METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Nick. 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?
NICK DESIMONE: I’m doing spectacular, thanks very much for having me on. Our new record has been doing well, we’ve been on some big shows. Life is good.
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?
NICK: My band The Mighty Fall dropped a new record a few weeks ago, it’s called Look The Part, and focuses mainly on the topic of mental health, which is something that we felt as a band was an important subject to focus on. We’re somewhere in the ballpark of hardcore, kind of old school metalcore, kind of groove - I hate to ever sound like that guy who’s like 'you can’t pin us down, man' but we do cover a lot of ground. If you like weird hardcore, some of the more southern stuff like Every Time I Die, Norma Jean; or a 36 Crazyfists or early Killswitch, you’ll find a lot of those bands in especially our newer stuff that’s dropping sooner rather than later. We’re busy boys. Always lots of writing going on. We’re quite a ways into the next record already. Our other guitar player Andrew and I live together, so there’s a lot of shouting down the hall at each other to come over and write! Our singer Eric and I handle lyrics together as well, so there’s a lot of team-based writing to keep fresh opinions and second sets of eyes and ears on things. No touring lined up at this second, but hopefully soon! It’s all DIY for us, so I have my work cut out for me booking stuff like that. In the meantime, we ride the New England area like the wheels are gonna fall off, so you can catch us around there pretty often.
MPAP: 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?
NICK: Yes! I’ve seen some older folks at our shows for sure. It’s always a laugh, I can’t help but wonder who took them hostage and subjected them to us. Our families occasionally come out when we play in Providence, since that’s our hometown. My mom is a good sport, she’s recently gotten into photography and brings her camera to shoot us. It stresses me out when the kids start throwing each other around or doing some karate shit and I know she’s out there, but she’s a tough lady. She put up with a lot of bullshit with me when I was a kid and getting my feet wet playing music and having to drive me to clubs to play before I had a license. My grandma wants me to play jazz, ha! So, she’s not coming out or doing any spin kicks in the pit. Can’t say that wouldn’t be completely hysterical though and a headline in its own right! The other guys have had other relatives come out before, no grandmas that I know of.
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.
NICK: I saw that! Such a riot. Good on those kids. Playing gigs when you’re underage can be tough. It’s a good attitude to have. The show must always go on, whether that means you play without your extraneous gear or the lights or being a slave to the goddamn MacBook, rip the fucking gig in the street if you have to! I would have done the same if I were them.
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.
NICK: I’m curious who it is. It doesn’t really matter at the end of the day though; I saw them on that Gojira/Behemoth run last month and he was a great showman, tons of energy and honestly that’s the most important thing. I think having a couple young, hungry guys in the band is doing wonders for their attitude and energy. Vibe is contagious after all.
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?
NICK: Honestly, I’m not surprised! Everyone starts somewhere, we don’t spring from the womb knowing the entirety of rock history, and if all Ozzy’s really done publicly in the eyes of people born in the last 15 years is be a kooky reality show guy and fucking retire, then I can’t say it’s a shock that young kids who like pop music don’t have a clue. They’ll learn. They’ve heard the songs a hundred times and just might not necessarily know it’s them! I have that problem with classic rock all the time; the guys I work with call me a riff library. I just forget who does what sometimes with deeper cuts. I think to be mad at something like that is to forget that we were all ignorant shitheads when we were kids, nothing has really changed in that department.
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?
NICK: No accidents! Very lucky to say that! My back can’t take any more accidents, tour or otherwise! The closest calls I’ve had are staying at strange people’s houses. I watch a lot of horror movies so I’m sure there’s some paranoia burned in from that, but I’ve definitely stayed at places where I thought I was going to be murdered! Obviously wasn’t, they were okay despite being pretty strange characters. Unless I was killed, and this is all a dream in my final moments... who’s to say?
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?
NICK: That’s a funny question, because to me, having a thought about climate change besides 'it’s real and it’s happening' is like saying aging is a myth, or that birds aren’t real. I don’t want to come off as waffling or sitting on the fence about things I have opinions on, so my hardline stance I suppose is: if you think climate change isn’t real, you’re an idiot and I’d prefer you not speak to me or listen to my band.
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?
NICK: The guys from That Metal Show were at a show I played with my last band out on tour in Jersey once! We were playing with a band called Diemonds that I guess they were friendly with. They probably hated us, ha! That’s about the extent of famous or public figures showing up as far as I know. I guess I’d leave one for Morrissey, because I think he’s a jackass and I want to fight him. Catch these charming hands you motherfucker!
