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02/01/2019 07:23 PM
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B I T T E N. *[drabble]
[I’M SCARED TO DEATH AND HAVE MYSELF TO BLAME]
TWENTY-SECOND BIRTHDAY - OCT 31st
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - HAPPY HALLOWEEN
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09/01/2012 05:07 PM
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Saints of Chaos (Interview #4)
SAINTS OF CHAOS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW.
S.O.C staffer Andy Rotten recently sat down with Michael and Felix from The Cursed on their backstage break at Luigi's Fungarden, to discuss the current "High Voltage Punx" Festival which only features the best of the underground hardcore, post-hardcore, and punk bands, as well as details about their past experiences with their band, their first EP, crazy tour stories, and more.
Let's start with that's going on right now, how is the "High Voltage Punx" festival going? I figured it's pretty epic as from I can tell right now.
Felix: You could say that our mind's are equally blown. [Laughs]
Haha! Nice, I can only imagine how you guys feel. This is your first time being in one of these right? I mean, you guys must be f***ing stoked!
Micheal: Yeah man, the mini-tour has been pretty f***ing awesome. I think it actually exceeded our expectations. We didn't think people would've even given it much attention, but it's been insane. The underground scene is a much bigger movement than what we thought. I can't even believe the turn-outs on some of the days. After we did the signing at our booth last night, we just had the realization that sh*t was gonna be f***ing crazy.
Felix: Yeah! We could've had a f***in' show with just the kids from the signing at our booth. There were that many kids. We never even pictured ourselves being that popular. I thought we were gonna have like... no one. Maybe ten kids tops? [Laughs]
Michael: I'd just like to thank Ronnie for making this possible. This festival would never exist without him, and none of us would've really been here. It's nice to know that someone cares enough for the underground scene.
Yeah, I see that surrounding all this hype with fellow tour-mates, two of you have disappeared.
Felix: [Laughs] Oh yeah, Jeremy and Jason decided to roam around and meet some of the bands. We've met a lot of new people at High Voltage; they've all been pretty cool. It's nice to make friends with other people who have things in common with you. Just starting out, you know? Trying their best to get their name's out there a little more. Totally stoked about being here. It's even cooler when you meet others that are fans of your own band, haha.
Michael: Yeah, there's bands here that have literally just started a few months ago, but they've been so good, that they were thrown in this festival. Like, LowONgas, they're pretty much starting out. And kids love them, but their fan base isn't as big as some of the other bands, and some of the new fans just don't get into them much at first. I mean, they all watch and clap, which is awesome. It's just, I think it's gonna take a little time for them to grown on the fans.
Felix: It's so shocking, they put on such a crazy show, and it's such a different kind of sound. You just wanna watch and be mesmerized. They've got a lot of soul, and they truly won a spot in this scene, we're stoked for them. They're pretty cool kids, and we just know they're gonna blow-up big.
I can completely agree with that. I've heard of them before, and I actually interviewed them a few days back at Casa De Chaos. But, right, about you guys - I heard you guys have an EP and it's been doing really well since you guys decided to release it. Do you think there's any misunderstood songs in your album? Maybe people take the context presented the wrong way?
Felix: Yeah, there's actually a lot of misunderstanding with our music, but I'd have to say that most of the lyrics I write are pretty straight up. I don't know. Writing lyrics for The Cursed is very emotional, you know? My lyrics are a lot of emotions that I'm not proud of. I put everything into my songs, just all my pure and raw aggression. Like "Fifth Period Massacre," the song's about a kid who sees no way out but to take revenge. So he takes a gun to school and kills everybody. Point blank. But, the song isn't really condoning violence, I think. It's not saying that that's the only way, or the right way out. It's just about someone who just can't deal with it anymore. Someone whose parents' don't listen, whose school is a piece of sh*t; no one cares, the kids' are f***in' a**holes, and they make him wanna die every day that he goes there. No one talks about this sort of sh*t from the kid's point of view. No one asks what made them feel the way that they did? What drove them to destroy? And like, there's just so much sh*t going on, and people just like to pretend that it's not happening. It sucks, and I'm f***in' tired of it.
Have you ever even fired a gun?
Felix: Uhm, yeah. I've fired a gun, and I loved it. [Laughs]
Any other song you want to speak about?
Felix: There's "Murder was the Case They Gave me." I won't even beat around the bush with this one. It was written for an ex-girlfriend, which I'll keep the name to myself for the sake of privacy. But, this one's pretty straight to the point, if you just listen to the lyrics. I'm standing outside of her house, thinking about what my next move is going to be, clenching my fist as "my blood runs cold." I'm waiting for the day to die, and the night to fall, "I'll seize the day by the throat and watch it die." And then what happens next is pretty much f***in' brutal, and I know a lot of people wouldn't like it, but I rape her while I push her face into the dirt. "This one's for old times," "I'll take my time," "maybe you'll learn when the dirt fills your lungs." But then, I realize that leaving her alive after this would only get me caught, "oh the stories you'd tell." So then, I kill her, but before I do, I tell her a few last words, "I am your nightmare, I am the shape in the dark, I am your ending," and then I set her house on fire to get rid of any evidence. "I'm burning down your house now," "ashes to ashes." -- Then you know, "God knows, I've had better," is your happy f***in' ending. I guess. [Laughs]
I could tell you can hold a grudge. Haha!
