A band made up of from all over the US (and South America, with Italian roots)? Sounds interesting!
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
- I am from Venezuela, from an Italian family
- Jeremy is from Philadelphia
- Darren is from Illinois
- Duff is from Texas
- Jeff is from NYC
How did you meet?
It all starts with Jeremy, and his great s. As we challenged ourselves more and more the requisite of great musicianship became paramount.
How long have you been playing as a band?
We have been a band for 3 years.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
My wife came up with it under a palm tree in Florida. We had some radical ones but felt that the angst of humanity would transmit well through that name. We are “The Shrieks of Humankind”.
What are your influences?
Early three chord bands were important, and latin music was important. Of course the overall attitude of rock got me hooked, and I liked how you could be bigger than yourself once you plugged in to distortion. Let the instrument yell by itself while you look cool, well not exactly, but you can make it have voicings that are otherworldly and that makes it way too cool for a teenager. I’ve gotten good at it and play an original style so I’m pleased with my choice.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Think of being brought up in a strict Italian upbringing in Venezuela with an American education. The blending of cultures is what happens in the music, It’s never only one style, you meander thru cultures and come back around to the message.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
We are heavy on what matters for the survival of our species, and of the earth itself. We also deal with more mundane subjects, like “Love or Lust”, the title says it all. And the entire hypocrisy of society, how we absorb total bullshit and like it.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live shows are a pure delivery of excellent music, no stupid antics, but tons of energy, and genuine ‘shake your bones’ mindset.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I saw Iggy Pop kick a dude in the face after he spit on him. Got bloody.
And I’ve seen a murder right in front of me at one of our shows in San Diego way back in the 80’s, we were touring and threw a party for halloween, gang rivalries with masks on, thats a bad recipe, but add underage drinking and a guy fresh out of jail with a pregnant wife and there’s the murder. We escaped but not until we were interrogated by the local gang leader who was wearing purple goggles and a nazi helmet.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I play a 76 Tele I stole from a mall out of arrogant frustration at 16. It’s still with me and so is the curse.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
Just plugging my new album Ode To Joe.
What are your plans for 2020?
Survive Covid19, and emerge with my band as soon as allowed.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be ing and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
I’d like to be opening for The Rolling Stones. I’d choose a vaporware artist called River. He does some futuristic insane electronic sonic experiences.
The Shrieks: official | facebook | instagram | youtube
