Music News Headline Answers With Gravehuffer's Ritchie Randall November 3rd, 2019
Metal Pulp And Paper: Hello Richie. So glad to be catching up with you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at Metal Pulp And Paper. We appreciate it. So, how are you doing?
Ritchie Randall: Doing great man. Thanks for having me!
MPAP: Now give us a little run down about your band and what we need to know, and especially tell us if you have any new music coming out or any tour announcements you can share here?
Ritchie: Ok, here we go. We’re from Joplin, Missouri and we’ve been a band for about 11 years now. Mike and I have been jamming together in other bands since the mid 90’s, so we know each other pretty well. We play a mix of old school metal with some punk sounds in there too. It’s a pretty broad swath of extreme styles honestly. We’re not afraid to try different styles, as long as we all like it and it sounds good to our ears. We have a couple of records out now, the first being the Blasphemusic CD, which was released in the summer of 2012. Our second album Your Fault came out in the winter of 2017. It was released on CD, red cassette, and red vinyl. These are also available on all the digital and streaming platforms out there. As far as shows, we have a few coming up. As of this interview, we have October 4th in Hannover Park, IL, October 5th in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, October 18th in Lawrence, KS, October 31st in Joplin, MO, November 1st in Dallas, TX, November 2nd in Houston, TX, and January 18th in Joplin, MO. We just released a 2 song EP on 7-inch vinyl through NoSlip Records. It’s available on our Bandcamp page, as well as NoSlip Record’s Bandcamp and Big Cartel stores. There are 4 color variants, each song has its own art, and it comes with a download. MPAP: Very nice. So, for anyone that hasn't been to the Metal Pulp And Paper website recently, we changed things up a bit doing interviews, and are doing something completely different, for now at least. We've pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injectionwebsite and turned them into questions to get reactions and comments on them from bands all over the world. We started this back in August, with different headlines, of course, and it was fun to read each group's different answers. So, please place your seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, and hang on, here we go again. 1.Granny Caught Rocking Out To Slipknot MPAP: At a recent Knotfest show an elderly woman, even with her cane in hand, is caught on video rocking out to Slipknot. The story doesn’t mention her age, but I would say she’s in the prime of at least her 70s. What do you think of granny rocking out to Slipknot? Have you ever seen any older folks rocking out at any of your shows before? And bonus points, if we were keeping score, have you had any of your grandparents at any of your shows before?
Ritchie: I think it’s very cool! Music knows no age limits. We have had many age groups at our shows, including the older crowd. We’ve had grandparents at our shows quite a few times actually! They always seem to enjoy what we do, so that’s a plus! We played a show to benefit after school programs and there were people in their early 20’s all the way to the 60+ year range. It was fantastic! 2. Metal Guitarist Too Young To Play Bar Plays Outside With Wireless System Instead
MPAP:The band Ancient Burials had a bit of a dilemma when they played a show at the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Their guitarist was underage and not allowed into the bar to play. Some places will mark your hand with an 'X' identifying you’re a minor and let you play. Not the Hawthorne Theatre with Oregon’s liquor laws. So, instead of them canceling the show, fellow bandmates Paradigm Shift hooked him up with a wireless pack, and he went outside and played. The bar had an open window so you could see the band playing inside and he was outside shredding it out on the street. It’s a great video to watch.
Ritchie: I’ve seen this video, and it is really cool! All ages venues seem to be a little hard to come by these days. When we were all jamming together in different bands in the 80s and 90s, there were all age’s venues everywhere. The kids just made it work. I feel like they are starting to kind of pop up a little more now though, so there is hope yet! 3.Comedian Gilbert Gottfried Reveals Himself As Slipknot’s Tortilla Man
MPAP: Obviously, someone brilliant out there got him to announce that, probably on one of those Celebrity Cameos or something. In all seriousness, does it even matter who Tortilla Man is? And why do you think Slipknotis so strict on revealing who new band members are? They had this previous issue when Paul Gray passed away and was replaced by Alessandro Venturella, and also when Jay Weinberg replaced Joey Jordison.