Felix: [Laughs] I really f***in' can, but this isn't condoning rape and murder either. If I tell you to jump off a bridge, would you do it? I mean, the point is, I wanted to write songs from my gut. Something that means something, not just useless bullsh*t, you know? I actually would've wanted to play this one at our church back in Jersey, but uh... we don't go there anymore. [Laughs]
Are there any topics that you guys haven't covered yet in a song but want to cover in the future?
Felix: I guess something a little more positive, like sh*t would get better type of thing.
Michael: Yeah, a lot of kids hit is up about really serious situations they're going through. You know, thoughts of suicide, depression, a lot of f***ed up sh*t they're going through, and they tell us that they confide in our music. It helps them get rid of that anger and that lonely feeling. Like they aren't the only ones who feel this way about the world, we wanna keep them in mind when we're creating music.
Felix: Definitely, so I just wanna be able to write something that tells them not to give up. Like, life has been sh*t but if I could pull through, so could you type of thing. The world could f***in' destroy us, but we need to survive. We're no different from you guys, and I like to stand as the reminder that the world isn't better off without you. We live in f***ed-up and dangerous times, we have to break through and carry on. Remember, when life gives you lemons, start a f***in' band. [Laughs]
Wow, those are some deep words. Haha, well, are their any songs you guys are most proud of? Like one of those kind of songs that ten years ago you never could've imagined creating?
Felix: For me, there's one song that's not really on the EP, but it's called "One hundred Sleepless Nights." It was a change in the sound and the lyrics. We kept it a little more mellow and didn't do a lot of things to it. Usually our songs have a million elements, and tons of crazy sh*t. But this song we were like, "Okay! We're just gonna tone it down a bit." We just made it real simple.
Do you believe that you're challenging yourself and growing as a lyricist?
Felix: Well, yeah. I mean, you have to, right? I can't just be the guy standing up on stage, getting hurt, thrashing around, and jumping onto speakers and on Jason's drums. I can't just speak into the mic about anything in particular. I'm ready to do everything, and be everything that I have inside. I have a lot more to give. So much sh*t that inspires me. And honestly, and I'm hoping I'm using the correct wording here. It's not meant to offend the fans or anything, but I write for myself. I mean, my lyrics are being put out there to be interpreted however the f*** you want to. You know? And I make music for the kids, and I hope I can leave that imprint and have my lyrics mean something to them, but I'd be bored as sh*t if I wasn't writing for me. It's a really f***ed up way to put it, but yeah. I'd be bored as sh*t if I were writing for anyone else.
Like, I write about me. About sh*t that's happened to me, and sh*t that I've gone through and experienced. About how I feel about the world and society, and hell - even sh*t that's happened to my friends and sh*t. I don't write about some people I don't know and sh*t I don't know about - like cancer or whatever. I don't know anything about that, you know? I basically just write about the things I know. You can't be poetic in that case, you can't apply words to what you haven't experienced. You could be the best speaker of all time, but when you have no f***in' idea what you're talking about, people see right through that.
No, of course. It makes sense, it's your feelings, your emotions, not anyone else'. You can't write out the emotions of anyone else, but yourself.
Felix: My point exactly! At least you got it.
Would you guys ever want to sell out and be more than just an underground band?
Mike: We always get asked this question, and the answer's still the same. We feel happy with where we are. We can manage our own things, and just be ourselves. We don't have to censor anything and limit ourselves to anything. We can just chill out and do things in our own time, and we can even interact with our fan base so much better than any of those big, famous bands, you know?
Felix: Yeah, I mean - I rather shoot myself in the f***in' head, honestly. We've had so many offers, and it's crazy. But, I'm like, I rather die than be famous. I mean, those people think they're so cool because they're famous. If you're not famous, they don't even want to talk to you. There's so many people like that, and I rather not become part of that group. Like, I enjoy letting the fans be part of our world. F*** pretending like we're perfect, because we're not. We make mistakes, and it's nice to know that we're still loved despite our imperfections. We're loved for us.
Speaking of love, some of your songs are based on that, but they're really hard to figure out, like are they about love or hate?
Felix: [Laughs] They're whatever you want them to be. It's a "f*** you," or an "I love you so f***in' much." It could be, "I'm f***in' outta here," as much as it could be, "I'm never leaving you, you're my everything." My songs about those sort of emotions seem to border in between most of the time. Like, one moment they'll be all like, "get the f*** out," and then the next, it's like, "I can't live without you." I found out that love is one of the most important parts of hate, and vice versa. Like, you can't really love someone completely without fully hating them, at least at some point in your life. Hating everything about them, and understanding why you hate those things. That's what makes you love them so much. Love without hate isn't real. If that makes any sense.
Agreed. So, what has been the craziest thing to happen to you guys on tour so far?
Michael: I decided to down a bottle of NyQuil 'cause I was really sick about a week ago, and I couldn't stop throwing up. We got on stage and all I did was open my mouth and puke like f***ing crazy. A friend of ours, Tommy, from Lab Rats, had to fill in for me, because I was just all kinds of f***ed-up.
