Interviews

Interviews: Racebannon

"Racebannon are unique." That should be the first thing to come out of everyone's mouth when they respond to the question, "What is Racebannon like?" Describing a band as "unique" doesn't seem like such an honor on the surface. But, when you look at the current musical climate, it really is a great compliment. There are a lot of good bands, but not many truly unique bands. Racebannon stand among the likes of Neurosis, Jarboe, Oxbow, Jesus Lizard, and the Melvins…artists that have their own sound, presence and energy that will never be fully replicated no matter how hard another may try. They have that something that pulls you in. Racebannon are frightening in a way. So, let the fuck fright shine!

Interview with vocalist Mike Anderson.

By Christopher S. Feltner

Smother: Did you guys name your band after Race Bannon from Johnny Quest?

Racebannon: It was a Ouija board that gave us the name and who are we to argue with the spirit world.

Smother: One of the many things that I love about you guys is the variance in your sound! You guys have a really heavy sound, to me, but it's not Headbanger's Ball/Metal-band-with-breakdowns type of a sound. What was the original idea/concept behind the band? Did you guys say "fuck it" and do whatever came up with each song stylistically or was it more deliberate?

Racebannon: Me and James started the band back in sep. 96. At that time we just wanted to start a band that fell in line with three bands we love very much: the Melvins - who are the greatest heavy band in the history of time and space, Melt Banana and Ice Nine which is the best band Indiana ever produced and my favorite hc/sludge/grind band ever, hands down. We had tons of love for these groups and wanted to start a heavy band of our own. Although we've never really sounded like any of those bands. That's about all the discussion that went into it. Over time our sound just continually morphed into the psycho metal sound we've become sooo famous for.

Smother: The symbol that you guys have...where does it come from? Was it an original design or something else? What does it mean to you? It's definitely one of the most eye-catching "logos" for lack of a better term that I've seen from a band.

Racebannon: The symbol your thinking of is the fuck fright symbol. It's a ribcage, the human container of soul. It represents our musical collective here in Indiana, but the love extends to bands such as mae shi and gospel, hence their tattoos. The fuck fright started as a way to put all of our projects, Bannon, Rapider, Medusa, etc. under one roof. That symbol will probably be on every record I do for the rest of my life. We wanted it so that if you see that image on a record you know where it's coming from even if yr not familiar with the particular project. I think this idea has confused some and most think it's the Bannon logo, which is really the satellite logo we put on all Bannon releases. The easiest way to explain I guess would be to compare to the "W" in Wu Tang. Ghostface and Raekwon will use it on solo joints but you still know its Wu.

Smother: That's a pretty cool concept for the symbol. Have you seen anyone (in a band or not) with the tattoo that isn't a part of the Indiana collective or doesn't have any connection to Racebannon? Or does it really matter?

Racebannon: If someone were to get as a tattoo cause they were a fan that would totally be flattering, but if someone were to put on there records and we weren't really friends with them that would be pretty annoying. So far it hasn't been a problem.

Smother: My first time seeing you guys and Rapider was at Macrock two years ago when they had you guys on that huge ass stage. I decided to check you guys out and I was blown away. I didn't quite understand everything that was going on, but the music was tight and heavy with a great groove and vocally, you seemed to have mad endurance. Both Racebannon and RTHP have been on Macrock more times than a lot of bands have. Do you guys dig the festival? Will you be there again next year?

Racebannon: Oh Macrock. We've sure had some fun at this festival, but I don't think well be playing it anymore. It seems that every year they try and cut down our set. We usually drive 11 hours just to play this fest and when we get there we'd like to play our whole set. We're just not the kind of band that can play for twenty minutes and feel like we put on a really good show. Fests like these are just so hectic. So many bands and schedules to keep in line it can sometimes be too much. But, we've certainly had fun the times we did play.

Smother: As I mentioned, I respect the endurance you have vocally in Racebannon and RTHP. So many words non-stop! What makes you go with the style of writing and performing that you do? You've got to be worn out when you finish a set, but at the same time, it's gotta be a great release!

Racebannon: I guess it's just the way that comes naturally for me to write and the only way I can perform that sounds good to me. I wouldn't say I'm very versatile with my vocal stylings so I go with the one I do best…nutso, schitzo.

Smother: Your lyrics make for an interesting read. When you write, do you deal with more personal experiences or do you like to mix truth and fiction together? "Satan's Kickin Yr Dick In" isn't exactly autobiographical. You've got a pretty original voice and presence, but you're no Diva!

Racebannon: I would never write straight up autobiographical. It makes me feel too vulnerable and I don't need that many people in my business. But, it is kind of like writing in code. There certainly are truths hidden beneath the layers.

Smother: Racebannon and Rapider Than Horsepower seem like Yin and Yang. RB being darker in contrast to RTHP which is equally energetic, but a lot lighter lyrically and musically. What are the differences between you the two bands for you? Does each band fulfill a different creative need?

Racebannon: When we originally started Rapider there certainly was a goal to make it the opposite of Racebannon. The song topics were going to be more light hearted, no effects on the instruments, and much shorter songs. Over time though I think the two have bled together somewhat. Bannon certainly is for the more angsty, drunken, pissed off side while Rapider is much sweeter and more loving. Life in Racebannon world can seem rather bleak so it's good to get silly and do something that can make me laugh. My mother likes Rapider much more than Racebannon, referring to them as the "nice" band.

Smother: "Satan's Kickin Yr Dick In" was, obviously, a concept album. What about the new album? What is the new album like compared to the rest? Anything new or surprising this time around? Not that each Racebannon album doesn't deliver.

Racebannon: The newest album is called "RACEBANNON IV: ACID OR BLOOD" and personally I think it's by far the best record we've ever made. There's no story on this one and we're back to being a four piece. If the last albums were a little too schitzo for some people then this might be the one for them. Although, a state of panic and fear is always present.

Smother: So, since you won't be playing Macrock, are you guys coming anywhere close to DC/MD area this coming year?

Racebannon: We definitely have more tour plans for next year. Now that we've concentrated on writing and recording the newest album (racebannon IV: acid or blood) we're really just working on getting that out and get back out on tour.

Links:

Official Site

Alone Records



Racebannon on Smother Magazine:

Read our review of The Inevitable: Singles and Rarities 1997-2005
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