Mike Cheese Gehenna
What is your name and band/label/etc?
My name is Mike. Myself and a few friends commit crimes under the name GEHENNA. I'm also involved in musical projects like PARALLEL HELLS, LESSER KEY, SANGRAAL, M.F.T.S., and a few others.
What are your top five albums that were released in 2012? (In order 1-5)
- INTEGRITY / GEHENNA split 7" (Yup. I said it. Best record to be released in 2012. No joke. Buy it and find out.)
- SEAN PRICE - Mic Tyson
- DON TRIP - Guerilla Mixtape
- MAGIC WANDS - Aloha Moon LP
- 100s - Ice Cold Perm
What band did you discover in 2012 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I got a chance to see PSYCHIC LIMB when we were in Brooklyn. They're a fucking brilliant band. Even though their record came out in 2011 I didn't get a chance to see them or hear the LP until 2012. Everything about the band is amazing. From the over the top 1 sided record to the explosive live show. More hardcore bands should be this ballsy. I was stoked on seeing MURDERESS live too. They smoke! RAT DAMAGE from Sacramento are fucking killer as well!
How will you remember 2012? (In terms of music)
NEGATIVE APPROACH 2 times in 1 night. Thanks Joe McKay!
What can we look forward to from you in 2013?
A new album from GEHENNA (finally), as well as a rerelease of our long out of print "Negotium..." album, more crime, more partying, more touring and I'll be turning 40 years old. The PARALLEL HELLS demo is on the way and LESSER KEY demo is on the way.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2013?
I'm excited to hear the new BLIND TO FAITH, and I'm still waiting on the PENETRATION PANTHERS LP. Most of all I'm anxious to hear the MERCURY QUASAR MORRIS (@BFgoodritch) joints.
Fundraising sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have made a strong impact on the ability of artists to release music. Do you think this approach is a trend, or will it continue to shape how artists produce their material?
That shit sucks. I wish there were less people releasing records anyway because the vast majority of records being released are fucking terrible. I don't really involve myself with any of these clowns though so, who cares?