Felix: Haha! Oh my god yeah, I remember that. Oh, and we can't forget Jeremy. He's usually really quiet, but he got so sh*t-faced about two days ago, and he decided to skateboard around the park shirtless, and screaming "I'm a goofy mango!" At the top of his f***in' lungs, it was f***in' hilarious. [Laughs]
Michael: Hahaha! Now everyone calls him goofy mango boy. [Laughs]
Felix: Ahahaha! Yeah, oh! And what happened to me. F***, I'm always getting in some sort of f***in' trouble. So, I get really drunk, and I pass the f*** out, I don't even know where. But, I know I wake up to some kids woo-ing and some girl telling me to grab her titties. So, I'm like what the f***? Where am I? My eyes open up and I'm passed out in some van, with some blonde chick on top of me, nearly about to rape me, so I push her off and get myself out of the van, and she's all like, "what the f***?" blah-blah-blah. And I'm like, "dude, you're drunk," and she's all like -
Michael: I don't drink, I'm a virgin! [Laughs]
Felix: [Laughs] Yes! And then she like, stumbles out of the van after me and just starts throwing up SO much. Then she looks at me and is all like, "whatever! You were ugly anyways!" And walked off. Haha! WHAT. THE. F***.
Oh my god, really? Haha! That's crazy. Alright, at what point did the band begin to click? You know, like, when did everything begin to fall together for you guys?
Felix: It's been quite a journey for us. Like, we always wanted to start a band. It was a thing for me and Mikey. Our parents were a huge influence to us, and it was just the environment we grew up in. We always wanted to do something that people could dance to, but we couldn't help it - the moment we'd start playing, we'd just tap into being rockstars. Mikey and I played our first mini-show in the back of my parents' van at some church festival. Haha, it was Mikey on guitar and I was on vocals; our first band Shut up! And then like, when we finally grew up, and we ended up over in California; The Cursed happened. And like, we didn't just decide to make up some name and put together a band. It meant something to us, I had sh*t to say that I wanted to share with the world, and we gradually made our way up to where we are right now. We're like a family.
Michael: Yeah, and I think that's what's different about us. Even when we went in search for a bassist. We reached out to our fans, and I love that our fans are so dedicated. Jeremy was just our fan, and now he's part of our little dysfunctional family. Like, I remember he was all like, "dude, I saw you guys a year ago with my girlfriend at Pleasure Palace. You guys were just starting off."
Felix: Yeah, that was the first venue we played at, no one knew us, and people see us now and they're all like, "I remember when you guys were just opening acts, and no one knew who you were. You guys kept going and going and finally you guys are up here with the top bands in the underground scene and all these kids are here to see you guys." A lot of people don't notice it, but it's definitely crazy to think that we started from the bottom and just built up to having this f***in' awesome fan base that know our songs, our names, it's just a great f***in' feeling when you can hold the mic out and the crowd could sing your song without any help. It didn't happen overnight, and we know so many kids in our fan base as friends. A lot of them have been here since day one.
Michael: They basically grew up with us.
Felix: Yeah, pretty much. It's just crazy to see from playing to the 10 kids that knew who we were, until now.
What's is the next step for The Cursed?
Felix: Well, we're definitely gonna keep the ball rolling this time. We're not dropping this, not when we've gotten so far, you know? Hell, we might even come out with another mini-album. We've been thinking about it a lot, and we've also been coming up with new songs, I've been writing lyrics like crazy, lately. We have a little studio going on in our basement back home, so on our free time, we practice and do a lot of recording. And I always wanted to publish a lyrics, poetry, or comic book. Or maybe it could just be a little bit of all three, you know? I'm sure fans would like that. Haha, I have one that I'm slowly writing, my notebook is full of ideas, but it's still not ready enough for exposure. I mean, we're always looking towards the future, and putting our best foot forward, we try to make everything better than the last.
But, you know - we always keep sh*t fun. We don't really plan much of what we do, it just kind of happens.
Wow! Awesome, well, I should probably get going, being that I have to interview a few other bands too, haha. So, any closing words for the fans?
Felix: Don't do drugs.
Michael: Brush your teeth and eat your vegetables and always give twenty percent for tips. Don't do ten. Don't be that guy. Go twenty.
Felix: [Laughs] Oh! And wear condoms, but only on weekends though, 'cause Monday's through Friday's are definitely safe enough for unprotected sex. Everyone knows girl's can't get pregnant during the week. Haha.
Michael: [Laughs and shakes head] Worst advice ever...
-Interview by Andy Rotten.
Saints Of Chaos �
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[ This blog post is viewable to friends only ]
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02/06/2012 07:57 PM
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Punk Fought the Law and... (Magazine article)
Blood Pact is a post-hardcore punk band from Sacramento, California. Two members are originally from Las Vegas, Nevada (frontman and drummer), leaving the bassist; who's originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. The band consists of lead guitarist and vocalist Lars Vargas (middle), bassist/background vocals Matthew Irons (right) and, drummer Johnathan Morris (left.)
