Interview by Vivian Hua
Tagged 2007 hardcore hope division records hot cross pennsylvania bands post-hardcore screamo
Where did you get the name Hot Cross? Hot Cross buns? (Cause those look kind of gross to be honest.)
We look kind of gross too! Matt and Greg actually did get the name
from pastries which is not surprising if you know Matt at all.
How has the feedback for the new record been so far?
Very good! People seem genuiniely interested in hearing it and then
pleasantly surprised ... most of the time. I think fans that still
want us to make our first EP were disappointed, but that's a good
thing. It means we're making music interesting and challenging to us
which is the most important thing.
How did you guys get signed to Hope Division / Equal Vision?
Everyone at the label was a fan first. They came to see us, introduced
themselves and talked to us for well over a year before any talk of
signing came up. It was a nice courtship that resulted in a functional
marriage. Rare in the 21st century.
Do you feel like there are significant differences between a virtual self-release on Level Plane versus putting out a record on Equal Vision?
Yes. Our record is available in more places now. It's nice to get
weird E-Mails telling us its good that our music is "finally available
in stores". I mean they've always been in stores, but it goes to show
you that there are a lot of kids yet to be reached. We feel like we
can finally reach them.
What are the positives and negatives of both?
So far we haven't encountered anything we feel is negative about EVR
releasing the record. Hopefully it will stay that way!
For former fans of yours who have not heard the new album yet, what differences would you say they can expect?
I don't screech and my voice doesn't really crack. Casey doesn't solo
over every song. These will be the most noticeable things. Otherwise,
they should expect a way more aggressive and "heavy" record than we've
done before.
Do you think you guys took more risks with this album as far as trying out new things goes? If so, is that why it's called RISK REVIVAL?!!!
Actually, that's more or less where the album title came from. Any time
you put a record out you're putting yourself on the chopping block.
That's a risk in and of itself. This is us reviving old risks and
being eh riskier. We all individually challenged ourselves to make
this record what it is. I think it shows in the final product.
Do you have a favorite song off the album?
"Exits and Trails" or "Turncoat Revolution".
You guys will be touring Europe in a few months. Excited? How many times have you been there?
We are actually only going to the UK and it's very exciting. We've
never been there.
Does it feel a bit surreal that all these kids across the ocean know about you so well?
It feels surreal that anyone anywhere cares at all.
Do you see much of a difference between European and American fans?
European kids seem a bit more grateful for everything.
How about just within different parts of the U.S.? Do you find people have different tastes from place to place as far as their appetite for hardcore goes?
There are so many subgenres and niche groups within the larger "punk
rock" world, it's hard to keep track of anymore. So yes, there are
zillions of different kids into zillions of different things. If we
even reach 0.0001% of each subgroup we will be in good shape.
So what do you guys do when you're not working on music or writing?
I do freelance music writing and hold down an office job at a
prestigious university. Matt slings coffee. Casey slings CD's. Greg
mails packages to kids.
Who did the artwork for your most recent album (as we *are* a music and art magazine after all)?
Myles Karr! He is the best. He's an old friend of ours and was stoked
to produce illustrations for the album and this is what came out of
his creative mind. He's a tattoo artist in NY and fancies himself "the
official screamo tattooer". Whether or not that makes him lucky is
another story.
Any bands that you are super hyped about right now?
I really like Modern Life Is War. I am stoked we are now on the same label.
what do you think?
