Drawing fans from cross genres – rivet & metal heads, goths, punks, rockers… CHANT’s music and lyrics channel an internal rage and outburst of raw emotion, with dark synths and hook-laden phrases. Their live shows kick it up to an entirely new level of primal chest pounding drumming, slammed into a chaotic presentation of mayhem and rock and roll. Bradley’s unique, custom drum set ups are a nod to experimental innovators Einstuerzende Neubauten – with metal cans, buckets, and satellite dishes featured in the arsenal!
1. What type of band are you?
Bradley: CHANT is tribal, drum driven Industrial-Apocalyptic Rock with a little bit of metal/punk attitude thrown in!
2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Bradley: I kicked CHANT off officially in 2004 as an all drum, all instrumental, industrial-psychedelic one man show, but quickly felt the urge to add vocals/lyrics to the mix. By 2005, I’d worked with Butthole Surfers bassist J.D. Pinkus to record some demos and opened for Pigface, which led to Martin Atkins (Ministry/NIN/PIL) recording CHANT’s first album [That Which Divides] and me co-writing/performing on a Pigface track. Tours and key shows followed between 2007 and 2011 with Lords of Acid, Angelspit, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, & more as I wrote/released a 2nd record [Strong Words for Strong People] and filmed/directed music videos to support it. I've now added a live band member for keys and double drums, and we’re heading out on the road again with Industrial Legends KMFDM this March in 2013!
3. How did you come up with the band's name?
Bradley: CHANT (at the time) represented a connection I felt between tribal drumming and world music, which was really prevalent in my music early on, and meditation chanting. These days I think it represents using your voice and having the courage to speak the truth and question authority – not just when it’s safe, but always - repeatedly!
4. You have a unique sound, which bands would you say influence you the most?
Bradley: My song ‘riffs’ are driven by drum riffs rather than guitar riffs - bands like Tool and The Creatures really factor in towards the inspiration to that approach. Most drum programming you hear is actually my garage door, washing machines, and scrape metal or objects I find and record – so the NIN, Ministry, Skinny Puppy and other industrial influences come into play.
5. What lyrical theme do you use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Bradley: First and foremost, the lyrics have to mean something to me and be honest. Generally song lyrics develop from combining something personal that I feel with something I observe about humanity, and sometimes that means I have to face negativity head on. So instead of a song about a bad relationship, it may be about that AND a car crash… or about war and peace in the world, but within myself too, or about other human themes. The aggression doesn't come from misdirected youth angst, it’s stuff about the world today that still is disturbing (and beautiful). Life is so fucking amazing, yet people are so cruel to each other… so there's a hint of hope and themes of Self Revolution.
6. Who are some drummers you look up too when it comes to this profession?
Bradley: Wow, there are many. Like many young drummers I was all about Neil Peart growing up – not just his playing but the way he carries himself. Tommy Lee, Budgie, Vinnie Paul, and Lars Ulrich were early influences. Today, Josh Freese, Danny Carey, and Manu Katche are still some of my favorite drummers.
7. What are your plans for new music?
Bradley: Anyone who goes to www.chantproject.com and joins CHANT’s mailing list, Facebook page; etc. will have access to free tracks I will be releasing (about an EP’s worth of remixes, covers, and new music) between this March and the fall of 2013. A 3rd full album is planned for 2014.
8. This Spring you will be touring in the U.S. What are your favorite things about touring in the U.S.?
Bradley: Yes, CHANT is heading out to support KMFDM on their US Tour in March 2013: www.chantproject.com/shows - and aside from loving to perform, I love meeting people from all over. I don’t hide backstage… I’m not into the rock star thing… I really want to meet as many people as possible and share a drink, good stories, and good times.
9. What have you done to prepare yourselves for the tour?
Bradley: Kristopher Robin of Guild (San Antonio) will be part of the lineup, performing live keys and double drumming with me. We have new custom welded drum racks on springs, and light towers with an entire new synchronized light show. It is INTENSE – high energy, drum pounding songs one after another – we’re in shape and ready!
10. What is your favorite song to perform live?
Bradley: It changes month to month – we’re playing a new, unreleased song called “Universal” which I’m really digging – has a great groove, fun tribal work, and an explosive chorus… but another overall favorite has been “Blood and Peace” from the Strong Words album… it is intense, pummeling, and has a wide range of dynamics in it.
Bradley: May seem clique to say, but touring with Tool or NIN would be a dream and I really respect their audience, and think they would appreciate what we do as CHANT. On a smaller scale, I’m proud to say that touring with KMFDM, Lords, and Thrill Kill are dreams that came true – they are great people and always are so helpful and supportive. As far as where – I’m told if I went to Europe they would totally get what I’m doing with my live show there – so who knows…
12. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Bradley: Right now – if you are going to the KMFDM shows you can win a CHANT box set and also a signed cymbal I used on the first two records – details are here: http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fr5/artist_27711?eid=A27711_16513803_11618991&fsc=92b12bbe86a
NEW and FREE music this year for fans linked up to our mailing list and Facebook pages… New Album in 2014, and I’ll be continuing my drumming/remixing for other music projects to be announced soon. CHANT’s been working the underground Industrial scene for 8 years and I’ve remained independent, deciding what and how I want to release my art/music. I think we’re on the edge of something big and I’m excited for the next phase!
13. Anything else you want to add for your fans?
Bradley: CHANT is my passion, but it’s also an honor and a privilege to get to perform for all of my fans. I won’t ever take that opportunity or the support you show me for granted. Join the CHANT Army so we can all stay in touch – speak the truth – and practice daily revolution!
www.chantproject.com
www.facebook.com/chantproject
www.youtube.com/chantprojections
https://soundcloud.com/chantprojections
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