Ghost Town "Calamities" Tour Poster

Ghost Town Interview

1.Hey Sam, How's it going? First of all what's your role in the band and tell me briefly about the history of Ghost Town and how it began?
Hello Kenet, I am well. I do vocals for Ghost Town. We started the band at the end of 2007, there is no cool story or anything we just wanted to start a band that was different to what was happening at the time, something with a little more depth. We then recorded a couple of demo songs ourselves and did a mini tour of the east coast of Australia. A lot of people were into it so we decided to record an EP. We recorded and released that ourselves and did a couple of Australian tours with friends bands.

2.Besides playing in a band. what do you guys do? working, study, etc...? are any members of Ghost Town playing for another band?
I currently study Audio Engineering at SAE in Brisbane. I also have my own recording studio where we recorded the Ghost Town Album. Jackson and I play in another band called Unconscious, we have just started recording our own release for that band which will be available on the Ghost Town tour in November and Chris plays in a band called Life Act.
www.myspace.com/unconsciousxxx
www.myspace.com/lifeact

3.Your next full length "Calamities" is going to be release this coming Halloween. How did you guys hook up with Deadsouls?
Unfortunately, the release of Calamities has been delayed a bit so it probably won't be available until the end of November. I met Marty sometime last year and showed him our EP, he was really into it and had just started up the label. He contacted me earlier this year saying that he wanted to release something for us, I told him that we were writing for an album and it went from there.

4.How many tracks will there be in "Calamities" and what kind of topic will you guys be putting on this record?
Calamities will have 11 tracks. Lyrically, some of the topics I write about on this Album is stuff that most teenagers go through when growing up like not knowing what they want to do or where they want to go with their life, misanthrope, corrupt governments and animal consumption.

5.What are the biggest influence for making "calamities"?
We decided to do an Album because we had all been in a lot of bands before that never really went anywhere and we really wanted to do a proper release.

6.Talking about your previous EP "The Way The World Ends" How has it been selling and what kind of responses have you been getting from the people in Australia? Are you guys content with the EP's sound/production?
We have sold a couple hundred copies of the EP and a lot of people seem to be really into it which is awesome but on that EP we were still trying to find our sound and what direction we wanted to take the band in.

7.Ghost Town just form back in late 2007. I'm not sure if many people know about Ghost Town in SE Asia. Are you worried if this tour is not well-received?
We are just really excited to travel, we don't really mind how the shows go, we are just happy that we get to play shows in different Countries. We have had a lot of people from SEA messaging us saying they are excited so that makes us excited to play over there.

8.Many touring bands are afraid that they might lose money on touring. Shows in SE Asia do not pay as well as compared to US, Euro, Japan and maybe Australia.Due to lower currency rate in SE Asia, How will you guys manage out your expenditure for this tour?
We don't really care about whether or not we make money, as I said in the last question, we are just excited to be traveling to different countries as most of us have never been outside Australia before.

9.Ghost Town is going on tour this coming november. What motivated you to do this tour?
Well originally we planned to release our Album on Halloween and then we got asked by Gavin at Dead Nation Records to do the tour with Gold Kids so we thought that was perfect but unfortunately we have encountered some delays so it will not be available on the tour which sucks but this stuff happens.

10.What's your expectation touring SE Asia? Aren't you bothered about terrorism issues after the Jakarta bombing last July?
We don't really know what to expect of SE Asia other than it will be really different to what we are used to. Of course we are scared by the Terrorism issues and Bombings.

11.Did you take notice of any bands from SE Asia?
I have listened to a couple of bands from SE Asia that my friends who have toured SE Asia before have told me to check out such as: Kids On The Move and Under 18.

12.How is the hardcore/punk scene in the Gold Coast currently? who are some of the up and coming bands from the Gold Coast area that we should lookout for?
The hardcore scene on the Gold Coast is great right now. Some bands that you should check out are
Marathon from Brisbane www.myspace.com/marathonruins
Skyway www.myspace.com/skywaygc
The Surragate www.myspace.com/thesurrogateaus
People Rain www.myspace.com/peoplerain

13.Last words as usual and thanks for your time. See you real soon.
Thanks for the interview Kenet, we look forward to the tour!

