GOLDEN ARM INTERVIEW - THANKS TO JASON AND PATRICK FOR BOTH ANSWERING!

1. so you guys (golden arm) have been a band for a little over 2 years now correct? Being very active these past two years, it seems like your band is never afraid to play any show, at any time. whether the show be a hardcore show, late night punk show , or metal show. Golden Arm has undoubtedly been a staple band in JC since the start. With that being said, what is the most memorable show (or shows) you guys have played?

Jason -
We played a house/apartment show in Kingsport for Gavin’s 21st birthday, and that was a lot of fun because Gavin was shit faced and it just felt more natural playing in a tiny ass, smelly, crowded room.

The Hideaway is always fun to play, because it’s our home away from home.

The Iron Clad in South Carolina was a fun show because it was one of our first out of town shows, and it was at a Neo Nazi venue, which we didn’t know at the time. The name should have given it away, but none of us noticed what it was about until we went into the record store that was within/next to the venue and noticed that they sold a lot of Screwdriver, and various other skinhead albums. Regardless it was a fun show. It was the first time we got to play with Cut It Out, which was awesome, and it was the first time that we played with Iced Out (RIP).

Ximeno’s Skate park, in Greenville, South Carolina was also a fun show, because it combined music and skateboarding. You can’t beat the feeling of playing in the middle of a half pipe.


Patrick - The halloween show was fun for sure, ANY DUCK ISLAND SHOW, the apartment show with The Scams and any KY, SC or NC show. We just love playing shows! shows are fun! Especially when the bands don't all play the same stuff.


2. Aside from musical influences, what are some other aspects that influence the band to write tunes?

Jason - Honesty.

Patrick - Lyrically I draw a lot just from my own day to day life. The struggles I see my friends go through and I go through myself.

3. what, in your eyes, are some of the strongest points in the worldwide hardcore scene right now. Also, what are some of the things that you think are lacking and could be better?

Jason - I think a good portion of hardcore has just become the new popular sub genre, and lost it’s point. At the same time, I never see real hardcore going away. Any sort of aggressive music that has a message and gets to the point, I consider hardcore. The trends of hardcore will come and go, but the point of hardcore will always be around.

I believe that real hardcore is still there, and people still believe in real hardcore. At the same time, there are bands, just like any music scene, who are in it for selfish reasons.

Patrick - None of us really follow the hardcore scene so I can't comment.

4. Who are your favorite bands to gig with? and why

Jason - The Scams, because they have their own sound, and they are all cool guys.

Cut It Out, because they did a Blink 182 cover the first time we played with them.

Panzer, because they are the most DIY Post Metal band.

Mannequin Hollowcaust, because it reminds me of a bad acid trip in a haunted house.

The local bands that don’t get the credit they deserve, and the touring bands who are humble and appreciative just to be doing what they love.

Patrick-The Scams!! good dudes and always a fun show. also Mannequin Hollowcaust and Panzer.

5. The hardcore shows in JC have definitely picked up and gained steam since your 1st show with Where it Ends and IROM..but if you could change one thing about the local hardcore scene now, what would it be?

Jason- More local bands, cheaper covers, less drama.

Patrick - I would change that we need MORE BANDS and more all local shows.

6. So I remember when you guys were giving away your demo with the first 7 songs you guys ever had recorded. That demo is definitely a classic. Everybody i knew was jamming that and it seemed like turnouts to GA shows tripled after that! How has the band progressed since then?

Jason - The older songs were pissed off, but the newer songs let you know why they were pissed off. The newer message is much darker and personal. The music does more to combine what each of us listen to and have to contribute.

Patrick - Since our old stuff we've grown as musicians and work together more as a band. Just a generic answer.

7. That brings me to now. Lets talk about the new demo you guys are recording/have recorded? How far away is that from being finished reaching public ears?

Jason - It's completely finished now. We just need to get started on the artwork, so hopefully it will be out sometime in September, or early October.

Patrick - We take forever to do anything band related. We all have lives that are more important than the 'core. We hope to have tapes and CDs by early Oct.

8. What kind of sound can we expect to hear on this upcoming release? anything different?

Jason - More crust, doom, and metal influences.

Patrick - New stuff is a lot darker both musically and lyrically.

9. I know im stoked about this recording. I know many others are as well. what are the expectations for Golden Arm for the remainder of 2008?

Jason - Hopefully we will continue to progress in the direction we're going and build on that.

Patrick - No real plans. Just play shows and get this damn EP out.

10. Lastly, you guys being around this scene for a long time now, what advice would you send out to the all the younger kids that have starting coming to shows in the last few months?

Jason - Don't get caught up in trends; think for yourself; and have fun.

Patrick - advice? Shows are fun. remember that. Don't get involved in the social aspect of anything in life. Hardcore, high school, fraternities, and whatever are all the same. There will always be drama, liars, gossips and thieves. Avoid the bullshit and just have fun. Thats why all of us older guys are still involved. Its because we learned not to know what bullshit is going on in other's lives.