METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Matt. 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. How are you doing?
MATT MILLER: Doing great. Hope all is well.
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?
MATT: I play guitar in Salem, Oregon for a technical death metal band Morbid Fascination. We have just solidified our lineup with the addition of a new vocalist after we parted ways with our previous singer whom we wish nothing but the best. Our first show with our new vocalist is October 12th in Salem at The Space for Capitol Punishment. I encourage everyone to attend this event as it features some of the best bands the NW has to offer over 2 days. We plan on releasing an EP this Spring. After we slowly unveil new material at our shows. We are excited and are riding high on the wave of positivity.
MPAP: Nice. We look forward to that. So, for anyone new to this, we changed things up and are doing something different. We've pulled some recent headlines from the Metal Injection website and get reactions and comments on them from bands all over the world. We did this last month, 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?
MATT: I think it is fantastic and a testament to metal music. Music crosses all borders and boundaries. Metal is inclusive to everyone and anyone. We could all learn something from that lady. I was fortunate enough to have my grandmother attend a show years ago. She asked me if my guitar was out of tune. Occasionally we have senior citizens at our shows and if they can make it through our set then I know we must have done our job.
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.
MATT: I have seen that video and they totally killed it and made the most out of a bad situation. As they say the show must go on. I have been playing music on stage for a very long time and remember when the laws were different. Being a kid and waiting outside between sets. It’s a shame they changed the law, and, in my opinion, they need to change it back.
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 Slipknot is 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.
MATT: First of all, kudos to Gilbert Godfrey. He is doing a great job. I personally think it doesn’t matter. The mystery and mythos adds to the bands image which these guys are all about. However, in today’s world there is a camera present at all times. Keeping his identity secret makes the transition of members easier but if people wanted to know that badly they would find out who he is. I understand that Paul Grey’s death was a much different situation than arbitration over finances and or personal issues between band members. Whatever they are doing it’s working for them.
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 his 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 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?
MATT: Absolutely they should know. It’s a shame that both Ozzy and Sir Paul’s work is not common knowledge even though it is easily accessible and readily available. Music education is vitally important, and those programs need funding. I am not a huge Beatles fan, but they are a part of music history in the least. Tracing the roots of contemporary artists leads listeners to other artists. An artist’s work is a reflection of human emotion and the events of the era in which it was created. Art needs to be preserved and appreciated. I can say that I have never heard a Kanye song or Post Malone song. If I did, I sure don’t remember it. However, I can tell you exactly what I was doing when I heard Ozzy for the first time. Art is subject to taste and to each their own. In the least new people have been introduced to Ozzy and Paul.
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?
MATT: I was stuck due to an avalanche last winter coming back from Bend at the top of Santiam Pass. It was interesting to say the least. Ice capades all the way to the bottom of the hill.
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?
MATT: It’s unfortunate everything gets politicized. We have an impact on our environment and its undeniable. To what extent is the question. Figures lie and liars figure. There should be common sense laws that protect the environment. Business can still function while being good stewards to our planet. It’s time to face the facts whatever they maybe.
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?
MATT: I can’t say that I have seen anyone 'famous' at a show. I have been fortunate enough to play shows with bands that I am a fan of. That’s a tough question I would say Muhammad from
Necrophagist. That way I can ask about that new album.
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?
MATT: Cattle Decapitation made some great albums depicting the reversal of the food chain. All living things have some semblance of intelligence. At least enough for self-preservation. When I think of animals taking over, I think of rats. Which reminds me of "Devoured By Vermin." A track off the Cannibal Corpse album Vile. Who knows maybe Planet Of The Apes could happen? They wouldn’t be any worse than most of the people currently in charge.
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.
MATT: Consumers paid a heavy price for music in that medium. CD’s weren’t very durable, and the retail price was outrageous compared to the cost of manufacturing the disc. Some people say records sound better and it may be true in some cases but not in all. To have different mediums of digital music is kind of redundant. Especially with streaming. Records are cool because the whole package is wall art.
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 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?
MATT: I’m not much of a drinker. Especially beer. Put my face on a bottle of Wild Turkey. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That’s a tough question. Probably the bass player getting dragged off stage by his hair by a disgruntled fan who was messing with his mic stand. That got my attention. One guy head banging on stage and hitting his head on a cymbal and bleeding everywhere. There is probably more I have forgot or don’t remember.
11. Former Five Finger Death Punch Drummer’s New Gig: A Horror Porn Anthology Series
MPAP: Yep, you read it right, former Five Finger Death Punch drummer’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?
MATT: That’s definitely a step up from his former gig. The music business is full of whores of many kinds. More power to him. If I could have any job, I would want to be a lawyer.
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?
MATT: There are so many great songs and parts of songs that make me stand back and say that’s perfect. Either the vibe or the musicality of it. It’s rare when both are captured. I think artists try to create their own work based off what they like. We all stand on the shoulders of giants in one way or another.
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 Metallica at 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.
MATT: I can only choose one song? That would have to be "Enter Sandman." Please never play that again. "Nothing Else Matters" is a close number two. Ask me tomorrow and it will be that song. The Black album doesn’t completely suck. 12-year-old me loves it. 12-year-old me also hates those songs.
MPAP: On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Matt, for taking the time to answer these questions. We look forward to what Morbid Fascination does to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?
MATT: We are entering 2020 with high hopes and are on an upward trajectory. We have made some changes to our band and are excited to make announcements and share what we are working on. We encourage everyone to catch a show in the not too distant future. Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Our appreciation propels us forward. We are truly grateful.
