band. Then we got to know him and he wanted to put out our records and we've been working together ever since. 

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of hardcore, punk and metal?

So far, people seem really moved by The Sieve and the Sand. I've had several people write to me directly and say they don't listen to much hardcore anymore, they don't even really pay attention to what bands are doing these days but this album made them feel alive again in a way they haven't since they first got involved in the scene. A few people have told me it brought them to tears too; for me, nothing could be more satisfying. It means people are really connecting with the record. 

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Hard to say really. We don't plan on writing again for awhile. 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We were pretty heavily influenced by technical metallic 90's hardcore like Turmoil, Converge, Botch, Threadbare and Deadguy. Nowadays we all listen to a lot of other styles a lot more than hardcore. Off the top of my head, I think the other guys have been into Failure, David Bazan, Pearl Jam, Interpol and Slowdive lately. 

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

We all have pretty active lives outside of the band; Jason and Ian practice Jiu Jitsu, JP does Krav Maga, Matt is a competitive bowler and I rock climb. 

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

I just want to encourage everyone reading this to get involved in their hardcore scene in whatever capacity they feel their talents are best used. Not everyone needs to start a band; equally important are promoters, venues and community organizers. DIY punk and hardcore only exists because people care enough to try. We all have something to contribute!