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FELIX ALEXANDER VS LARS VARGAS
And of course, those who know about Blood Pact, definitely know about The Cursed - who in my opinion, need no introductions whatsoever. Both bands are fairly known within the surrounding boundaries of their city, but of course; there's always the good ol' feud on who's better than who. Then we have the bands verbally (and physically at times) attacking each other - throwing fire to the flame. But, we're all humans, and we love the juicy drama between our punk rockers in the underground scene. It wouldn't be such an exciting scene if it didn't have it's raunchy and out of control moments.
In late 2010, lead singer of Blood Pact decided to throw a little jab at the band, directly calling out the members of The Cursed; specifically their lead singer, fearlessly calling him "cauliflower d*ck," in respects to the frontman's promiscuous behavior with the fan girls. In which Felix Alexander had replied with his honest opinion on the comment and ended it with a "Whoever is talking smack could suck my d*ck. Plain and simple. Have a problem? Y'know where to find me."
This sparked a bigger problem with the two; leading Lars to write a letter on his personal blog to Felix, apologizing for everything... not really; this blog post was meaner than ever!
"You say that I'm f***ing jealous? That I'm not as good-looking as you? Ha, you make me f***ing laugh. I get the girls you wish you could f***ing get. And thanks for the offer, but I'm good. I wouldn't want your d*ck anywhere near me. I'll leave the d*ck sucking to your band mates - you're so big to talk; why don't YOU come find ME instead? No? Then shut the f*** up.
XO L.V."
And of course, the frontman of The Cursed wasn't taking that sh*t - he immediately took some action, and followed Lars' orders. That very night Felix was arrested for slamming Lars' head into a wooden counter and released the next day on a $500 bail. A new video was posted on his youtube channel, addressing the problem to the fans and sending another message to the opposing lead singer:
"I never thought this sh*t would escalate to this... but... now I can see it... you want a f***in' battle? Then it's on, motherf***er. That chick you were kissing on last night - yeah, I f***ed her before you did. So tell me... how does my d*ck taste? Must've been pretty rad... you might as well get used to it. Keep it up, faggot. I broke your f***in' face once, I'll do it again. I ain't scared to face you. A storm is coming, and you can't stop it."
Here's where the trouble starts. Many fans took Lars' side, (some fans continued to like both bands, despite the drama - a high five to them!) but many fans also stayed loyal to Felix and started bitching at Blood Pact fans and the band alike - and vice versa for those who took Lars' side.
Now there's this whole team Felix and team Lars sh*t between the fans (sounds like twilight to me.) What do you fans have to say about this ongoing situation? I mean, both bands are greatly talented - and no one could deny that.
Would this feud ever cease? Would it only escalate?
Are you guys on team Felix? Or team Lars?
I personally think that we should all just stop the hate. Whatever happens between the bands shouldn't really be our problem. Music is music! And if both bands are great - why hate on either of them?
-Ross Grammer; Punk Fought the Law and...
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01/18/2012 12: PM
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Reclaim! Underground (interview #1)
RECLAIM! UNDERGROUND: MAGAZINE INTERVIEW.
"I'm just f***in' retarded, I'm 24 years old and scared of commitment, and I can't tell girls that."- Felix Alexander; when asked about relationships and love.
The Cursed has been one of those bands on the frontline of experimenting with new and unusual ideas and sounds. Trenton, New Jersey might have been the birthplace of its members but, their music has evolved to be very well-known in the underground music scene of Sacramento, California and its surrounding areas. Felix Alexander -- who's well-known for his spazztastic convulsions and his hardcore screaming -- is the leader of this mob of noise mongers, he has had his fair share of volatile moments and these life experiences have fueled some of the most poetic and emotionally charged music that the underground rock scene has come to know and love. Love him or hate him, Felix has one of those personas that is larger than life and on a warm night outside of Little Medusa, we managed to get some of his time, and this is what he had to say.
1. You were born and raised in New Jersey, how was that? And how does it differ from your new life in California?
Felix Alexander: It wasn't bad. I mean, sure I had a lot of problems when I was growing up. The typical bullsh*t. Bullies, girls, peer pressure. I can go on. I can't say I hate the place completely... a lot of memories linger behind back there... but, most of them were pretty negative. [Shrugs] To answer your next question, California has treated me a little better. I love Jersey to death but, California, I guess I can say, has been my big break-through.
2. We hear that you occasionally bat for the other team.
Felix Alexander: My strange obsession with kissing boys is purely for fun. Y'know like, worshipping satan is fun. It's fun to kiss boys. I only do it to guys who I'm close to though. Nothing sexual or romantic. I've kissed my brother on the lips before. It's not a big deal. Girls think it's hot! [Laughs]
3. Have you ever used alcohol or drugs to get your sexual drive going?
Felix Alexander: I don't function correctly on drugs so I try not to take any if I'm planning on f***in' someone but, yes; I have used alcohol and drugs. I've toned down with the drugs, but I used to be a hardcore drug addict. I did drugs and I'd f*** for hours. I was definitely a fan of acid and coke, but not so much anymore. Just once and while. I like coffee, cigarettes and Jack Daniel's now. Oh! And weed. Can't forget weed. I've had some great sex smoking that sh*t too.
