Chaos, that’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of a Reproach show. Few bands know how to set a place on fire like these Belgians can. No matter where, what stage, the number of attendees, Reproach always delivers. Since a couple of months they have a new album out as well, more reason to ask a few questions to the madman that is their vocalist; Stijn.
*Hey Stijn, how are you today?
Hey Stino, I’m going good. Just took my cats to the vet, I love cats. It’s sunny weather, sitting in the kitchen typing this interview out while listening to the Pick Your Side LP. One of my favorite records right now.
*Reproach recently released their second full length, how’s the response on the album? Are people still as much into it as the beginning?
The response has been great so far, it got a good review in Maximum Rock’n Roll, kids at shows are picking it up and they’re getting to know the new songs & lyrics. We’re very happy how the record turned out ourselves too.
*Even though Reproach has been around for quite a while the band still plays heaps of shows. What keeps you going?
Because we just love playing shows so much. We love writing new songs, recording music and all that, but playing live shows it where it’s at for us. I really need it; we play shows as hard as we possibly can and I’d go insane if I can’t scream my guts out on a regular base, it’s how I cope.
*A lot of show, but few releases though. Are you guys slow writers?
Quality over quantity. The last record took so much time because we really made it 100% how we wanted it without any compromise what so ever, no matter how long it took. Music, lyrics, artwork, the layout… everything about it is how we wanted it.
*Touring with Victims and Municipal Waste must result in juicy stories, care to share a few?!
The usual being drunk as a monkey stories… one night we were so drunk we couldn’t find the light switch anymore, so Bjorn our roadie jumped on my back and we screwed out all the lights. Not really a “juicy” story, but it was funny as hell. Good times.
*How did you guys end up touring the West Coast a couple of times already?
We only went to the West Coast once, and one time to the East Coast. The West Coast tour happened because we released the “is what it is EP” on Deep Six -our firstUSrelease- and we wanted to tour there. I just posted on a forum that we were looking for a cool band over there to tour, and Jay from Coughing Up Blood got in touch with me and booked the tour for us. The East Coast tour was with ANS, we were friends with those guys since their European tour. We put out a split 7”, Joe from ANS booked the tour and we flew over. Joe had the best tour van I ever saw.
*Skateboarding seems to be a big part of your life, as well as a red chord in Reproach’ lyrics. Do you still rip it up now and then? What keeps you passionate about it?
Skateboarding is and forever will be a part of my life. I still skate, but not as much as I used to. Last time I skated was on the Ramp Jam last weekend and that ramp basically kicked my ass haha. My knee still hurts. When I skate I have no time to think about bullshit or worry about anything, just skateboarding and living in the moment.
*What’s next for the band? Any new releases or tours planned?
We just finished a new song called Ruins, which will be released on the Starting from Zero compilation on Crucial Response records from Germany. We’re going to Japan in October to tour with our dudes in Crucial Section and of course we’re very very excited for that.
*Last question: Name me 5 bands you still want to play with (they can be defunct too).
Slayer, Despise You, Lack of Interest, Infest, Iron Maiden and many more!
Alright Stijn, thanks for the interview and keep it fast!
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