Interview... Torche

TORCHE

Interview With Steve Brooks

Words By Ashley Marie Sansotta

Despite the fact that their last record was released about 2 years ago, the members of Torche have made every effort not to be forgotten. Between their national and international touring, and all of their side projects, their “metal without being metal” sound can still be heard for miles. And they have no intention of being hushed any time soon. I am very pleased to say that – yes, there is a second full-length record in the works! I was fortunate enough to ask frontman Steve Brooks about the new record, Florida’s so-called “metal” scene, and what life is like for the members of Torche. A lot can change in 2 years, and presenting new material to their hardcore fans is the perfect way to signify that.

REAX: Besides the constant touring, what other projects have you guys been working on since the release of your last record back in 2005?

Brooks: I haven't really been active outside this band lately. However, Rick has several side projects Shitstorm (w/ bassist Jon Nunez on guitar), Mekago NT, Bulldagger, etc.. Juan occasionally plays in his other band Pandabite.

REAX: I've read that you guys are gearing up for your second full-length record – which will feature material written entirely by your current lineup – what stage are you guys at in this process?

Brooks: As for the next LP, we have about 8 new songs written so far and 3 more months ahead of us before we enter the studio. We're excited about the new material and inspired. Some of it is a departure from what we've been doing in the past. So, it's a good time for us.

REAX: Any idea when we can expect the new record to come out?

Brooks: Well, hopefully, it'll be out early next year. We have 2 weeks in early October planned to record and mix. The artwork is already complete, so we hope to start pressing by late October. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

REAX: Your self-titled record was amazing – but definitely not where you guys are right now, I'm sure. What do you think will be some of the main differences between the record you put out in 2005 and the new record?

Brooks: We've grown up a bit since the s/t LP. The next LP will be more of a diverse "rock" record for us. We're all very happy with the material so far and hope the recording will represent us well.

REAX: What does your song-writing process look like?

Brooks: We start off with the music. Juan and I write most of the riffs and that's where we begin. Vocals are last on the list and the biggest headache for me personally, but someone has to do it. We've been pretty inspired to write lately, so things are moving quicker than ever.

REAX: What music generally inspires you?

Brooks: Everything that grabs my attention. I'm a sucker for sonic loud noisy guitars... really dirty stuff. I also love crap 4-track recordings. Um... .heavy synth pop, booty bass, traditional tribal music, psychedelia, 60's pop, 70's blues rock, 80's death/speed/thrash/crossover, etc... . I'm picky about artists, but I listen to all kinds of music, mostly rock though.

REAX: I know you guys don't like to be categorized under the "metal" umbrella. How would you describe your music to people that maybe haven't heard it before?

Brooks: I don't know. If you think of us as a "metal" band, you'll probably be disappointed. Some of our material has a metal feel to it, but it's not conventional "metal". I'm inspired by everything from Sonic Youth to early Accept, so I think that shows in our style too. Metal without being metal. haha... Doesn't make sense, eh? Thank goodness.

REAX: Why do you think the Florida metal scene has been so dull this past decade?

Brooks: Well, I think most metal bands are dull anyway. There was a pretty kick ass Florida Death Metal "scene" back in the 80's, but that got commercialized and lost it's edge in the early 90's. Florida is full of Pop Punk crap now. I mean, I dig some late 80's/early 90's Florida Punk bands like Quit and Radon, but there hasn't been any other Poppy bands that caught my attention since. I used to play in a band called "The Basils" which was kind of a Quit rip-off band back in the early 90's. haha..

REAX: What are you listening to now?

Brooks: I've been listening to Blonde Redhead, Donovan, Celtic Frost/Hellhammer, The Black Crowes, The Breeders, ELO and The Darkness this past week.

REAX: What's life like in the real world for everyone in the band? Day jobs? Family? Past-times?

Brooks: Um... day jobs suck, but it's nice to finally have steady income again. None of us are married or have kids, fortunately. Past times? Well, other than band practice and spending time with friends, I don't do much. Sit at home and watch Netflix movies. We're all living a pretty average life at the moment. It's only different when we're touring.

REAX: What are your plans after the release of your second album?

Brooks: TOUR like crazy and get laid more often! (laughs)