Interview

Interview with Brandon Malone of Southern Vein

Richmond, Virginia's SOUTHERN VEIN has just now started to find its own footing in the underground heavy music scene and at this early stage appears to be one of those acts that clearly knows what it wants to do musically, easily heads above ninety-five percent of the upcoming competition that surround them. Formed in the winter of 2005, with a leaning toward Southern-rock and punk, they have found that kind of unique voice I believe, along with the proper nurturing, that could take them to incredible heights in the business. But as is anything in life, we all kow that only time will tell. I got some Q&A in with their lead vocalist, Brandon Malone.

Rocket: So are you originally from Virginia?

Brandon: I was born in North Carolina and got hell out of there at the age of three months and came to Richmond.

Rocket: Haha. Sounds like it! Though much respect out to my North Carolina readership. They know how much I love them. Ha! When did you first start singing?

Brandon: Actually, only three years ago. I began writing first, because I really needed an outlet for aggression, feelings, and beliefs. From there, decided that I wanted to sing, whether I could or not.

Rocket: Did you ever take any vocal lessons or are you pretty much self-taught?

Brandon: Self-taught, however I am always trying new things, testing my limits, challenging myself.
I tend to be particular about my vocals and the way they sound.

Rocket: Who are some of your biggest vocal influences?

Brandon: Defintely Jim Morrison for his stage presence, lyrical content,and the fact that singing for him wasn't so much about his voice but emotional expression, Philip Anselmo because he has the most distinctive voice in metal, and Glenn Danzig because he has taken evil to a different level and is the only vocalist that has own dark sound that is unmistakable.

Rocket: Morrison was one of a kind for sure. Checkout his collection of poems "The Lizard King" if you already haven't. Priceless stuff.
So how did this band initially form?

Brandon: Kevin and I were in a band previously, him and I had an idea of the sound we were looking for. I put an ad up in a local music store, and Dave our guitar player answered. He brought with him Andy (bass) who was his former bandmate, and we got together and jammed. The first riff Dave played blew my mind, and if I could have imagained a riff for him to play, it would have been that very one. Everything clicked after jamming together and the songs/ideas were pouring out of us. We have hundreds of recorded bits and peices from those days, some of them which are songs now.

Rocket: That's awesome to hear. What I like most about your band's sound is that it's kind of like Down meets Eyehategod. Do you get a lot of people telling you that and is that even what you're shooting for really?

Brandon: We do get that a lot, and to be compared is an honor. I am a huge fan of the New Orleans metal sound. All of our influences have formed our own authentic sound I feel, and however much we are flattered to be compared, we still want to evolve and carve out our own niche as musicians.

Rocket: Are you guys working on recording a debut EP or LP for the market?

Brandon: Yes, that is something we are working on, label support would always make the process easier. As of now we have a 6 song demo we recorded in 2006. Ultimately, our goal this year is to record a full length cd with all of our songs.

Rocket: From what I can hear off your demos you guys should really be able to make a big impression with a full-length. Alright, I like to have fun with this next one. What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you on stage?

Brandon: Nothing really comes to mind at the moment. I do like to hit myself in the head a lot with the microphone, and the damage to my forehead is usually cause for laughs afterwards.

Rocket: That's taking the term 'head banging' to a whole new level. Ha! So who are some of the other local Virginia metal acts that have impressed you?

Brandon: Okay, so this where I have to kiss ass, let's see... all kidding aside, I'll go with, Bullistic, Moment of Violence, Choke Chain. There are so many to choose from, what with Virginia being an up and coming place for underground metal.

Rocket: Yeah, Moment of Violence formerly known as Lofat has grown incredibly since I started following them two years back. Last year was a great one for metal. What album was your personal favorite?

Brandon: I will be honest, I didn't think 2006 was the best year for metal.

Rocket: No, I didn't say it was the best. I've been following metal since its inception basically, and with all the crap that the genre has gone through since glam metal and now emo, last year was truly one of its best stands in well over a decade.

Brandon: My top three for the year are Satyricon - Now, Diabloical, I think they are a leader in the Black Metal scene right now, this album proves that, incredible. Age of Winters- The Sword, Never gets old, they have brought back an old sound that is not heard 'round these parts. Lastly, I am going to go with Gorgoroth - Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam, it pays a great homage to Satan and sounds disgusting.

Rocket: Haha. And where would we be without paying respects to the dark one, right? All of those are great works for sure. Black metal has really developed in incredible ways over the recent years. Tell me, what are some of the upcoming shows for this band?

Brandon: We will be at the Hyperlink Cafe in Richmond on February 17th.

Rocket: Thanks for taking the time out on this. Go ahead and give a shoutout to your biggest supporters.

Brandon: My biggest supporter is my love, Melissa, My parents and brother, and all the friends and fans that religously come our shows and practices. Oh yeah and The Metal Den...you guys are cool too.

Rocket: Haha. Thanks for the recogntion, brother. It's good to be cool!

Visit Southern Vein on the web:

http://www.myspace.com/southernvein