Interview with J.S. Bass, Vocals and Synths with Expunged and Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
J.S.: I suppose I can speak for myself when I say that I like to think that I’m versatile. I can play a few instruments and have basic home recoding knowledge so I don’t have to rely on others too often. That being said, Expunged is a team effort so it’s a blender of styles and influences.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
J.S.: I grew up in Hull, Quebec which for those who don’t know, is across the bridge from Ottawa, Ontario. While my dad played music, it’s not something I was into until I was a teenager. The first show I ever played was drumming in a black metal cover band at our high school where we butchered some covers from Darkthrone and Mayhem etc.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
J.S.: I’ve had an admiration for Quorthon because he was one of the first to do a one man band in a time where logistically it was a lot more difficult to do so. The guy was versatile and always innovating and managed to keep an aura of mystery surrounding himself.
Most of Expunged’s lyrics death with the harsh reality of everyday life, whether it’s something that we live personally or something that we empathise with. We don’t really dabble in fiction since real life is true horror.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
J.S.: Our goals aren’t so different than any other band. We just want to play shows, make records and grow an audience. There’s nothing more satisfying than holding a record that you’ve made in your own hands.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
J.S.: Like I was just saying, that unmatched satisfaction of finally seeing the fruits of your labour pay off into a record that will be your legacy is a wonderful feeling. I don’t know if it’s pride as it’s always good to stay humble no matter what.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
J.S.: We’re really privileged to be working with CDN Records and with Hell’s Headbanger’s records who do a wonderful job reaching new audiences with the PR agencies they hire. We’re really grateful towards them because it’s very difficult to stand out these days, no matter how hard you work.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
J.S.: We havn’t had the chance to play live yet. Booking agencies, feel free to contact us 🙂
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
J.S.: While I don’t subscribe to any music streaming platforms, I feel like it’s a necessary evil to have your music available everywhere if you want to be heard. I just wish these sites payed the artists more. If you do the math, you realize that artists are getting ripped off while Spotify’s profits are skyrocketing.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
J.S: “Endless Blockades For The Pussyfooter” by Gism cause that solo is amazing and the vocals are so unhinged.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
J.S.: I could write an essay about this topic. What bothers me most is the competitive aspect. I don’t understand why bands think they have to step on each other’s backs in order to succeed while mutual aid is really the way to go. I find there’s a lot of hypocrisy in the scene.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
J.S.: Since we’ve formed back in 2019, we’ve slowly worked on making records every time the inspiration comes. We record at our own pace here at the rehearsal space. Right now we’re working on the next album which should be more of a group effort.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
J.S.: expunged.bandcamp.com to buy directly from us or wherever CDN and Hell’s Headbangers are distributed.
Thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us!
Expunged links:
Band/Artist location – OTTAWA, CANADA
Facebook – You Tube – Bandcamp – Merch –
Instagram – Apple – Spotify – Deezer – Last Fm
Check our page for Expunged