Morbid Fascination/ September 29th, 2019/ Headlines #19
MATT MILLER: Doing great. Hope all is well.
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?
MATT: I play guitar in Salem, Oregon for a technical death metal band Morbid Fascination. We have just solidified our lineup with the addition of a new vocalist after we parted ways with our previous singer whom we wish nothing but the best. Our first show with our new vocalist is October 12th in Salem at The Space for Capitol Punishment. I encourage everyone to attend this event as it features some of the best bands the NW has to offer over 2 days. We plan on releasing an EP this Spring. After we slowly unveil new material at our shows. We are excited and are riding high on the wave of positivity.
MPAP: Nice. We look forward to that. So, for anyone new to this, we changed things up and are doing something different. We've pulled some recent headlines from the Metal Injection website and get reactions and comments on them from bands all over the world. We did this last month, 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?
MATT: I think it is fantastic and a testament to metal music. Music crosses all borders and boundaries. Metal is inclusive to everyone and anyone. We could all learn something from that lady. I was fortunate enough to have my grandmother attend a show years ago. She asked me if my guitar was out of tune. Occasionally we have senior citizens at our shows and if they can make it through our set then I know we must have done our job.
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.
MATT: I have seen that video and they totally killed it and made the most out of a bad situation. As they say the show must go on. I have been playing music on stage for a very long time and remember when the laws were different. Being a kid and waiting outside between sets. It’s a shame they changed the law, and, in my opinion, they need to change it back.
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 Slipknot is 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.
MATT: First of all, kudos to Gilbert Godfrey. He is doing a great job. I personally think it doesn’t matter. The mystery and mythos adds to the bands image which these guys are all about. However, in today’s world there is a camera present at all times. Keeping his identity secret makes the transition of members easier but if people wanted to know that badly they would find out who he is. I understand that Paul Grey’s death was a much different situation than arbitration over finances and or personal issues between band members. Whatever they are doing it’s working for them.
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 his 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 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?
MATT: Absolutely they should know. It’s a shame that both Ozzy and Sir Paul’s work is not common knowledge even though it is easily accessible and readily available. Music education is vitally important, and those programs need funding. I am not a huge Beatles fan, but they are a part of music history in the least. Tracing the roots of contemporary artists leads listeners to other artists. An artist’s work is a reflection of human emotion and the events of the era in which it was created. Art needs to be preserved and appreciated. I can say that I have never heard a Kanye song or Post Malone song. If I did, I sure don’t remember it. However, I can tell you exactly what I was doing when I heard Ozzy for the first time. Art is subject to taste and to each their own. In the least new people have been introduced to Ozzy and Paul.
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?
MATT: I was stuck due to an avalanche last winter coming back from Bend at the top of Santiam Pass. It was interesting to say the least. Ice capades all the way to the bottom of the hill.
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?
MATT: It’s unfortunate everything gets politicized. We have an impact on our environment and its undeniable. To what extent is the question. Figures lie and liars figure. There should be common sense laws that protect the environment. Business can still function while being good stewards to our planet. It’s time to face the facts whatever they maybe.
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?
MATT: I can’t say that I have seen anyone 'famous' at a show. I have been fortunate enough to play shows with bands that I am a fan of. That’s a tough question I would say Muhammad from
Necrophagist. That way I can ask about that new album.
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?
MATT: Cattle Decapitation made some great albums depicting the reversal of the food chain. All living things have some semblance of intelligence. At least enough for self-preservation. When I think of animals taking over, I think of rats. Which reminds me of "Devoured By Vermin." A track off the Cannibal Corpse album Vile. Who knows maybe Planet Of The Apes could happen? They wouldn’t be any worse than most of the people currently in charge.
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.
MATT: Consumers paid a heavy price for music in that medium. CD’s weren’t very durable, and the retail price was outrageous compared to the cost of manufacturing the disc. Some people say records sound better and it may be true in some cases but not in all. To have different mediums of digital music is kind of redundant. Especially with streaming. Records are cool because the whole package is wall art.
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 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?
MATT: I’m not much of a drinker. Especially beer. Put my face on a bottle of Wild Turkey. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That’s a tough question. Probably the bass player getting dragged off stage by his hair by a disgruntled fan who was messing with his mic stand. That got my attention. One guy head banging on stage and hitting his head on a cymbal and bleeding everywhere. There is probably more I have forgot or don’t remember.
11. Former Five Finger Death Punch Drummer’s New Gig: A Horror Porn Anthology Series
MPAP: Yep, you read it right, former Five Finger Death Punch drummer’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?
MATT: That’s definitely a step up from his former gig. The music business is full of whores of many kinds. More power to him. If I could have any job, I would want to be a lawyer.
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?
MATT: There are so many great songs and parts of songs that make me stand back and say that’s perfect. Either the vibe or the musicality of it. It’s rare when both are captured. I think artists try to create their own work based off what they like. We all stand on the shoulders of giants in one way or another.
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 Metallica at 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.
MATT: I can only choose one song? That would have to be "Enter Sandman." Please never play that again. "Nothing Else Matters" is a close number two. Ask me tomorrow and it will be that song. The Black album doesn’t completely suck. 12-year-old me loves it. 12-year-old me also hates those songs.
MPAP: On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Matt, for taking the time to answer these questions. We look forward to what Morbid Fascination does to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?
MATT: We are entering 2020 with high hopes and are on an upward trajectory. We have made some changes to our band and are excited to make announcements and share what we are working on. We encourage everyone to catch a show in the not too distant future. Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Our appreciation propels us forward. We are truly grateful.
Morbid Fascination/ September 29th, 2019/ Headlines #19