In this interview spotlight, we chat with members of Harmful If Swallowed about the latest project, influences, challenges in this technological age and much more.
Full Q&A along with links and the video for Blame below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into Harmful If Swallowed, the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style?
Carlos – I guess for me it was the vibrance and the state of mind I was in as a teen growing up in LA. The scene was a lot different then, and this style of music was all I wanted to play. We started out as a thrash/punk band and with growth and progression we evolved into what it is you here today!
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Carlos – A solid 10 years of sharing and creating.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Greg – I would have to say I get most of my influence from life. Living, seeing, breathing and all that comes with it makes for great materiel when writing. As for what motivates us to keep going, we have no choice; it’s already injected into our blood stream. It’s the infectious feeling you get every time you take the stage, and watch the audience’s response during and after we play our music … There is no feeling like it!!
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific with your new video “Blame”? Creatively or otherwise?
Greg – As a band, we are always experimenting and love to push boundaries when creating. “Blame” is a prime example of that. This video helps me deal with my issues with S&M, I have never been a fan of it, but while shooting this video it really opened my eyes to the fetish and I can honestly say now it’s kinda cool… Not for me, but cool… As long as there is no horse heads or bear heads I’m good! (laughing)
What was the last song you listened to?
Jay – “Should Anything Go Wrong” by Face to Face. I can’t stop listening to that record.
Carlos – “Comin’ Home Baby” Mel Torme
Greg – “24k Magic” Bruno Mars baby!!!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Carlos – Vinyl! I love getting my hands on some rare LP’s
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Carlos – I like Pandora myself, Greg?
Greg – Apple music here …
Jay – I just like to jam CD’s mate, but if I had to choose one, I guess Apple too …
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Greg – Getting their lazy asses to press play! (laughing). People claim to be so much more busier then they really are. It’s really sad, we have all kinds of music at our fingertips. But it is still pulling teeth to click a button. (Laughing) by us clicking a button now, which is so much more easier then opening up a CD or record. Nope, it’s a chore, can’t push that button to sample music. Should I go on…?
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Jay – all of the above! We haven’t live streamed yet, but we plan on doing it this September when we start our 2017 West Coast tour! We’re touring Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. I’m so excited I already left for it mate! (laughing)
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Carlos – Our website which is HarmfulIfSwallowedBand.com and check our Facebook for updates to!
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Carlos – Yes, our new EP, SLEEPLESS is going to make America great again!!!
