Swashbuckle Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new ep?

Admiral Nobeard:  We’ve been writing more songs for a new record as well as being fucking idiots and having as much fun as piratically possible.   We’re basically gearing up for the release of the EP as well as a small tour at the beginning of August.  Check our facebook bullshit for dates and updates and if you need a date, ladies.

2.You have a new ep coming out in August, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

AN:  It’s Swashbuckle.  Just faster, grindier, and more retarded than ever.  That’s basically the difference.  We write songs that we wanna write and listen to and that’s how it’s always been.  There are a lot more blastbeats and the tempos are through the roof.  

3.This is going to be the first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on with the band during those years?

AN:  A few tours, some cruises, new member, being realistic as fuck.  We were all working and jamming with our other bands.  That’s pretty much it.  It’s not like we disappeared, we’ve just been busy at life.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

AN:  Really? This question?   All the songs have to do with getting our degrees in Library Studies.  That and VCR repair.

5.I have noticed the band is labeled as 'pirate metal', can you tell us a little bit more about that tag and do you think pirates will ever be as well known in metal as the vikings or crusaders that have been  popping up in the scene over the years?

AN:  Running Wild has been around since the late 70s/Early 80s, so the pirate thing has been around much longer than the Viking fad. Sure, while only few select bands have tackled piracy, everyone and their mother writes about fucking vikings.  

We’re pirate metal in the sense that we have lyrical themes that relate to piracy.  Musically we’re a fucking crossover band who plays fast aggressive jams and we don’t give a fuck about key tars. Also, I don’t give a fuck if pirates are ever as overused and abused as the viking theme.  If it comes to that, good. Great.  Graynd. Wonderful. Who gives a flying fuck.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

AN:  The best shows we’ve played are all the ones where there’s no one in the crowd, or where we’re opening up for your favorite band and you’re extremely butt-hurt that we’re on the bill and wasting your precious time as you sit up front against the barricade texting your shithead friends.  Those always make for the best stage banter.

As for our stage performance, we kinda focus on not fucking up royally and having the best time we can possibly have.  Even if it’s at your expense.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new ep?

AN:  We’ll be doing a short run with Nekrogoblikon and Rainbowdragoneyes from August 3rd to August 17th.  We’re hitting the north east US as well as a few shows in Canada, check our facebook page for details.

8.The new ep is going to be released on 'Get This Right Records', how did you get in contact with this label and how would you compare working with them to the other labels that you have been a part of in the past?

AN:  I’ve known Dave and John who run Get This Right Records for years.  They’re cool dudes chillin’, so I asked if they’d be interested in putting out the EP.  They said ‘FUCK YEAH!’ So now we’re releasing our 4 song bastard for all you muzak haters out there.  It’s not as serious as dealing with an entity like Nuclear Blast, but they still maintain a professional attitude and have been putting in the work to prove it.  Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with their results so far.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer material by fans of death and thrash metal?

AN:  I have no idea.  The record comes out on August 5th.  I guess we’ll see the results then.   I’m sure if you were a fan of us before, you’ll like it.  If you fucking hated us before, you’ll probably fucking hate this. It’s 50/50.

10.What is going on with the other musical projects these days that some of the band members are involved with?

AN:  Legendary Pirate King Eric “The” Brown is still making wacky chiptune jams for Rainbowdragoneyes and does touring to chiptune communities as well as jaded metal kids.  Commodore Redrum and my other band Bottomfeeder are also releasing a full length record on Get This Right Records in the fall.  So fans of hardcore/metal will enjoy that hopefully.  My other band Helcaraxe is working on a new record now all about the Wheel of Time books, so that should be utterly nerdy, and I’ll be working on solo music as well as a new project in the following months.  If you follow Swashbuckle on facebook, you’ll be updated with all our on-going shit.

11.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

AN:  Once we finish writing and demoing songs, you can expect us to go record another full-length.  I’m not making promises or setting a time frame for it. When it’s done it’ll be fucking done and ready to go.  So show some fucking patience and you’ll get it when the gettin’s good, ya hear?!

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

AN:  Paramore, Lana Del Ray, and N.W.A. have had a huge influence on this new EP.  You can totally hear it in all the tracks.  As for what we’ve been listening to lately, Hall and Oates.  Only Hall and Oates.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

AN:  We’re a band full of fucking nerds, so obviously video games, comic books and Magic: The Gathering.  If you want to try and beat us at a show, best bring your A game.  We come bearing decks, dweebs.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

AN:  The only final thoughts I have involve John Tardy.  Other than that, check out the new ep entitled We Hate The Sea EP and come check us out on tour with Nekrogoblikon fromAugust 3rd through August 17th.  After that, send us love letters so we can make The Notebook 2: Gosling Harder.