Interview with the Texas Hippie Coalition
Pioneering the genre of "red dirt metal," the Texas Hippie Coalition and their new album "Rollin'" ask no names and take no prisoners. Their music is no-holds-barred, their attitude is decidedly independent, and Big Dad himself is larger than life. We sat down recently and talked about a few things.
--"Rollin" is a powerful statement as an album. How do you feel about it on the whole, and is there anything you'd change or do differently if you could do it again?
Hell no, it’s raw, unedited, uncensored and undefeated!
--"Intervention" is a song that has themes of self-motivation and action. How well does that reflect the attitude of the band, and is that something you view as a critical quality in making metal music?
We’re a positive band, no angsty teens here! I ain’t saying my parents did a great job, but I’ve got some manners. Me an’ the guys are all upbeat and hippie to be alive, proud of who we are. We hope that positive attitude hits all our listeners right in the ear.
--"Pissed Off and MAD About It" is your premier single and is featured on both of your albums...why record it twice?
'CAUSE IT’S BADASS!!!
--What, personally, is your favorite aspect of the music you make and of being in an up and coming band?
We ain’t the norm, we ain’t the shit that’s gettin’ shoved down your throat by mega-media. You get a hold of this brewtal brew it’s by choice. I think everyone is beginning to realize the people, the fans, are thirsty for this snake oil, the remedy that is THC!
--As their signature artist, what's your relationship with Carved Records like, and are you on the same page with their ideal?
Them’s some good ole boys. Tim and Phil both still fight over which of them found or discovered us. If I owned a label I would have signed us. These ole boys here know that this partnership is gonna give us both futures that we can all look forward to.
--The band got teamed up with David Prater, who's produced a lot of great bands, but nothing quite like you guys. What was it like to work with him, and was there a learning curve for either of you in working together?
A lot of people have seemed to have trouble working with “Darth Prater,” but I love the dude. He’s deceiving, you think he’s just a juggling act as you watch, but only when he’s done performing do you realize he’s actually a magician working magic. If there were no deadlines me and him would probably never disagree. He is always in my prayers.
--Texas Hippie Coalition has been cited as channeling the "Texas groove," a la Pantera. What characterizes the Texas groove, and how is it that bands come to be part of it?
REPRESENTIN' THE RED DIRTY SOUTH!
--You've listed artists like ZZ Top, Johnny Cash, and Pantera as your inspiration...What pieces do you take from them, and how do you blend them all together?
Johnny Cash, that’s my idol [and] why I’m wearin’ all black right now! Pantera, you know “I’m FUCKING HOSSTYLE!!” Answer to your question, I take the master pieces.
--What can fans expect from your live performances?
AN ASS WHOOPIN' THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BRAGGIN’ ABOUT THE WHOOPIN' YOU TOOK! And testing positive for T.H.C.
--Alright, I got in a debate with a friend about this, so I'll ask you. Album placement: I thought putting "Groupie Girl" in the middle of the album breaks up the fury of the set, but my friend swears it has to be in the middle so that people can cool down and relax before they blow a gasket in the mosh pit, and get ready for the second half. Your thoughts?
There’s so much energy in our live set that if we don’t throw in “Groupie Girl” or “Troublesome Times” after 4 or 5 songs, I’m fearful we might lose somebody…
--In a metal genre that seems to be trending away from your style, and is featuring the return of make up and gender ambiguous characters, where do you see yourselves fitting into that framework?
I don’t see us fittin’ in, actually. I see us more as mold breakers, like NASCAR, WWE [or] UFC. I mean if I was a soldier, warrior, actor getting killed in a Rob Zombie movie or maybe Gene Simmons in a KISS coverband, I wouldn’t be above wearin’ makeup.
--Are you guys horror fans? After all, I think almost a third of all horror films take place in Texas.
I just mentioned Zombie, and any “[of the] Dead” movie. “Exorcist” scares the hell out of me. Love [the] “Walking Dead” zombies, they’re my favorite. Hate vampires, howl for werewolves.
Okay, the two most important questions last:
1) What's it like playing on Jerry Springer?
PARTY!
2) You've been all around the country, and I know you have an answer to this: What city has the best barbecue? Who's the top three?
Denison , Texas (Lou’s Bar BQ.) [Then] Durant, Oklahoma and Norman, Oklahoma, at Billy Simms’ Boomer Sooner BBQ.
D.M
Music Editor
D.M is the Music Editor for Bloodygoodhorror.com. He tries to avoid bands with bodily functions in the name and generally has a keen grasp of what he thinks sounds good and what doesn't. He also really enjoys reading, at least in part, and perhaps not surprisingly, because it's quiet. He's on a mission to convince his wife they need a badger as a household pet. It's not going well.