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Q
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Hi Ralph…Let’s kick right off so, can you explain how Serpent Underground got started and the way the band has evolved since? |
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A
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I had been trying for several years to form a band that would stick. Something dark and heavy, but with a lot of soul. In 2003, our former guitarist Bryan and I began working on such a project. About six months after writing and putting together a unique sound we brought our current drummer Rich into the project. After many attempts to bring in a solid bassist that would work with what we were doing, we found Tony "The Bone". Things were going well when we recorded our first album "Devils of Flesh" and began the onslaught of shows and myspace fan base. About seven months ago we found Cody Walker (our lead guitarist). We all felt this was the missing link we were looking for in order to complete our sound. Shortly after that time our former guitarist Bryan decided to leave the band. We then were very proud to add Jason Walker to replace Bryan as our second guitarist. |
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Tell me a little bit about each current member of the band? |
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Is this the part where I get to talk shit about the band? Haha… I could go on and on but there is far too much to say. All I can say is I am very proud to be lucky enough to have finally found a group of very creative and talented musicians. One of the most important parts of being successful with a band is being able to find other members who share the same musical vision and drive. Over the years, we have become more than just a band. We have become brothers. |
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I hope to make it to California at some point. Where are some of the best places to visit? |
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Wherever we’re playing… hahaaa. No seriously, I would try to visit San Diego or L.A.- both have all the scenery and culture you will need. |
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Do you remember the first album you bought? |
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No, I don’t remember the first, but the most influential album for me was definitely Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine. |
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Last cd you listened to? |
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The new Slipknot album. They still got it. |
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Who produced your latest cd ‘The Lie’? |
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We did a lot of our own production, as far as the layout and all instrumentation, but the mixing and post production was done with Juan Urteaga at Trident Studios. Juan’s been in the business for over 11 years and has worked people such as Ted Nugent, Testament, Exodus, Skinlab, Night Ranger, A Perfect Circle, etc. We tracked most of the album at Clandestine Audio Projects in Temecula, CA. |
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How long did it take to record? |
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It took about 5 months. |
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Please outline the process of one of your songs from that cd…in terms of inspiration, writing process through to the final cut. |
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We have a similar structure for most of the songs, I write most of the lyrics. For example, our first single on the new album is called “God on the Mic” (which is now available on iTunes). Usually, the foundation or the idea is initiated by me. The rest of the band writes their parts during the creative process. Cody and Jason have been contributing a lot to the writing process on the new album. |
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Do you hope to sign with a big record company or would you prefer an independent label? |
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Obviously a major label would be able to offer us more than most independent labels could, but there’s also something to be said about how much personal attention you get as a band. Every label is different, so we would look for someone who could get us the most exposure while maintaining our musical integrity. |
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What has been the highlight for the band over the last 12 months? |
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The entire year was a highlight. We went through a lineup change over the last year- Cody and Jason joined the band, and our sound has evolved. We had a lot of great shows… Rock City gave us awards for Best Metal Band and Best Male Drummer, and we played in Hollywood with Five Finger Death Punch where we met Metal Sanaz. That was the first time she saw us live, and seeing the look on Sanaz's face after our performance was definitely a highlight. We also got to play with Powerman 5000, started recording the new album… is that too many highlights? |
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What’s next for Serpent Underground? |
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We are currently working with Hunt Talent Management to acquire label support for a world-wide release of our new album “The Lie”. We’re also looking into touring opportunities, so we hope to be on the road very soon. |
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An obscure question to end on…If you won the lottery, what would be your favourite charity to donate to? |
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I would give it to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital for cancer research. |
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To check out more about Serpent Underground, visit http://www.myspace.com/serpentunderground
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I would like to thank Ralph for taking the time out to answer my questions. I am keeping my fingers crossed to see Serpent Underground on this side of the pond!
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