Ghost Town - Gold Coast Heavy Hardcore

Coming from the Gold Coast, Australia and forming in late 2007, Ghost Town take influence from bands such as Converge, Trap Them and Disfear. Ghost Town released their first EP in November 2008 which was recorded and released by the band. With heavy, intense live performances, Ghost Town have played alongside international bands such as: Trash Talk, Internal Affairs, Bury Your Dead, The Ghost Inside and Antagonist AD and local bands such as: Carpathian, Frenzal Rhomb, 50 Lions and Break Even. Recently joining Melbourne hardcore label "Dead Souls Records" Ghost Town have announced that they will be releasing new album this november which will be followed by an Australian, New Zealand and South East Asia tour.

Band : GHOST TOWN
Hometown : Gold Coast, Sydney. AUSTRALIA
Genre : Hardcore / Punk / Metal
Label : DeadSouls Records
Link : GHOST TOWN Myspce

Abhorrence / Under 18 South East Asia Tour Poster.

Abhorrence / Under 18

Abhorrence's promising band hailing from Europe (Slovakia). Their live appearances are brutal, pissed off and kick ass sight full of energy. With inspiration from bands such as For The Fallen Dreams or Bury Your Dead, Abhorrence exhibits a youthful and modern "hard core" sound. The band played lot of shows/(3 European tours) in their home country and in mid Europe as well. (sharing stages with bands like Unearth, Caliban, Parkway Drive, First Blood, Born From Pain, Heaven Shall Burn, Full Blown Chaos, Agnostic Front, 100 demons, Shai Hulud and many more) Their entirely first product - 7inch in 2002 (Vegan Idea rec.), debut CD entitled "Burial Of Evil" in 2004 (Deadbutcher rec.), MCD "The Blood Of Hatred" in 2006 (Deadbutcher rec.) and latest full-length in 2008 (Deadbutcher rec.) have proved, that they aren't fooling around, but working really hard! At the moment working on new tracks and ready to hit the studio (August 2009) to record a new single as a sample of their upcoming full-length.

Band : ABHORRENCE
Hometown : Bratislava, SLOVAKIA
Genre : Hardcore / Punk / Beatdown
Label : Deadbutcher Records
Link/Myspace : ABHORRENCE

1. Hye Dajko. Tell me your role in the band and how was Abhorrence formed?
- Hi man, Abhorrence was born in 2000, coming from Bratislava city (Slovakia), just bunch of guys living their dream. Founding members are singer, drummer and Krivic - one of the guitarist. I play bass.

2. From the start till today how many releases did Abhorrence release? Any future release plans?
- Well, even if we do our best, we have only 4 under belts (7inch/MCD/2 times full length). Closest plans are about the trip to SEA and our first video in September_09. In 2010 new full length, EU tour and some more ill places where we have never been before, so let's see, coz this is always subject to change.

3. Hardcore in South East Asia are not really big/popular, to compare with euro, america or japan. So.. What makes you so interested to do a South East Asia Tour?
- We have always wanted to play some wild places as well as play shows generally, so SEA is the next experience and of course exept shows we cant wait for the nature and lifestyle. But the same we would say about US or Japan. We love to travel, even more so when playing shows.

4. Abhorrence has done 3 European tours and shared the stage with big hardcore bands like Unearth, Parkway Drive, Heaven Shall Burn and a other bands. So, What is your expectation in South East Asia.?
- Huge mosh pits, nice people, cheap electronic, pretty girls, hot weather, annoy monkeys:), Petronas Twin Towers in KL and hopeing to get to see the strange mermaid who was reportedly found in MY!!! Its true or hoax?:)

5. Coming 18th October at Kuala Lumpur Abhorrence will share the same stage with living legend punk rock band "No Use For A Name". How did you feel or react when you found out that your going to be sharing the same stage as NUFAN?
- We have never been listening punkrock music, but of course know them. Anyway, it's great that we were added on the bill and playing such a huge show.

