Russell HughesBruising hardcore band Kublai Khan might be more aggressive than the Mongol death machine from whom they took their name, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t method in the madness.
With a message laden album, Nomad, just out RUSHONROCK were given the chance to speak to their frontman Matt Honeycutt about their new record label and their unique work ethic.
RUSHONROCK – You’ve moved from Artery Recordings to Rise Records for Nomad, what sparked this move and can Rise give you something Artery can’t?
Matt Honeycutt – It seemed like a logical step. Rise is definitely pushing us in the right direction as far as touring and where we want to go as a band.
RUSHONROCK – Nomad is your third album, does the process of writing and recording get easier with time and experience?
MH – Not really. We write as a band very organically. So there’s always that tension and competition of ideas and suggestions. So writing still remains a challenge in my opinion.
Gallery Circus chat Chicago, biker clubs and falling out with each other
RUSHONROCK – You released The Hammer from Nomad on the 28th of July. That must have gotten you really excited for release day?
MH – Yes. The hammer did extremely well as the first single and it boosted up hype or the album.
RUSHONROCK – And can you take us behind the scenes of the song and tell us what it’s about, what it means to you and how you decided it was the one to unleashed on your fans first?
MH – It’s just about the personal struggle of participating in human interaction. The song was interesting and strong musically so we decided it made a good choice as far as a first single.
RUSHONROCK – How have things changed for the band in the years since Balancing Survival and Happiness?
MH – Much much more touring. Our band has risen over the years as far as fan base and spreading our music so we have definitely seen alot of growth and improvement.
RUSHONROCK – You put a lot of personal experience into your lyrics, is that process important for you?
MH – Yes. I always pull from my life to give the music the most organic feel possible.
RUSHONROCK – And is it important that people who have a platform and an opportunity to influence other people use it positively and constructively?
MH – I believe so yes. Negative things are easy to come by so anything positive is courageous in my eyes.
RUSHONROCK – What sort of themes and issues have been explored on Nomad?
MH – Social and economic despair. Personal and general issues.
RUSHONROCK – On your Facebook page your bio says you’re fighting to push messages that are overlooked or ignored. What do you think is the most important message that isn’t talked about?
MH – Racial prejudice. Family issues. Things that typically aren’t discussed.
RUSHONROCK – Musically, what sort of sounds can fans expect from your new album? How similar or different is it to the work you’ve done before?
MH – Much much heavier and new tones and vibes.
RUSHONROCK – You were DIY for a long time before being signed by Artery, does that give the band a work ethic that wouldn’t have been possible if you were signed straight away?
MH – I believe so yes. We grinded for years and years to achieve the position we are at.
RUSHONROCK – And finally, what are your plans after September and will there be a UK tour?
MH – We have an Australian tour but I hope a UK tour happens in the future