4. And what's the worst sex you've ever had?
Felix Alexander: Oh man... I've had a few bad experiences, but I'll always remember one of them as the worst. I met this really crazy girl at Fire Escape a couple of months ago. She ran into me backstage after the show. I had no idea who the f*** she was. It was pretty awful. She was completely wasted, and it didn't mean anything to me. I ended up nailing her in the front seat of my car... then she threw up on me. It's a sad, sad story.
5. How about relationships? Any lucky girls?
Felix Alexander: Well, I have a lot of one-night stands. I'm not really tied down to anybody at the moment. I'm just f***in' retarded, I'm 24 years old and scared of commitment, and I can't tell girls that. [Laughs] Even though I just did. I'm such a d*ckhead. I'd like to find someone, but I can't. I don't want to date anybody. I'm just not ready for a relationship, period, let alone a huge, public relationship. Maybe someday, I can maybe be with someone, but just not now.
6. Do you remember any good sex?
Felix Alexander: [Laughs] Honestly, I can't remember. So I'll just answer this question with my ideas of good sex -- adventurous, rough, and memorable. If I don't remember you after we f***ed, then obviously it was boring, therefore it was bad. Sorry if I broke any hearts.
7. We've heard rumors -- mainly from the guys from fellow underground bands -- that you don't exactly have a sexual bill of health. What's your response to that?
Felix Alexander: I don't even know where they come up with the sh*t they're talking about. I've heard some stupid-ass 'fellow' underground band f***ers call me "cauliflower d*ck" 'cause I f*** a lot of girls. Which, well, I do have sex with a lot of girls. I'm not gonna lie. If I find them attractive and they're willing to let me f*** them, then it will happen. But, I don't know why they've come with all that sh*t. Maybe they're just jealous. Maybe 'cause I probably f***ed one of their sisters. Maybe they're just jealous that they'll never be able to do what I do. How could they? [Laughs] Anyways, some girls just don't deserve the respect 'cause they're sluts. And it's not my fault that they want me. It's just how it works. Plus, they aren't as good-looking as I am. I honestly have nothing against the other bands but, whoever is talking smack could suck my d*ck. Plain and simple. Have a problem? Y'know where to find me.
8. [Laughs] Alright, now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's head a little further south. Do you prefer to give or receive?
Felix Alexander: I'm a selfish lover. But, if I receive, I'd give back... if I care enough for you, that is.
9. Do you have any fetishes? Turn-ons?
Felix Alexander: Yeah. I like biting, pain, bondage, blood, and asphyxiation. I'm a strange little boy. As for turn-ons... all of the above, but if we're going for mild -- my neck, my stomach and my bottom lip, are my weak spots.
10. Stupid question, I know, but do you ever watch porn?
Felix Alexander: [Laughs] So much that it's unhealthy. Sex addict problems.
11. What's better than sex?
Felix Alexander: This may come as a surprise to the whole entire world, but sometimes kissing is better than sex. Especially kissing someone who's got the perfect lips and is good with their tongue. Someone who knows what they're doing and doesn't spit all over the place. Well, unless the moment's right, then I don't mind spit all over the place. [Laughs]
12. Wow! That reply was actually different from what I was expecting [Laughs] but now, enough of the sexual questions -- If I was to go into your iPod, what kind of music would I find?
Felix Alexander: All different types. Collectively lots of punk and post-hardcore music.
13. Is there any albums that you don't think you could live without?
Felix Alexander: I totally feel this way about a lot of albums. If I had to choose one though, it would definitely be The Casualties - Stay Out of Order.
14. What kind of musical influences did you have growing up?
Felix Alexander: I had a lot of different musical influences growing up. Especially with my parents being the type that loved music so much. I basically grew up listening to everything from The Misfits - Danzig to The Clash - AC/DC - Guns and Roses. And my mom's band Flea Market.
15. What was your first tattoo? And how old were you when you got it?
Felix Alexander: My first tattoo was the initials "N.J" on the inside of my bottom lip [Shows it off] I was Sixteen. Hurray for under-age, illegal tattooing! [Chuckles]
16. [Laughs] Lovely, and now, sadly, I believe that's about all the questions I have for you. Thank you for taking your time to sit down and doing this interview. Is there any sort of message you'd like to give your ever-growing fan base out there in Reclaim! Underground land?
Felix Alexander: Yeah, I'd like to say - listen to our music, come to our shows. Keep yourself updated by checking out our band page; TheCurse.net -- spread the curse, destroy something beautiful 'cause we don't die, we multiply.
And there you have it folks, make sure to check them out. They are seriously an amazing upcoming band. You won't be disappointed.
-Susie X; Reclaim! Underground.
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01/18/2012 12: PM
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Spit And Sawdust (interview #2)
SPIT AND SAWDUST: MAGAZINE INTERVIEW.
"I gave Jason a blowjob."- Felix Alexander; when asked the about the lowest thing he's done for money.
While roaming around Union 13 for some interviews; I recently got the chance to sit down with a lovely trio of boys from the underground band scene, also known as The Cursed, one of my favorite post-hardcore punk bands, that are slowly building their way up. They're definitely awe-inspiring on stage with their spazzing lead vocalist and their instruments flying everywhere, but they're just as exciting backstage, chilled and drinking some coffee, while they goof around until it's their turn to play. In between drooling, I got to ask them a few questions about The Cursed's first EP and a couple of other things that I'm sure we were all curious to know.