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?
NICK: I’d like to have my band played to somehow attract lots of cats to my house. That would be rad.
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.
NICK: You know what though, I’m sure people said the same thing when CDs replaced cassettes! There’s a lot to be said for the physical act of holding an album and going through the booklet. I feel like I replaced that with loading up my ipod and going for a walk as I got older and that gave me the 'unplug and focus on the record' effect perfectly fine. I can never do just one thing at a time anymore, so new album time is either commuting or at the gym. The industry is always in flux. Can’t fight change baby!
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?
NICK: I’d like to be on any beer can that would have us; far be it from me to ever be picky about hooch. I like a good Mexican beer like a Tecate. You can drink it all day long. As far as our fans, a friend brought a client who will remain nameless who had her first psychedelic experience during our set - I felt pretty bad about that one as we get a little confrontational with the crowd and sort of demand involvement. I once saw an Amish guy crowd surf in Ohio! That’s a whole world. They’ve got turn signals on their horse drawn carriages out there.
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?
NICK: Porn. Kidding! I went to school for video and film, and I grew up making all kinds of super 8 home movies growing up as any of my childhood friends can confirm. I’d want to pull an Adam Jones and direct music videos. I wanna be in pictures!
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?
NICK: I honestly have that feeling so often; from good riffs to a good hook on pop radio. I can’t pick one! "Steal my Sunshine" by Len maybe? That’s the best pop song of my lifetime at least. I love that song.
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.
NICK: I’m so ADD, even the Metallica songs that I love are too long! I could do without most of the ballads at this point. If I ever hear "The Day That Never Comes" again I’m going to tie sandbags to my feet and walk into the ocean. On a side note, it’s funny you asked me that question because I just had my yearly watch of Some Kind Of Monster a couple weeks back. My girlfriend had never seen it, so I subjected her to that - what a fascinating movie. There’s always more to learn from it if you’re a creative type who has to play nice with others. It’s an incredible study in what not to do.
MPAP: On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Nick, for taking the time to answer these questions. We look forward to what The Mighty Fall does to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?
NICK: Buy a t-shirt.
The Mighty Fall/ October 1st, 2019/ Headlines #22
NICK DESIMONE: I’m doing spectacular, thanks very much for having me on. Our new record has been doing well, we’ve been on some big shows. Life is good.
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?
NICK: My band The Mighty Fall dropped a new record a few weeks ago, it’s called Look The Part, and focuses mainly on the topic of mental health, which is something that we felt as a band was an important subject to focus on. We’re somewhere in the ballpark of hardcore, kind of old school metalcore, kind of groove - I hate to ever sound like that guy who’s like 'you can’t pin us down, man' but we do cover a lot of ground. If you like weird hardcore, some of the more southern stuff like Every Time I Die, Norma Jean; or a 36 Crazyfists or early Killswitch, you’ll find a lot of those bands in especially our newer stuff that’s dropping sooner rather than later. We’re busy boys. Always lots of writing going on. We’re quite a ways into the next record already. Our other guitar player Andrew and I live together, so there’s a lot of shouting down the hall at each other to come over and write! Our singer Eric and I handle lyrics together as well, so there’s a lot of team-based writing to keep fresh opinions and second sets of eyes and ears on things. No touring lined up at this second, but hopefully soon! It’s all DIY for us, so I have my work cut out for me booking stuff like that. In the meantime, we ride the New England area like the wheels are gonna fall off, so you can catch us around there pretty often.
MPAP: 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?
NICK: Yes! I’ve seen some older folks at our shows for sure. It’s always a laugh, I can’t help but wonder who took them hostage and subjected them to us. Our families occasionally come out when we play in Providence, since that’s our hometown. My mom is a good sport, she’s recently gotten into photography and brings her camera to shoot us. It stresses me out when the kids start throwing each other around or doing some karate shit and I know she’s out there, but she’s a tough lady. She put up with a lot of bullshit with me when I was a kid and getting my feet wet playing music and having to drive me to clubs to play before I had a license. My grandma wants me to play jazz, ha! So, she’s not coming out or doing any spin kicks in the pit. Can’t say that wouldn’t be completely hysterical though and a headline in its own right! The other guys have had other relatives come out before, no grandmas that I know of.
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.
