Interview: Violent New Breed - Max Green

Q: What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

A: I really feel like I’ve always had a strong connection with music. I’m a very emotional person and I connect with music really strongly so at a young age I always felt music and songs meant more to me than the average person. If I wasn’t involved in music, I feel like I would’ve pursued something else in the entertainment field. Maybe comedy or acting.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

A: When I’m not playing music I like to play video games, make stuff, see movies. Pretty normal shit I’d say. I have been working on a little project called “UNLUCKY27s” it’s a handmade jewelry company I’m doing.

Q: How long has your band been around? 

A: Well, I’ve been vocal about the project for a few years but just recently has it really come to life and been solidified. So maybe a year or a little longer I guess.

Q: Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

A: Myself and the band are based out of Las Vegas, NV.  Well there’s A LOT going on in this city, both good and bad. I always feel like you’re a direct product of your environment, so this place gives us a lot to be inspired from.

Q: How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

A: I’m actually a big fan of this 80s/early 90s band named “shotgun messiah” and the last album they made was called “Violent New Breed” I always thought that would make a badass band name and I got the opportunity to meet up and ask the main guy Tim Skold, and he gave me his blessing to use it, in fact he even said he thought the same thing back then about making that a band name haha!

Q: Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

A: Oh man, there’s been PLENTY of great shows I’ve played in the past. A lot of them were overseas. The energy you get from an overseas crowd is insane, they really go all out and appreciate you for making the trip over.

And the worst shows I’ve played.....probably the time I almost died on stage and had to be drugged offstage and woke up in a hospital.

Not cool!

Q: Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

A: Man, the first place that comes to mind is this huge hall called “The Egyptian Room” I believe. It just sounds and looks great inside!

I’m sure there are lots of new venues I haven’t played yet so I’m just looking forward to getting back on the road!!

Q: If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

A: Nirvana, Lamb Of God, Tech 9 hahaha 

Q: What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

A: Write a song everyday and don’t stop. Also, do what you like and don’t try too hard to fit in with what other people think is cool, just do you! 

Q: If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

A: DONT DO DRUGS!

Q: Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

A: hmmmm......all our songs have a little piece of my soul in them, honestly. It’s hard to say which means the most to me.

Q: Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

A: well still being a fairly new project, maybe we can meet up sometime in a year or so and you can ask me again haha.

Q: What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

A: Well Sean Russell and Shawn McGhee are both very different but also very amazing writers, and when the 3 of us come together we can all find little improvements on each other’s work and create a big big sounding song. 

Q: What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

A: Well I always believe that lyrics should be very very honest. I personally find it easier to draw from past real life experiences or things that I’m currently going through and putting them down on paper. So the songs are across the board, but this album has a lot to do with feeling like you’ve been done dirty, feeling like  you’re on your own and saying fuck you, I’ll do this on my own and succeed.

Q: Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

 A: hahaha every band has disagreements, being in a band is like having multiple girlfriends and trying to keep everyone happy haha.

Ok but seriously, we’ve all agreed to have a specific “leader” and that person has final say, but we also know that communication is key and we’re pretty good at voicing opinions and talking civilly about how or why something needs to be a certain way and at the end of the end, everyone is usually very happy!

Q: What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

A: oh well I’m so glad you asked!

Yes, we have our debut album “Bad Reputation” coming out on October 25th, and we’ve been making some really cool Merch and other goodies for fans to get their hands on via our preorder packages! 

As for any touring plans, we’ve been chatting with some friends about trying to schedule some stuff, but as of now, nothing in the books on a national level, though I’m sure that will change here soon enough!