6. What do you guys do besides performing together as a band?
- Everybody have regular jobs - plus im studying university, drumer and guitarist are engineers, me and singer have common bussines, other guitarist is working for the national TV like soundmaster. The band is our hobby...

7. If you had chance to change something in the world. What would it be? - Resurrection of Michal Jackson:)

8. Lastly. thanks for taking time to reply this interview. See you this October.
- No dude, thanx for YOUR time and support. See you soon!!!

++++++++++++++++

Under 18 was a hardcore punk band formed and rising on Bandung City in 1997. Their style was flavoured by New York hardcore skinhead style, and their primarily hardcore sound was flavoured by influences ranging from band called Warzone, a band that come from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Their songs, mostly give any messages for the long live hardcore scene in Bandung. Releasing their debut EP in 1999 with the tittle OSHC Till Die" Then joined in undoground Compilation" that released on France in 2001. Later, releasing 4 Way Split Band "Rockin Riot vol" 2 under United Races Records in 2003. Under Linoleum Records, released 12 songs LP/CD and Cassettes called loyalitas in 2007, and available in a compilation called "Total Destroy" vol 1 released by Chaotic Records in a same years. On 2008, they available on Riot Connection Records Compilation in Germany and Family Compilation that was released by Linoleum Records in the same years. Under 18 has done lots of tour in Indonesia with any local and foreign band.

Band : UNDER 18
Hometown : Bandung, Indonesia
Genre : Hardcore / Punk
Label : Linoleum Records
Link/Myspace : UNDER 18

1. Tell us your name and what you role are you in the band?
- Yeah, I'm Seeon taking for the interview . . . OK, Under 18 are Seeon and Tepeng on vocal, Iev on Guitar, Budrexxx on Bass and Joko on Drumm.

2. How did Under 18 start and how many releases have under 18 come out with so far?
- Under 18 was start as a side project band since 1997, when all of the members were still in high school. Previously, all personnel already have a band before then we met and started this band with a reason, yes. . . Warzone so the only reason why this band was born. We're very love NYHC style, especially the legendary Warzone. Under 18 was start with cover Warzone songs at the first time, and still like that until now. . . we're ever joined with any local and overseas compilation before finally we're to release an album. In 1999, we're release a demo album called "OSHC till die" (self released). Then we're join the compilation in France called "Indoground Compilation" at 2001. In 2003, joined in 4-Way split "Rockin Riot vol #2" released by United Races Records. In 2007, we're release Full Length album, called "Loyalitas" that have released by Linoleum Records and joined "Total Destroy Compilation" by Chaotic Records. In 2008, joined in two compilation, 揜iot Connection, Indonesia Germany split by Riot Connection Records and "Family Compilation vol #1" by Linoleum Records.

3. Correct me if i'm wrong, This is your first time touring outside Indonesia right? So hows your feeling and what are your expectation playing in Singapore and Malaysia?
- Yeah, that's absolutely right. This is our first tour outside of Indonesia. We only heard about Singapore and Malaysia through TV, Internet and friends who have toured there, and we're just keep in touch by internet with some people before we have a chance to go there. We really excited for this, to do the shows, to hang out, meet new friends, mingle with the culture over there, visiting new places, meet with hardcore / punk / skinhead boys there, and a lot of another fun. Yeah, hopefully it will be the great tour for us, to meet with a good attitude guys in Singapore and Malaysia. Yeah, we're really excited for sure

4. How is bandung's hardcore scene right now? Any upcoming/good band you'd recommend?
- Increasingly crowded and developed, we've very proud of that. Starting from the reappearance of the old bands, until the presence of new bands that more and more. It makes things even more crowded here and better than 3 or 4 years ago. Hopefully, it will be always like this, or even more evolved than the previous. And get stronger than before. Too many hardcore bands that we wish to recommend, but maybe you can check some new names like Damage Done, Standfree, Outright, Forgotten Generation. Yeah check them on Myspace.