1. Okay so, we're doing this interview for Spit and Sawdust; do you know about Spit and Sawdust?
Jason: Yeah, thanks to these two. [Points to Felix and Michael]
Felix: Yeah, actually, I think Mikey and I have some around the house. It's great.
2. Awesome! At least you guys have some knowledge of what we are, thanks. We do try our best. Haha, I'd just like to say that I absolutely love you guys, amazing music! And it's obvious that I'm not the only female who thinks this about you guys. Girls LOVE you. How do you guys feel about that?
Jason: I f***ing love the ladies.
Michael: It's really great. Just weird when complete strangers have this dying devotional love for you. Like, I've seen the most outrageous signs at our shows... outrageous behavior. It's insane. I've literally collected like, ten bra's on my mic stand in one night. [Shakes head and snickers]
Felix: Girls are crazy. I like crazy.
3. Wow... well, I guess I'm one of those crazy girls. The Cursed makes me wanna take my clothes off! Haha, and speaking of that, do you guys watch porn?
Felix: Wow, that's f***in' great. Anyways, who f***in' doesn't? [Laughs]
Michael: Once and while, when I need to release some tension.
Jason: Well, yeah but, I rather have the real thing.
Felix: Agreed.
4. Haha! Okay, so what's your favorite porn star?
Michael: Uhm, wow. There's so many; I don't know who my favorite is.
Felix: Liz Vicious. Hands down. I love red heads. Tori Black is banging too.
Jason: I agree, Tori Black is f***ing banging. But, I like a little dark meat. Skins is cute.
Felix: Oh! And Stoya. How the f*** could I forget Stoya?
Jason: Ooh, definitely her!
Michael: They're quite porn star savvy. [Chuckles]
4. Okay good; we're on the right track then. So The Cursed has been around for a year, since about 2010- right? Do you think you would want mainstream success if it were offered to you?
Felix: [Shrugs] I honestly wouldn't know.
Michael: Yeah, it's a really hard decision.
Felix: I think in the end we'd probably say no? I mean, I know - what kinda planet do we live on? If someone offers your mainstream success, you wanna f***in' move there but, I just don't know about that kinda fame yet.
Jason: Yeah, it sounds really hectic. I think we just enjoy being a bunch of regular guys and just sharing our music with our fans.
Felix: Totally, like I said, I'm not ready for that sort of fame yet.
Michael: Yeah.
5. So how did this happen? How did you end up creating The Cursed?
Felix: My brother and I were basically raised around music and just... creative sh*t in general. Our mom had her own indie band called Flea Market - she sang and played the guitar. My dad was a bass player, but his main thing was photography. I guess you can say our parents were one of those cool hipster, hippie parents. [Chuckles] They introduced us to instruments once we were old enough to speak and stand on our own.
Michael: [Nods] I picked up a mic when I was 4 but, my thing has always been the guitar and bass. Felix was a natural born leader. His thing was singing, since age two. Singing and the guitar. Having a band had always been our dream. In fact, we had our own little two man band - I think we called it -
Felix: Shut Up! [Laughs] That was the name of our little two man band. We were so young.
Michael: [Laughs] Yeah! Shut Up... it was actually pretty good. It was legit. After that, a lot of sh*t was just going on in our lives and we didn't keep the band thing up.
Jason: Then Felix found me...
Felix: ... And when I moved over to California with Michael, I brought the idea up again. I even had the luck of meeting Jason, he's a very talented drummer. I love him.
Jason: [Beams] Aww, I love you too, baby.
Michael: And that's how The Cursed was born. Pretty quick and smooth.
Jason: Our beautiful love child.
6. Beautiful, haha. So aside from The Cursed, do you have any other stuff going on, other musical projects that some people might not know about...? Anything?
Felix: Well, Michael owns a tattoo shop called 4zeroeight around Parkway South; he's a tattoo artist. Legit. I work there as a professional body piercer. As for musical projects? I'll leave Jason to answer that.
Jason: Yeah, now that you mention it - I've got a solo project going on. Completely opposite to what The Cursed sounds like. Nothing like this scene at all. It's actually a hip hop thing I do with my cousin DJ Doom, he's pretty well-known. I rap to the sick beats he makes for me. Young Favorite - that's my name. It's nothing legit and permanent yet but, it's worth checking out if any of you kids are into that. I'm also a graffiti artist. Anything for cash.
7. Speaking of money, let's hear some interesting stories; what is the lowest thing you've done for money?
Felix: I gave Jason a blowjob.
Jason: I paid him 5 dollars in coins. [Laughs]
Michael: [Just laughs and shakes his head]
Felix: I've also skateboarded down the street naked; this was when I was 16 actually. I got 100 bucks for it.
Jason: I never had to do anything for money.
Michael: I don't recall having to do anything low for money. But, I do remember that when I was 16, a 12 year old Felix forced me to call him King Felix for a whole week and do everything he told me do to, after he walked in on me getting a blowjob from my girlfriend at the time. I did it but, it was because I knew he'd tell on me. Evil little child.
