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Could you give the readers an introduction of your band?
Jason: Sure, I think we've been best described as an industrial band rooted in rockcore here in the California Bay Area, and we're currently grinding away at the production side of our debut album. We've been playing out and people have been overwhelmingly supportive, especially in the industrial & metal scenes.
How did things get started, and why did you pick this bandname?
Oliver: Jason and I were both playing support in another local Bay Area band, and it seemed like we had a lot of the same vision musically. We traded some demos back and forth and eventually just started jamming and writing on our own.
Jason: Yeah true, we were deeply involved with the underground scene, there is a lot lacking out there right now musically. Man I am thankful to have worked with all the talented people I have been fortunate enough to have worked with - but, that being said, there are a lot of bedroom reznors out there, armed with laptops and dreams, they can build product but can't play an insturment or write something with meaning. The focus of so much EBM now seems to be on expanding on the existing models of the music that is already worth listening to, it's so disposable. We wanted something we can sink ourselves into, music we can tear into people with and lyrics that are about being genuine rather than just "catchy".
Oliver: The band name emerged from weeks of brainstorming. At this point I couldn't say exactly what the source was, but the name just stood out and felt right.
How would you describe your music ?
Jason: I keep waiting for other people to define it to be honest, so far what people say has been all over the map - which is great ! For the most part though the prevelant thought seems to be it is an aggressive brand of art industrial. As for me though I just say it's brutally honest.
What are your main influences?
Oliver: That's tough, there have been so many over the years. Thinking about the way we sound, I'd say the most obvious ones showing through seem to be NIN, Manson... then there's hints of other bands like Prong, Prick, Stabbing Westward...
Jason: influences ? hmmmmm .... for inspiration = ex-loves, family, ex-lovers, ex-bandmates, King Crimson, Ministry but mostly the people who's lives it touches, those who are driven to contact us because it inspired them in some way. For keeping perspective = critics, friends, other underground bands
As far as my knowledge goes, the Bludgeon EP was your very first release. It recieved a good review from our side, but what do you think of it yourself?
Oliver: I'm proud of it. I think the remixes are pretty meaty, and can stand on their own as songs. Like most people I wish it was longer, but the idea was to generate anticipation, so it's worked in that respect. I also love the sound of the vinyl.
What are the other replies you recieved on it so far?
Oliver: You mean besides the marriage proposals?
Jason: Man, it's all been really positive, occassionally a particular media outlet won't feel it is tailored for their audience but, that resistence is something every artist has endured for as long as I can remember. The people who matter really have been on board, and to be openly honest with us - it's very inspirational.
Now a practical question; why did you release it on a 12" LP in stead of maybe a 7" or on CD?
Jason: Sound quality.
Oliver: This is our first release, so it was really meant to be more collectable than practical. We won't be making anymore. We've signed most of the copies, and a lot of the fans have been framing the vinyl, and using the CD copy we include with it for listening. Also, from a sonic standpoint, a 12" vinyl is going to sound much better than a 7" with the same amount of material on it. And many people will argue that the 12" vinyl will sound superior to CD as well.
You're from the Bay Area of San Francisco, which is mostly known because of the thrash scene. How is the industrial scene over there?
Jason: Man there is always a lot going on here, tons of transplants & locals with an audience with their own taste. When something of value with it's own identity emerges it is fully recognized & embraced most times, the thrash scene you mentioned is evidence of that Metallica, Death Angel, Exodus, Testament were all sources of Bay Area pride, Psyclon9 in another example of that today. A lot of the current groups have a lot of talent, C/A/T, VTG, Slave Unit, Diabolic Deciple, Cynical Mass etc.
What can we expect of We.Got.This.Far in the near future?
Oliver: The next priority is our first full length release, Blunt Force Volume. We're slaving over the last few songs right now, and the end is finally in sight. After that the priority will shift to shameless self-promotion, and moving the live shows beyond the Bay Area.
Ok - the interview ends here, thanks a lot for your time. If you have any final words to share with us, you can do it here.
Oliver: Thanks for the support!
Jason: Hey man, great to share the time with you !
Interview by: Gerardo - June 2008
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