5. If i come to bandung for vacation where is the best place/spot to visit? Mountain? beaches? waterfall etc?
- The first place you should try to visit is a place where we usually gather, ahahahah . . . oh ok, if you want to visit a mountain, we can bring you to a place called Tangkuban Parahu, it is a mountain with a crater and it's good, and then you can just visit the hot spring pools which was not far from there, named Ciater Hot Spring. If you like shopping, you can visit some factory outlets and distros here . . . hahaha . . . if you like to visit the place of traditional culture, well ... we can bring you to that place. . . You will see several options for places to visit here

6. what are the things you like and hate about the scene today? why?
- Yes, many things we liked in this scene, maybe one of them is the presence of new bands who can support each other and mingle with old bands that already exists. We can share the fun in a gigs, add new friends and so on. And in bandung we have several communities in the scene, and it became one of that we like because it will have a variety, but now it's like being a boundary between the hxc kids are there, starting from small things like the difference place to hang out, differences in idealism, etc. Well, we really hate things like that, because we want to try to united and mutually supportive of one another

7. Lastly. Thanks for your time. see you for real this October at the upcoming gig.
- Yeaaaaaah, see ya for real in october guys. we're really excited and can't wait.

Eleven Interview

1. First and foremost. Please tell us your name and your role in Eleven?
- My name is Bart. I am the vocalist of Eleven.

2. Tell us a brief of history of Eleven from when you first.

- Eleven was started in the early 2003. Originally formed by Palie, Rush, Ja'a, Hafiz and Man.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, Rush and Hafiz decided to part ways with the band.
Soon later, I took over as vocalist. Man was replaced afterwards, by Chacha on drums.
In the early 2004, Eleven has restructured its line up, Daus as the new bass player. Fast
forward to 2009, our current line up are Bart, Daus, Palie, Atoq & Arafat.

3. "Shattered Hope" is the first EP from Eleven and you guys has been around for ages, more than 5 years i guess, why take so long to release this EP?
- While in the process of releasing the EP , we've made quite number of changes in the music
arrangements to get the desired final product that we wanted. Since, we released our EP with
our own pocket money and due to each individual financial commitments and the process itself
doesn't costs cheap so it got delayed for awhile.

4. You guys have a critical opinion in certain subjects, what is your influence in writing lyrics? And what are the bands that influence you? Do you think that hardcore bands should get political?
- My writing gets easily influenced by everything in general, but i most passionate about stuff that are related mostly to positivity, war, child abuse, drugs. Bands that influenced me the most are Minor Threat, Champion and Verse. Their lyrics have made such an absolute impact that it lingers in your mind. I think everybody has their own views and ideas on politics but i have no right to imposed such idea that all hardcore bands have to be political, its up to the individual.

5. What motivate you guys to stay drug free until today? Why do you choose to be a straight edge band?
- It's the values and principles. Well, it's not that bad, to live a healthy and positive lifestyle. We're not forced to choose what we want to be, instead it is our choice to live drug free.

6. If you are not into the HC/Punk scene. What do you think would have happened to you? Would you say that HC/Punk saved your life?
- I won't die of course. I guess, i would be like one of those people out there who enjoys any
other music like normal folks do. But HC/Punk does helped to distract me from other negative
stuff that happened around me when i was growing up and now, i found a passion for life.

7- What do you like most about the scene today?
- The scene now is much bigger compared to the good ol' days. Plus, we get to see more of
International hardcore bands performed in Malaysia.

8. If someone could get a message from your band, what would you like it to be?
- The choice is yours, it's yours to make it.

9. If you could do a split release with any band that you like, what band would that be?
- Champion.

10. Can you share with us Eleven future plan? Any tour, new records or anything in mind?
- We plan to tour Asia in near future & a 2nd EP wouldn't hurt either. We would love to do a
split with Hold X True someday.

11. Thanks for your time. Any last words for the readers?
- Thank you for interviewing us. Do feel free to check out our band at ELEVEN Myspace.

Kids On The Move Interview

1. For our readers that are unaware, could you give us a brief background on Kids On The Move?
- Kids On The Move is a band based in Klang City, Malaysia. We are five people playing in a hardcore band. The current lineup is Chacha, Wan, Kaza, Syahmi including the one who’s answering this q&a Dean. We’ve been together since 2003 and had a few releases under our belt.