Ritchie: Personally, I’m not a big fan of Slipknot, so I don’t have much of an opinion on their member changes. I do like their first few albums though. Some bands seem to like having that mystique, kind of like the bands in the 70s and 80s had. I think the punk and thrash bands sort of demystified being in a band a little bit. They made it seem like it was attainable to be in a band, and that you didn’t have to be a rock star. We’re all people, right? Some fans really like the mystery of the rock and roll lifestyle though, and I understand how that can be provocative. In the end, we’re all just enjoying the music and having a good time doing it, I think. 4. These Post Malone Fans Are Just Hearing About Ozzy For The First Time Thanks To New Collaboration
MPAP:Recently Post Malone recorded a song called "Take What You Want," and it featured Ozzy Osbourne. Honestly, it’s not a lousy collaboration between the two. Wasn’t expecting it to be a good song. Anyways, what gets me is some people, mainly Post Malone's fans were saying thanks to Post Malone he just gave this Ozzy guy a career. They obviously have no idea! Even back in 2015, it was almost the same thing, Kayne West did a song with the Beatles Paul McCartney, and Kayne’s fans were saying Kayne just gave Paul a career in the music business. Really c’mon? So, my question is, should the history of music be taught in school or something? Shouldn’t the younger generation know who Ozzy Osbourne and Paul McCartney are?
Ritchie:If you care about anything at all, then you should dig deeper and know the history of it, music included. It would be nice to have more of a representation of the genres of music in schools. I think growing up when I did was really a good thing, as I got to see and hear new styles of music being invented all the time. It was definitely exciting. As far as knowing who Ozzy and Paul are, I personally find it baffling, especially with how easy it is to look things up and how connected we are. I guess that asks the question, “Are we as aware as we think we are with all the technology we have?” It makes me wonder.
5. Sabaton Involved In 'Serious Traffic Accident' In Tunisia, Cancel Tonight’s Show
MPAP:Luckily everyone is ok now, but do you have any scary tour bus accident stories that you can share with us? Or, if no accidents, any close calls where you thought you might die?
Ritchie: Traveling is always kind of scary so you have to play it as safe as possible. Worry about what you can control. There have been times where we were driving on snowy or icy roads and it got a bit crazy. One time we turned around and cancelled the show it was so slick. It’s just not worth the risk. There were times that we were driving through the Appalachian Mountains that were pretty nuts too. Our brakes were smoking so we had to pull over and reassess. We just had to take a different approach really. When you are not used to driving in certain conditions it can be pretty intimidating to say the least.
6.Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg: The Effects of Climate Change Are Undeniable
MPAP:Some say there is no such thing as climate change, or some say it is getting better. Both sides of the party point fingers at each other. Even back in February of this year, Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old democratic socialist, wanted us to get to the point of where air travel would stop becoming necessary, and believes farting cows are responsible for the climate change and we need to get rid of them. What are your thoughts on climate change?
Ritchie: Of course, the climate is changing. We are contributing to that as well. It should not be a political issue, but unfortunately, the world leaders, governments, etc. are responsible for how we contribute to the change by the laws and regulations that are passed. It is difficult for me to understand why we wouldn’t want to decrease pollution. Call it climate change, call it global warming, call it whatever, just don’t be an asshole and treat the planet like shit. Pretty simple… 7.Nicole Kidman Attended An Iron Maiden Show with Her Husband, Keith Urban
MPAP: Never would have expected that couple to be into Iron Maiden, but still cool either way. It’s good to know that music can reach anyone. So, have you ever had anyone famous that you know of attend one of your shows? If not, who would you like to leave a ticket for at will call to come to your next show?
Ritchie:I think it’s really cool when the music genres mingle together like that. I’m not into elitism. You like what you like and there shouldn’t be anything wrong with that. We have opened for some bigger bands before, like DRI, Immolation, etc. and when you finish playing and people like that complement your sound, it’s always a really cool thing! Ross Dolan, the bass player for Immolation, was talking to Mike, our bass player before we opened for them. They were talking about gear and Ross was making a few suggestions to Mike. After we played, Ross went up to Mike and told him to forget everything he told him and to keep using what we had! Hahaha. It was a pretty cool reaffirmation for sure. 8.Yellowstone Police Are Using AC/DC To Clear Bison Off The Road
MPAP:In our previous headlines feature Metallica was blasted to scare away a cougar, and now bison are being blasted by AC/DC. It makes you think, what animal is next, and then how long until the animal kingdom doesn’t put up with this anymore and revolts against humans?
