Shane Handal (Set and Setting)
SPB: There are a lot of stereotypes about post-rock. How do you approach genre and expectation when composing?
Handal: For whatever reason, post-rock sometimes has a negative stigma attached to it. Which is weird to me, because a lot of bands are proud to proclaim certain genres. Anyway, we never really felt like we've belonged in that genre, but because we are instrumental with long songs we get bunched in there. Maybe that's why bands don't like it? It puts us in a box full of stereotypes for listeners.
There are times when writing that I purposely try and dodge a more cliche "post-rock" opportunity either with a riff or melody, but most of the time it's not really a thought that crosses my mind. We try to write what comes out naturally, and there's rarely a thought of how we should write something because of stereotypes in any genre. When there is an expectation, we usually try and avoid that rather than give into it.
Mike Park (Asian Man Records)
SPB: What gives you the biggest sense of accomplishment through your years at Asian Man and as a part of the overall music scene?
Park: Developing life long friendships even when money and fame and power are usually the root of success in this corrupt business called the music business. This is my biggest accomplishments. When I constantly hear these nightmare stories of bands/labels fighting/suing each other and shit talking, I sit back and find solace in creating an oasis of good people whom I can call friends for life.
Dustin Cole Hayes (Making New Enemies)
SPB: How much space in your house is dedicated to music storage (whether instruments or records)?
Hayes: Well, unfortunately for my roommates 50% of our basement is filled up with all my music and recording gear. Then that gear is matched by an equal amount of friend’s gear left and forgotten about over time. So in total we have like 10 different amps and cabs of all sizes, two full drum sets, and a cornucopia of guitars and pedals strewn around. My roommates literally have to carve a path through the gear to the washer and dryer like a hoarder’s house…
I’d say I make up for it by cleaning the kitchen and floors a lot but I’m not sure if they’d even agree…