2. Kids On The Move just released your second full-length by CeaseFire Records entitled "Changes". Is there any good story behind the name of the full length?
- Well basically what we are referring to is the changes we had gone through all these years. In general, people change from time to time let it be for good or bad. For this release we were trying to embrace the changes that we all had but at the same time proving that we still have the same values and that we are still the same person.

3. "Changes" completely comes with a different set of sound and energy from Kids On The Move’s previous releases. What the biggest influence in the making of "Changes"?
- For us, complete change to what we were before is something that we weren’t aiming for. We believe that we had grown maturely although we still think that we are not even close to being good, we are constantly trying to improve ourselves, and that’s also a “change”. Everyone listens to a lot of different bands, I won’t be able say on their behalf but for myself I was moved by Have Heart, Miles Away, Verse, Allegiance, Champion and lots more. I prefer modern sound but with classic values.

4. The artwork was amazing. Can you tell the concept behind artwork? Who made the illustration?
- The artwork was made by Bill Hauser who did designs for Energy, Modern Crime, Hirax and etc. We were constantly discussing the theme with Bill Hauser, but at the same time we did it on such a short notice. So we put our trust on him to deliver what we portrayed to him. The people that are rotting/zombie actually mean changes from being alive to the dead. What we meant was that as people we can be alive but sometime they are dead inside and we portrayed them as the living dead constantly trying to feed of their hunger for something like money, a perfect life or anything.

5. What would you say is one of the biggest messages that you guys were trying to covey through the lyrics?
- A big message can be describe in a lot of ways. We weren’t trying to be big, and only talk about what we all have been through personally. I think that the common thing between all the songs I wrote is that we shouldn’t close our hearts for anything, take a risk, give chances, help another, make a wise choice and even if we fail or fall in the middle that is not a reason to give up. It is something practical that we all can relate to.

6. Lyrically, there seems to be a lot of reflection on how things used to be in hardcore. What do you miss most about the days of yesteryear? What do you miss least?
- I would say that I missed the days when I used to know everyone that came to the show (our show or any other’s). I feel closer to everyone and felt more appreciated. But I am not complaining of how things are right now, more kids are coming down to shows. That means we won’t just be shouting the same words to the people who already knew about what we were trying to convey. If I can remember each and everyone that came to support us, I would. But that is just impossible. So I am very grateful for the way things are.

7. The song "Fallen Man and Changes" is one of my favorite songs from your catalog. Just curious if the song was written in response to any particular incident?
- The words are actually quite straight forward that if you read it you can get the gist of it. Both of the songs have a different meaning but at the same time have something to do with another. With “A Fallen Man” I was basically talking about myself or everyone in that matter. Everyone has its ups and downs and we all have tasted defeat but we should never give up easily. And that is where “changes” came in, to move on forward we have to change for the better, although we won’t know if what we changed is the right thing we can only hope that it would make you a better person but at the same time not losing yourself or be led astray.

8. What do you enjoy most about the present day hardcore scene? What do you dislike the most?
- I would say that I enjoyed how the local scene is expanding and more bands like Have Heart and FC Five is coming down to this part of Asia. If there’s anything that I’d dislike the most it would be that people here are still focusing on nonsense that only brings separation in this already small scene.

9. What current bands do you find yourself most consistently being impressed with?
- If by current bands you mean bands that haven’t gone R.I.P. yet, I would say one of them is Have Heart, I just love how they wrote ‘Songs to scream at the sun’, it felt as if it was very vulnerable where they pour their soul in it that I can just drown myself in it, I hope I made sense with that and doesn’t sound wrong hahaha. Other than that I’m totally impressed with more Australian band like BLKOUT, Break Even and etc. I felt like they all gave me something new and old at the same time which is what I love. Of course the local band is showing lots of versatility, we got Burn Out, Eleven, showing that they can surely make something of themselves.

10. Any tour plan in the future and where is the most places do you like to play?
- For now, the only legit plan for touring is Indonesia at the end of this year, but nothing is booked yet. I seriously hope that everything will be book soon so that we can announce it officially and book flight tickets so that we can get cheap fare haha. Other than that we have been planning to hit Australia, I hope that we can get there next year.

Kids On The Move Myspace