Interview with Contortion

Stone: lead singer/Guitarist of Contortion:

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

It’s a passion. I don’t think there was any one specific thing that sparked it. I used to rock out in my bedroom as a child, and pretend I was in a band. Lol It was always in me to do what I do. Honestly, I can’t imagine trying to do anything else. I was on a path to become a teacher… so maybe teach English around the world, so I could still travel? But I don’t really know. This is in my blood.

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

I paint, write, & dabble in photography. Keeping creative juices flowing in all directions is important. I don’t think it directly effects my musical abilities, but rather, keeps my mind working in a creative way. Always firing those neurons, building on imagination and vision. I also venture out to find new music all the time… this helps build on the inspiration. If I only listened to metal or the same bands, I feel our art would become stagnant and suffer.

How long has your band been around?

Roughly 10 years. But its been a struggle as we have been off and on during this time. Its great to be on again, in a very real way.

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

We are from Southern California, and I believe that this makes us more tenacious in our drive to persevere in the art. The LA, OC, and San Diego scenes are flooded with bands. So, its imperative to set ourselves apart from the herd.

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

Contortion is representative of the mental state one is in while performing such an act. Similar to many other hardcore body modifications, there is a particular mindset where one separates their conscious mind from their body, and reaches a state of euphoria though pain… This is what music does for us.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Knottfest and Mayhem of 2015 were pretty amazing! But we have had many underground shows that have been amazing! We were also privileged to do a west-coast run with our friends in Crypta in the US, and those were very noteworthy events!

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Everywhere, if I’m being honest. We are just beginning to branch out into the world, and all options are on the table. We would really like to get on the EU festival circuit, and are in discussions now to make that happen.

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

Oh man…. The list is so long! HahaI would have to say that Slayer is an A list, of course. But when I think of what we sound like and whom we may best pair with, I think of bands like Devil Driver, Born of Osiris, Opeth, & Machine Head.

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

some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Don’t rely on other people to do what you have the time and effort to accomplish. Don’t trust anyone that wants your money to “help” you achieve your goals.

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

Practice more! lol

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

Among the Stars, from our new album The Common Thread, is far and away the most important to me and the band. While we tend to be more political in nature, this song is actually about my daughter who passed away in 2020. It highlights the moment she left this world, and the tragic emotions involved.

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

Guttersnipe is a fun one. It has a lot of bounce, and seems to be one of the favs of fans… which we never figured it would be.Among the Stars, for obvious reasons. Also, it is a rad song to play and audiences resonate with the intensity of this track. The truly feel the gravity!

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

Our inspiration comes from all the art of the world and music from all over the world. We draw from all subgenres of metal, as well as other styles of music like EDM artists! There is so much to appreciate in the world and inspiration to encapsulate.Lyrically, I am driven by the woes and problems in the world. The corruption that has woven its way into all governments, corporations, and everyday life. These are my colors and canvas I paint with.

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

A general sense of what the real story is, surrounding us all every day. Much like bands like Machine Head or Rage Against the Machine. We strike back to the heart of the real issues with poetic fever.The “issues” discussed in most media (Social or otherwise) are usually distractions from the actual problems that are wrecking the world: War, corruption, financial disparity, etc.  

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

Rarely. If they do surface, we converse about them like adults.

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

We are currently touring Europe! The “Unraveling Europe Tour 2024” is already underway!Traveling though much of the east and south, we will end in Paris and London. 😉

All the details can be found on our IG page, Bandsintown, or our website:@Contoritonofficial

Contoritonofficial.com