Ritchie: That is an interesting question! I have heard of music being used in this manner, as well as torturing prisoners during interrogations. I have mixed feelings about the use of music in this way. Why can’t they just blast certain frequencies that may be more effective? I guess the sound of the multitude of instruments and screaming vocals can sound threatening to animals, so I see how it can work well in those situations. Animals are very smart though, and you are probably right about them possibly revolting. Some species have been around a lot longer than we have so they know how to survive. 9. Vinyl On Pace To Outsell CDs in 2019
MPAP:Buying albums seems to be the trendy hip thing it looks like again. Since streaming services are the popular norm, it’s good that records are making a comeback, but sad in a way, because CDs will become extinct.
Ritchie: I personally have always preferred vinyl, but that’s what I grew up listening to. As someone who releases music in all the platforms, vinyl is the favorite amongst all of us. You really get the entire experience the way the artist intended, with the large-scale artwork, the more natural sound, and then listening to the music in one sitting as a whole piece. We put a lot of time into how the songs are sequenced to tell a story or create a vibe, so all of those things are really great when they’re appreciated by the listener. It’s great that people are getting lost in the music again! 10. Dude Who Tried To Swim Back Into Slayer Show After Being Ejected Immortalized on Beer Can
MPAP: The guy that tried to swim back into a Slayer show is from a headline in 2018, but him being immortalized on a beer can is new. This is a two-part question. Which beer can would you like your face on, and while out on tour, what is the craziest thing a fan has done that you have seen?
Ritchie: That’s hilarious! I haven’t heard this story. Hmmm, if I were to be on a beer can… well first off, it would have to be a bottle instead of a can, although I wouldn’t turn my nose up at being on a beer can. Hahaha. It would probably be on a bottle or can of Mother’s, a brewery from our area. As far as crazy fan stuff, we played a show in our hometown one time, and some people showed up with a bunch or LARP weapons, like foam swords, clubs, shields, etc. We start playing and all these LARP folks start having a full-on battle with each other! It was the coolest thing ever! It lasted the whole show! 11. Former Five Finger Death PunchDrummer’s New Gig: A Horror Porn Anthology Series MPAP: Yep, you read it right, former Five Finger DeathPunchdrummer’s new gig is in the porn business. Not only is Jeremy Spencer a part-time cop in Indiana now, but now he writes, directs, and even stars in his pornos. Crazy. So, my question is, what is your dream job if you weren’t performing in a band? If you had to hang things up in the music business, what would you rather be doing?
Ritchie:Wow… more power to whatever you want to do in life I guess, haha. I would most likely be doing something in the conservation department. I really enjoy nature, and would love to contribute to it in some positive way. I’ve always been fascinated with the sciences as well, so maybe even something in a research field would be cool too.
12.Flaw Accused of Plagiarizing You Tuber’s Song, Vocalist Said He Had No Idea
MPAP:This isn’t really a question about that headline, but it made me think and want to ask, is there one song out there that some band has recorded, and it’s so good that you wish you could claim it as your own song?
Ritchie:No, not really. I have a tremendous respect and appreciation for music, so I would not want to even entertain that idea honestly. This is reflected in how we write songs too. If there is a part of one of our songs that remind us of another band, we will change it or start over. Admittedly, there will be times when we play that there is a similar vibe to another band we like but we always try to steer it in another direction when that starts to creep in.
13.Metallica Named 'World’s Biggest Touring Act' According To New Study
MPAP: Even though they’ve released a few records that some fans can’t stand, that still hasn’t stopped them by selling over 22 million tickets and grossed $1.4 billion in touring since 1982. That’s very impressive. So, I guess the question would be, lets rain on their parade for a moment, what’s your least favorite Metallica song that you must turn off or turn down when it’s on the radio? And by no means, this is no disrespect to Metallicaat all. I think they are man enough to handle hearing which songs or albums are not fan favorites. It's just for fun and games, until we shot our eye out.
Ritchie:Metallica are pretty influential to me, specifically James Hetfield’s rhythm style. I usually find something that I can get into regardless of the record. That being said, the St. Anger album is one I have to be in the mood to listen to. I have a lot of respect for them though. They own all their music, aren’t tied to a label, own their own record pressing plant, their own studio, and all that stuff. It’s DIY on a giant scale basically. They do what they want, and don’t care what anyone else thinks, and I definitely respect that.
MPAP:Some great answers. On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Ritchie, for taking the time to answer these. We look forward to what Gravehufferdoes to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?