An Interview by Nick Coviello
You're riding in the back seat of a strange car, heading down a street somewhere in Los Angeles. The streets are dark, the area is run down, and you don't feel quite safe. There are two guys in the front seat that speak to you distantly...as if they don't know what to make of you yet. At this point, you don't know what to make of them either. You've been invited to sit in on a rehearsal for the band Epidemic...
See through See beyond. -----Epidemic
...when the car pulls into the parking lot of a bland, industrial building, you begin to wonder how good an idea this is. The singer, Boris, and the drummer, Tim, escort you into the building through a gray, metal door. The front room is dimly lit and cluttered with the band's odds and ends: guitars, amplifiers, and recording equipment. Instead of a performance space, there's a fully equipped recording studio, that feels like someone's home.
It takes a moment to realize that: This is no rehearsal space. The other two band members are not present -- and Boris has gone to throw up.
A nauseous singer wouldn't make for the best first impression, so you fully expect the session to be canceled. But in mere moments, Boris comes out with a determined look on his face. "I'm gonna drive my car through their front door" he says, berating the entire restaurant industry and venting about the evils that bad oysters bring, and the atmosphere loosens up.
Then you casually mention "where's the rehearsal space?" They lead you around the corner to an old dance studio that has been converted into Epidemic's stage, using huge black theater curtains to form walls. From hidden amplifiers, you hear a hypnotic guitar feedback. There's also a kitchen, a makeshift living space, and a disheveled bed. You realize that someone actually lives here.
The other members of the band, Bruce, the guitarist, and Jimmy, the bassist, are focused on setting up. They pay you no mind.
You make your way towards an old chair and try to make yourself comfortable. The guitar feedback is still throbbing as Boris and Tim leave you to join the others. Tim sits behind the drums. Boris picks up the microphone and says, "Is everybody in?"
And without waiting for an answer, they explode.
Immediately, you realize that this isn't just a rehearsal - it's a performance in complete overdrive. There is no chit-chat between songs, no do overs or criticisms. Boris vigorously rips through his lyrics. Each member plays as part of a whole. Their eyes are closed with the world tuned out... It doesn't seem to matter if they're just playing for one person or a thousand; their intensity is the same. There is nothing casual about their set, and each song has a purpose.
You've heard their music, you've read their lyrics, but in your mind, this is the first time you've really heard the band. The key to Epidemic's impact is live performance, and when they finish their set strong, you catch your breath, and you realize that this wasn't a bad idea at all.
Struggling to explain Before you tune me out and turn away. -----Epidemic
Sitting down with the band back in the recording studio, you enthusiastically give them your thoughts on their performance, and they hardly respond. There doesn't seem to be an ego to this band - just confidence. You learn that they're very protective of their image, and they want to make sure you understand exactly where they're coming from.
"Epidemic is designed to make you think, "says Bruce." "The name alone brings up some harsh images, but has it has a deeper meaning to us. Racism, suicide, illiteracy, and poverty are just some of the things that go on in the U.S. that we overlook everyday, and we are becoming more and more desensitized to it each year."
"Just turn on the news... America is killing itself, and its social behavior is getting worse all the time" says Tim. "The name "Epidemic" is a reflection of today's harsh reality, and it's supposed to open your eyes."
Boris adds, "in the end, we're not trying to change the world, but maybe we can have insight on a more personal level."
You glorify what is overrated. -----Epidemic
When asked further about their style, you learn just how important living in Los Angeles has affected their views. "You meet a lot of people in L.A. that are just looking out for themselves, and they can help you as much as hurt you" says Bruce. "Most of what comes out now is short-lived. And not just what's on the radio either. You see it in movies, television... it's style over substance. Mediocrity is forced. Importance and depth are given to things that don't deserve more than a passing glance."
"So many people out here are concerned with their own agendas that they forget what was is real," says Jimmy. "Your integrity is challenged on a daily basis... this place wants to define who you are, the trick is staying true to your own beliefs and still getting what you want."
All I know is that fear makes us mock what is true -----Epidemic
"Today's music is rarely inspiring to us. It's made with the purpose of cashing in on current trends and doesn't seem to have a point of view. The music comes out, gets the airplay, but there's no real impact. When you listen to our music, we want you to feel the same rush that we get from bands that inspire us."
"Parents will see our CD sitting on their kid's dresser; hopefully they will take the time to investigate what we are about. We want them to see what their kids are facing on a daily basis. That's the point, we want to make an impression and stir you up."
"The key is to look beyond, you'll hear messages of inner struggle dealing with beliefs, integrity, and individuality. You'll see that we are trying to show that there is more to everything then just what's on the surface..."