Felix: [Laughs and snorts] Lowest of lows. You didn't even get paid for doing it.
Jason: [Laughs]
Michael: [Flips Felix off]
8. So finally, my wish came true and I can take your lovely music home with me. Your first EP is out; self-titled. It's been doing pretty well, and getting tons of positive response everywhere. So, when you guys made the band did you know it would one day come this far or did this all come as a surprise?
Felix: It is a surprise, but not a total surprise.
Michael: Yeah, we knew what we wanted already. We were pretty determined.
Jason: We're really happy that we're at this point. All these interviews and things.
Felix: Being listed as one of the popular underground bands and whatever.
Michael: Sometimes I think it's a little too much, but we're just happy to hear these kind of opinions from people who read the magazines and listen to our music, come to the shows, buy the EP.
Felix: Definitely.
9. So you headbang every day, don't you ever get a neck ache? Especially, you, Felix. Jumping around on stage, throwing yourself all over the place. Do you bring your own personal massage therapist wherever you go?
Felix: [Laughs] We don't have a massage therapist but, we're willing to hire. You look good enough for the job.
Michael: Haha, oh my god. Uh, your neck would end up hurting after a while. You get used to it though.
Jason: We can pay you some good money. [Winks]
10. Awesome, because my next comment was going to be to offer myself as a massage therapist.
Michael & Jason: [Both laugh]
Felix: Well, that's a great massage therapist right there. You've got the job! But, seriously, no. We don't have one.
11. Why!? You're spazzing out on stage; I would think you need one.
Felix: It'd be nice but, I don't. Jason's my massage therapist.
Jason: Yeah, private massages with happy endings. [Laughs]
12. Haha! Okay, so, along with the success, came a lot of trouble; you're probably sick to death of talking about it, but I was wondering if you had any problems at some shows with other bands?
Felix: It doesn't matter. Haters are gonna hate. Like I said before - anyone who has a problem with us could suck my d*ck. They know where to find us.
Jason: We get along with most of the other bands we meet but, there's always the haters, like Felix said.
Michael: It's mostly the older bands that think they're mightier than thou. But, it's not a big deal. We get along with a lot of other bands. It's just like, one or two that have problems with us. It's stupid, in my opinion. I don't pay attention to them.
13. Of course, a lot of haters out there. But, a lot of people who love you guys. I'm sure the love overpowers the hate, haha! And speaking of love - how's that working for you handsome guys? Any special girls?
Felix: Haven't found one yet.
Jason: I won't be settling anytime soon. I'm too young for anything steady.
Michael: Love is really complicated for me. Really hard to explain. But, no, no special anyone in my life yet.
14. Aww, that's really surprising, but I understand. You guys are still pretty young. Now, speaking of girls - do you have any ideal look for your favorite type of girl?
Felix: I love me a red head, but I'm usually not picky with hair color, eye color, skin color. None of that is extremely important to me. If I find the girl pretty, then I just do. Everything else is just a bonus. Though, I'd have to say that I don't really like girls who are covered in tattoos. Simple tattoos are okay but, covered like we are? I don't see myself dating a girl like that. Too many piercings are a no as well, I guess I can say I like the modest looking ones. I like a wild personality, just tone it down with the looks.
Jason: I completely agree with Felix - but, I really f***ing love black girls. I think they're sexy.
Michael: I like blondes. All the girlfriend's I ever had were blondes. [Laughs] But, I'm not picky about the hair color and all that jazz. A nice personality and someone who could just understand me is all I need. The tattoos and piercings are okay as long as it's nothing crazy.
15. Wow, I was expecting, dark-haired tattooed chicks from all of you, haha! Am I attractive to you guys? Piercings and all?
Jason: Of course!
Felix: Yeah, you're actually pretty chilled looking. Not anything crazy. I've seen crazy. I just don't like pretty girls who f*** themselves up and end up looking like men, if I wanted to date a man - I'd be with Jason.
Michael: [Laughs] Well, you're a blonde... [Shakes head] But, seriously. You're really pretty.
16. Awwww! Thanks you guys! Now I'm blushing. Haha, okay! So last question I'm gonna ask you guys: I noticed you've been asked several times about drug use, and have always answered that you guys do them once and a while, except for Michael who said that the most he has done was smoke weed. Do you feel that being a performer makes you a role model for fans? Do you feel this is an unfair responsibility handed to you guys, and other musicians alike, when people should make their own decisions?
Felix: I've tone it down with the drugs since the last time I was interviewed. I shouldn't really be considered a role model. Not in the slightest. I'm not Mcgruff the Crime Dog or whatever. Just because I jump off a bridge, it shouldn't mean you should follow. I can't tell you that they're good or bad. People are gonna do what they wanna do at the end of the day. Figure it out yourself. I'm not their f***in' mom. You know?
Jason: I think Felix hit the nail on that one. There's really nothing else I could add. No one's our responsibility. [Shrugs]
Michael: I don't even do that anymore. My only addictions now are smoking cigarettes and the occasional beer. But, people should really make their own decisions, not follow ours.
Of course, of course Okay, well - I'm afraid that that's all the time we have. Thank you for your time guys. I had lots of fun. And fans? Make sure to check out their EP - it will be sold at wherever these boys are playing at. Thanks again, guys.
