American Headcharge Interview

American Head Charge is a combustible unit threatening to explode at any time. Marred by the death of a guitarist while on tour (the interview was conducted before the tragedy), this seething outfit that meld metal and industrial have always been an outfit on the brink, living on the rock 'n' roll edge. While getting the lowdown from guitarist Mr. H.C. Banks, we touched on the band's demons, as well as his views on the music industry and the inner workings of one of the most volatile bands on the scene today.

The Gauntlet: Why was there such a gap of time between THE FEEDING and THE ART OF WAR?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: We spent almost two years doing demos for Rick Rubin when we were at Universal/Island Def Jam. We felt we were ready to record a new album, and he didn't share our feelings. That, on top of getting off of one label and actually procuring another deal can take time.

The Gauntlet: What was the main difference recording the two albums?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: Time and money. This album didn't have a gale force of cash being thrown at us. We actually had a budget this time and were very aware of our spending and time constraints.

The Gauntlet: What is the atmosphere in the band like now after all you've been through? Do your individual demons still haunt the inner workings of AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: The demons are still there. They'll never go away. They're a part of our make-up as individuals and as a musical unit.

The Gauntlet: Where and who did you record the album with and how was the overall experience?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: At Westlake Studios in Los Angeles. The overall experience was difficult, personally. It wasn't as "fun" as the first record. The sense of wonderment wasn't there. We knew what we were walking into this time.

The Gauntlet: Which song was the easiest the record? The hardest? The one that came out the best?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: The Easiest to record: "Leave Me Alone". The hardest to record: "Fiend". One that came out the best: "To Be Me".

The Gauntlet: Typically, how does an AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE song get written? (who starts it up, who arranges it, who writes lyriCirca Survive, etc.)
MR. H.C. BANKS III: There's no certain way we write songs. The first record was basically all Martin and myself. THE FEEDING was much more of a band effort, as everyone got their two cents in.

The Gauntlet: What's the best and worst part about being in this band?
MR. H.C. BANKS III: The best part is the hours and the worst part is there is no health plan.

The Gauntlet: Describe AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE to someone who never heard you before?
MR. H.C. BANKS III: Can't do it. Sorry.

The Gauntlet: What are some main themes of your songs? What inspires you to write songs?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: There is no main theme. Ambiguity is definitely our forte. Inspiration? Difficulty, unhappiness. The worst thing is a content artist, unless you're Dave Matthews, I suppose.

The Gauntlet: Who are some of your musical influences? Are there any we wouldn't initially pick up after listening to AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: Kiss, Ministry, Public Enemy, NIN, Tom Waits, Danny Elfman, and The Jesus Lizard.

The Gauntlet: What are the touring plans for THE FEEDING?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: We've already done the UK twice, Europe, Download festival, US Otep tour, US Mudvayne tour, and now we're direct support for Static X until August 20th. So far, so good.

The Gauntlet: When I'm not in AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, I'm...

MR. H.C. BANKS III: Pretty fucking bored.

The Gauntlet: Who are some of your current favorite bands?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: I don't really listen to new music very much.

The Gauntlet: Has the Dimebag Darrell tragedy affected your view on touring?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: Not really, except for the extreme lack of security at the Al Rosa (where Dime was killed). I was appalled that three weeks after the fact, anyone could have snuck anything in the back door to that place.

The Gauntlet: How do you feel about the current state of heavy music?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: It's been getting a bit better in the past few years, but it's the same old shit. A few new bands come around, lots of media attention for not exactly re-inventing the wheel, and then there are 18,000 bands that show up sounding exactly the same. Hardcore with harmony solos? Yeah, yeah, I get it.

The Gauntlet: What would you like to accomplish this year for AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: To see record number three come into the world. I figure we've gotten this far.

The Gauntlet: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: Don't ever trust industry people. That, and "smaller" labels don't equal higher morality rates. Majors or independents, they're all the same. They want your money and will do anything to get it.

The Gauntlet: What bands would you like to tour with that you haven't yet?

MR. H.C. BANKS III: We played with Ministry, but haven't toured with them yet, so there's one. NIN would be great. Manson maybe? And, I'd love to do Coachella.