H-P EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Loki from Darrow Chemical Company

H-P: Greetings and thanks for taking the time to sit with us. First off, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself. When did you start playing? Who were your influences and so on?
Loki: I didn’t pick up a guitar until very late. I picked up my first guitar at age 15. But, I crammed like 7 years worth of practicing, playing and learning in just my first couple of years. During that time, I was heavy into Nirvana, Green Day, Alice in Chains, Van Halen, ACDC, Guns N Roses, Slayer and Metallica to name a few. However, I would have to say that Jerry Cantrell, Slash and Van Halen really influenced my guitar playing the most when I first started. With that said, punk rock is buried deep in my roots and I love playing it. Every guitar player has a little punk rocker in them, I enjoy letting mine out often.

H-P: Now, how did you hook up with JV?

Loki: I’ve known JV forever. He’s one of my closest friends and I consider him family. It seems that he has played bass in every band I have ever been in. Which makes it a little strange for me that he is the singer for this band, but I dig it. He’s written a collection of really awesome songs that he feels passionate about and I really enjoyed being a part of making “A Nightmare On Seventh Avenue” a reality. I’m excited that this project has gotten the traction that it has.

H-P: You two have been in a lot of bands together, any favorites?

Loki: The time we spent with Michale Graves, both in Gotham Road and in Michale’s solo project, was invaluable. I am grateful and I appreciate the time I spent in those projects. We were extremely green and maybe a little naive at the time. But the learning experience of life on the road, how to prepare for a show night in and night out, but most of all... realizing the dedication and the level of commitment that it takes to be in this business has really helped us in all our projects since. I owe a lot of thanks for those opportunities. Not only has it molded us into the musicians we are now, but it taught us how to do things the right way behind the scenes.

H-P: Lets talk about Darrow Chemical Company. When and how did this come about?

Loki: Darrow Chemical Company is J.V.’s baby. He wrote all the lyrical content and wrote most if not all the music on the upcoming E.P. This started out as his passion project years ago. I’m not sure if it was ever supposed to be as good as it is, to be honest with you.

This music was meant to be J.V.’s outlet. These songs are an honest representation of the real life horrors of dealing with the shit that life throws at you. There’s nothing scarier than that. I’m proud that he asked me to be a part of this project and I’m proud that we were able to see this through to this point.

H-P: Now, most of the bands you’ve been in, there has been some serious guitar riffs, for this project, going with the straight up punk, did you find writing for this easier or harder?

Loki: Like I said before, punk rock is and will always be in my veins. My very first bands were all punk rock bands. That shit never leaves you. Unfortunately, I did not get to write any of the songs for this E.P. I added layers and harmonies to these songs. I added my sauce, if you will.

We’ve already gotten to work on writing new material and I’ve already been heavily involved in this process. It’s easier in the technical sense, but it’s harder in terms of finding a clever way to make 3 chords catchy and original sounding. I’m all for the challenge.

H-P: Can you tell us what gear you use?

Loki: Crate amplification, Music Man guitars, Ibanez guitars, Marshall speaker cabinets, Gator road cases. KORG, TC Electronics, Rocktron rack effects.

H-P: How many guitars do you own and which one is “your baby”?

Loki: They are all my babies lol. I still own every guitar that has ever come to my possession. I’m not big on selling my shit. Currently, I’ve been rocking a Music Man JP6. That thing is a beast!

H-P: When your not rocking out on stage, what do you do in your off time? Any hobbies?

Loki: Lately there has been so little downtime between projects. I feel like music has consumed my life! But, I’m known to be a pretty big sports fan. I follow the NHL and NFL pretty hardcore. I can get down on some video games too.

H-P: What’s currently in your cd/mp3 player?

Loki: Right now I’m pumping some Bloodbath - The Fathomless Mastery. http://www.amazon.com/Fathomless-Mastery-Bloodbath/dp/B00197X172

H-P: What bands (past or present) “Rock Your Boat”?

Loki: I am a music connoisseur. Making a list of bands would be pointless and would take forever.

H-P: Any Books or movies you would recommend?
Loki: I strongly suggest this for everyone. http://www.amazon.com/Hooked-Phonics-Learn-Kindergarten-System/dp/1931020299

H-P: Any future plans (projects, tours, etc…)

Loki: I’ve been working extremely hard at getting one of my other projects (The Doomsday Prophecy) out on the road this fall. Everyone should expect a tour update pretty soon as far as that is concerned. Aside from that, we will be writing new music for both Darrow Chemical Company and The Doomsday Prophecy. I have a few other tricks up my sleeve but I am not at liberty to say right now. I guess you’ll just have to keep paying attention to what we’re doing.

H-P: Anything you would like to add:

Loki: It’s an extremely exciting time for us. We hope that everyone enjoys the fruits of our labor. There is nothing more rewarding than that. Be sure to order both “A Nightmare On Seventh Avenue” and “Darrow Chemical Company: Live in Brooklyn”!

http://whbrecords.bigcartel.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TheDoomsdayProphecy
http://www.facebook.com/DarrowChemicalCompany
http://www.facebook.com/WHBRecords
http://www.facebook.com/BrashStudios

Tags: chemical, company, darrow, exclusive, from, gotham, graves, horror-punks, interview, loki, More…michale, road