- Miss Myra; Spit and Sawdust.
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01/18/2012 01: PM
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Vive le Rock! (Interview #3)
Vive le Rock! Magazine Interview.
Felix Alexander is kissing and telling -- again.
Vive Le Rock! Has got an exclusive interview with the energetic lead singer of The Cursed, where the 24 year old dishes on everything from his little flings to his odd fetishes and other things he likes to do. He's never been one to hold his tongue, but he's well known for speaking his mind, no matter the consequences. We were lucky enough to get a few minutes of his free time while he was at work at his brother, and fellow band mate's tattoo and piercing shop; 4zeroeight - which I highly suggest you folks come and check out. But, enough of my babble, here is the interview.
1. Well, hi! My name's Izzy Noire, from Vive Le Rock magazine. Thanks so much for sharing some of your time for this interview. I'll make it as quick as possible so you can get back to work. Haha, okay so - where do we start?
Felix: Hey, nice meeting you Izzy. [Smirks and shakes his head] No problem. Uhm, I don't know? How about we start with a how you doing? I haven't seen you in a while? [Laughs, shrugs] I don't know. You're the kid interviewing me.
2. Haha! Right. Well then, how are you doing?
Felix: Good. Thanks for asking. Oh! And I've learned myself a few new extra skateboarding tricks. I feel awesome about that.
3. Oh, you skateboard?
Felix: [Nods] Yessir. Though, I wouldn't say I JUST skate. I f***in' shred. I'm super killer at it.
4. That's really cool, what do you like best about skateboarding?
Felix: I like that high energy that makes you feel like you're fourteen again, f***ing up your body whenever you f***in' fall and get hurt. I also like the idea of knocking down old ladies as they're walking out with their groceries.
5. Hahaha, do you like to snowboard?
Felix: Yeah, I love it. But, I don't really get to do that around here. Only when I take a vacation to Sun Peaks in Canada.
6. Cool. Okay, so I think I know what I'm gonna ask you now. We're gonna get a little more personal. I'm sure you wouldn't mind that at all. Shows, are you into meeting girls there?
Felix: Yeah, I met your mom. [Laughs] No, I'm joking. I meet a lot of girls there. They're mostly one night stands and a few minutes fling kinda thing.
7. Right, so no special anyone?
Felix: Actually... now that you mention it, I did meet someone worth my time at one of my shows.
8. Oh! Care to tell us a little bit about this mystery girl?
Felix: Tall, pale, really pretty hair. Hazel eyes, soft lips, British accent. Oh, and did I mention that she's a he?
9. A boy?!
Felix: Yeah, my boyfriend. And no, I'm not joking. I know I've joked about it before, but this is serious. We've f***ed.
10. Holy sh*t, I wasn't expecting that. That's great, actually! How do you feel about that? Do you feel like it's something official? That you've finally found that one person? Are you surprised that it ended up being a male instead of a female?
Felix: [Laughs] Woah, breathe kid. Okay, uh - it's something new. I've never done it before. I didn't think I'd like it. At first I was a little sketchy about it, but I'm really glad I went through with it and gave it a try. Uhm, yeah, our relationship isn't truly perfect and it goes up and down like a rollercoaster, but for the most part, we're pretty happy with it. I feel like it's official - I hope. I guess that's why I'm going public with it. That boy's like a drug to me. If he charged me 10,000 dollars to f*** him, I would start selling all my sh*t just to keep f***in' him. That's basically how that goes.
11. Does this mean you have a thing for guys too?
Felix: No. I'm sure that if anything happens between me and him, I'm sticking to girls. Probably will go back to my old ways.
12. Oh okay, I understand. And would you care to tell us a little more about him?
Felix: His name is Gabriel and he's a vampire. [Laughs]
13. Haha, okay. So, I think this is taking longer than I planned it to be. The boyfriend thing just came as such a surprise. So I'm still curious about that. How's your sex life with Gabriel?
Felix: Phenomenal. And that's all you need to know.
14. Any sexual fetishes?
Felix: I like being tied up sometimes. Feeling some sort of pain. I f***in' love aggressiveness. But, using whips and chains is just too planned for me. You have to stop and look for sh*t. I really prefer them using their hands. And by 'them' I mean Gabriel. [Chuckles] I'm a sado-masochist. I like to receive pain as much as I love to inflict it.
15. Submissive or dominant?
Felix: With girls? I'm really dominant. But, with Gabriel - it switches once and I while, but 99.9% of the time I'm submissive. I didn't realize I could be until he recently came into my life. I have no problem with it. As long as I'm getting f***ed.
16. Right, that's all that matters. Well okay, I think that's all I'm gonna bother you with. Is there anything else you'd like to say before I close this interview?
Felix: Hail satan.
And there you have it. We've found out a lot more than what we thought we would. He's off the market girls... and guys. Will we ever see his mystery 'vampire' boyfriend? I'll be keeping an eye out. Maybe we can interview him and he could spill the beans about something hot and steamy for us to revel in. Until then, this has been Izzy Noire from Vive Le Rock! And in Felix's words - hail satan.
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