NICK: I saw that! Such a riot. Good on those kids. Playing gigs when you’re underage can be tough. It’s a good attitude to have. The show must always go on, whether that means you play without your extraneous gear or the lights or being a slave to the goddamn MacBook, rip the fucking gig in the street if you have to! I would have done the same if I were them.
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.
NICK: I’m curious who it is. It doesn’t really matter at the end of the day though; I saw them on that Gojira/Behemoth run last month and he was a great showman, tons of energy and honestly that’s the most important thing. I think having a couple young, hungry guys in the band is doing wonders for their attitude and energy. Vibe is contagious after all.
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?
NICK: Honestly, I’m not surprised! Everyone starts somewhere, we don’t spring from the womb knowing the entirety of rock history, and if all Ozzy’s really done publicly in the eyes of people born in the last 15 years is be a kooky reality show guy and fucking retire, then I can’t say it’s a shock that young kids who like pop music don’t have a clue. They’ll learn. They’ve heard the songs a hundred times and just might not necessarily know it’s them! I have that problem with classic rock all the time; the guys I work with call me a riff library. I just forget who does what sometimes with deeper cuts. I think to be mad at something like that is to forget that we were all ignorant shitheads when we were kids, nothing has really changed in that department.
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?
NICK: No accidents! Very lucky to say that! My back can’t take any more accidents, tour or otherwise! The closest calls I’ve had are staying at strange people’s houses. I watch a lot of horror movies so I’m sure there’s some paranoia burned in from that, but I’ve definitely stayed at places where I thought I was going to be murdered! Obviously wasn’t, they were okay despite being pretty strange characters. Unless I was killed, and this is all a dream in my final moments... who’s to say?
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?
NICK: That’s a funny question, because to me, having a thought about climate change besides 'it’s real and it’s happening' is like saying aging is a myth, or that birds aren’t real. I don’t want to come off as waffling or sitting on the fence about things I have opinions on, so my hardline stance I suppose is: if you think climate change isn’t real, you’re an idiot and I’d prefer you not speak to me or listen to my band.
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?
NICK: The guys from That Metal Show were at a show I played with my last band out on tour in Jersey once! We were playing with a band called Diemonds that I guess they were friendly with. They probably hated us, ha! That’s about the extent of famous or public figures showing up as far as I know. I guess I’d leave one for Morrissey, because I think he’s a jackass and I want to fight him. Catch these charming hands you motherfucker!
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?
NICK: I’d like to have my band played to somehow attract lots of cats to my house. That would be rad.
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.
NICK: You know what though, I’m sure people said the same thing when CDs replaced cassettes! There’s a lot to be said for the physical act of holding an album and going through the booklet. I feel like I replaced that with loading up my ipod and going for a walk as I got older and that gave me the 'unplug and focus on the record' effect perfectly fine. I can never do just one thing at a time anymore, so new album time is either commuting or at the gym. The industry is always in flux. Can’t fight change baby!
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?
NICK: I’d like to be on any beer can that would have us; far be it from me to ever be picky about hooch. I like a good Mexican beer like a Tecate. You can drink it all day long. As far as our fans, a friend brought a client who will remain nameless who had her first psychedelic experience during our set - I felt pretty bad about that one as we get a little confrontational with the crowd and sort of demand involvement. I once saw an Amish guy crowd surf in Ohio! That’s a whole world. They’ve got turn signals on their horse drawn carriages out there.
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?
NICK: Porn. Kidding! I went to school for video and film, and I grew up making all kinds of super 8 home movies growing up as any of my childhood friends can confirm. I’d want to pull an Adam Jones and direct music videos. I wanna be in pictures!
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?
NICK: I honestly have that feeling so often; from good riffs to a good hook on pop radio. I can’t pick one! "Steal my Sunshine" by Len maybe? That’s the best pop song of my lifetime at least. I love that song.
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.
NICK: I’m so ADD, even the Metallica songs that I love are too long! I could do without most of the ballads at this point. If I ever hear "The Day That Never Comes" again I’m going to tie sandbags to my feet and walk into the ocean. On a side note, it’s funny you asked me that question because I just had my yearly watch of Some Kind Of Monster a couple weeks back. My girlfriend had never seen it, so I subjected her to that - what a fascinating movie. There’s always more to learn from it if you’re a creative type who has to play nice with others. It’s an incredible study in what not to do.
MPAP: On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Nick, for taking the time to answer these questions. We look forward to what The Mighty Fall does to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?
NICK: Buy a t-shirt.
The Mighty Fall/ October 1st, 2019/ Headlines #22