Napalmbats brings an exquisite energy to their music, creating an authentic sound that simultaneously honors and breaks the traditional rules of heavy metal. It is an approach that is earning this group out of San Diego much acclaim lately and has propelled their debut radio single ‘The Night We Die’ to the top of the charts. One critic recently went so far as to comment: ‘‘The Night We Die’ quickly builds up tension and suspense in a way that only Napalmbats can do right, creating an ambiance that is as unsettling as it is mysterious.’ Reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Napalmbats to learn more about this intriguing group, their artistic inspirations and plans for the future.
ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
NAPALMBATS: Szin Napalm: Well one time one of the girls we had on stage had allegedly stolen some money from our manager that was backing us financially, you know for food and music equipment and shows. So he told my old guitarist to grab her computer and I wasn't liking that idea so after he did that, I loaded up my van with all the music gear, I mean everything, and stashed it at a friend's place until our manager got his money back and my performer girl got her computer back. Needless to say everyone hated me after that, except my stage girl, but turns out I was right, she never stole any money. They were just trying to get master files of the band's music. True story.
ALEXIS: Your song ’The Night We Die’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
NAPALMBATS: J.J.Bats: I felt like imploding, I thought about everyone in the world who listens to the radio and visualized them in my head. That's a lot of people.
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
NAPALMBATS: J.J.Bats: All of the mermaids that got blown up because the government wanted people to eat fish.
Szin Napalm: LOL
J.J.Bats: But seriously!
ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
NAPALMBATS: Szin Napalm: You're going to make us cry if you pick at any wounds. Our whole lives are the catalysts and there are many things that fuel our song writing. Just check out our lyrics and song titles, it's all real, none of it is for show.
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
NAPALMBATS:
Szin Napalm: Intelligent, stupid, stubborn and hard working... you can be intelligent and stupid at the same time right?
J.J.Bats: Yes you can.
ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
NAPALMBATS: J.J.Bats: It's great since it has only been the two of us.
Szin Napalm: J.J. is an amazing musician, I'm lucky in so many ways to have met her. Right now we are looking for a drummer, we really need a permanent drummer.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
NAPALMBATS: J.J.bats: Not that I know of.
Szin Napalm: No, just me.
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
NAPALMBATS: J.J.Bats: Most rewarding is the fact that I'm doing what I want to do, and no matter what happens, I still have that. Most challenging is obtaining the materials that help me excel.
Szin Napalm: Pretty much what J.J. said, setting out to do what I always intended. The hardest thing is that I have sacrificed everything to be a musician-- family, friends, relationships, even my own health, for what I want.
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
NAPALMBATS: Szin Napalm: Well for as long as anyone has known me, I get asked if I'm still listening to White Zombie. That's a definite-- I have 'La Sexorcisto' in my CD player right now.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
NAPALMBATS: Szin Napalm: I would have to say playing with my high school band, Sever, where we played 'For Whom The Bell Tolls.' I played a killer solo version of the intro on bass. There is a VHS floating around somewhere of that show.
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
NAPALMBATS: Szin Napalm: Be true to yourself, because taking this road might not ever go anywhere but in your garage, making music with your best friends.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
NAPALMBATS: Szin Napalm: We are about to release the album version of 'The Night We Die' as well as the album version of 'Not Alright.' We had just been waiting until we bought a mixer to record our vocals for all of our songs, along with a new Gallian Kruger amp head for J.J.
ALEXIS: Very exciting! Thank you for taking the time to fill us in on your lives as musicians. All the best with your future endeavors.
http://www.napalmbat.bandcamp.com
