Garza Podcast - 19: Derrick Green | SEPULTURA

Episode Date: June 21, 2021

Derrick Green is the singer for Sepultura and co-host for Highway to Health. We talk about eating vegan on the road in the early days, joining Sepultura, and much more. SPONSORS: Click this link to purchase from Sweetwater & help support the podcast: imp.i114863.net/rnrmVB

Our guest today is the frontman and singer for the legendary band Sepulura. They've been touring nonstop for years and still performing at a very high level. So to a band like us, that's very motivating and inspiring. I hope you enjoyed this conversation. Let's get into it. Please welcome Derek Green. Is this real life? Is this happening?

Is this happening right now? You ever have those moments? You ever have those moments when like this is happening right now. And like you're super present in the moment. Absolutely. Like on stage. Yeah. I've had that where it's terrifying at the same time, extremely joyful moment.

You know, it's just so, it's surreal. You know, it's something that I always try to step back into because I think I love playing live music so much because of that feeling of being in that moment happening, you know, so powerfully. You know, it's really hard to. explained a lot of people I haven't been on stage, but you're feeling that energy. You're giving off that energy with, you know, a band that you hopefully love

and you love doing that with, and you're creating this, and it's just circling, you know, this energy. It's just flowing around the room. And ever since I was a kid, even being in the audience, you have that feeling too. You know, you're really in the moment. And that's what drew me into doing heavy music, that incredible sense of,

of togetherness. Yeah. Yeah. What was the first live band that you saw? Well, one of the first, like, live bands that I saw, like, rock acts was probably David Lee Roth, right after he left Van Halen. So we had the, you know, the killer band, you know, Steve Vine, like every legend in his band.

And he was on fire, you know, it was just like, wow. You know, he was all over the radio. all over MTV, you know, Dave TV. Yeah, it was huge. And that was one of the first things. I think rat opened up. But I really wasn't, yeah, yeah. I mean, I was really into Van Halen and David Lee Robb,

but the first, like, hardcore punk show was probably Kromag. Kromag. Yeah. That was a band that gave you that feeling. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, that was definitely the band that made me want to, to them and bad brains you know like after seeing those two shows

pretty close to each other in the 80s early 80s I was 14 years old I started going to shows I just had never seen anything like that before you know just everyone's body into the music you know slamming and flipping jumping

and just and I like the diversity of the scene the hardcore scene that was something that was very different in the rock scene going to a show that I noticed. I was like, wow, I am the only black person here. You know, as a kid, I was just like, wow, this is intense. You know, like, I felt really kind of on the outside, you know, a lot of times. I didn't know that many black kids that were listening to heavy rock music in my neighborhood or at all.

And so it's just very few. But with the hardcore and punk rock scene, I felt there was some familiarity, you know, that was going on where it was like, wow, this is some, you know, bad brains. I was like, wow, these are all black guys, dreads, you know, playing super aggressive music. And, I mean, it was just something really new to me and something I had never seen. So the lyrical content of hardcore and punk rock I was really attracted to was talking a lot about social issues and politics and fitting in and not fitting in. And so a lot of those lyrics I could relate to. And so it just was a perfect match for me.

I mean, in the Chrome acts at their show, they had books, you know, and I was just like, oh, my God, I'm getting this book and this book. Really? Yeah. I mean, that was the first time I was really introduced to the idea of vegetarianism or veganism because those books were talking about plant-based lifestyle of Krishna, because they were, chrome-ags were into, at least the singer was my friend. John Joseph was really into the hardcore lifestyle as far as plant-based, Indian culture,

Krishna, and everything. So it was something that started me thinking about that whole philosophy idea. I was like, wow, this band is really out there. You know, they're talking about things that nobody I know is really talking about. So that just, I mean, I love books. I still do. I grew up reading all the time So it was just like really appealing to me

I was like this is where I should be you know Yeah That's interesting how you went to a harker show And you got books I never heard that in my life And that's awesome But talk about getting like the most pure Information when you're young

And you got you got like Words coming out you You got like music coming out you It's like everything I mean it was It was really amazing you know was that you had that choice, that freedom of just checking it out and seeing for yourself. You know, like I was really, I mean, I started reading and I didn't instant become like a vegan

from reading. I was like, I was completely like skeptical, of course. You know, I was young and just anything that came in front of me, I was like, I was going to question it. You know, I just wanted to know for myself and check out. So I was like, I don't believe in any of this, you know, as far as, you know, That's going to change my life, not eating meat. And I was like, I love meat. It tastes good. I don't know why I would stop. You know, like, this is ridiculous.

But it was something I never, ever thought about. The only time I recognized something like that was from my uncle. And he was probably the first plant-based person that I ever met. But there wasn't a name for vegan back then. You know, he was, I just thought he was like very hippie-ish. He would come to the house at his own food. You know, he's like, no, I'm good. I don't need those.

I'll make my own food. And I always thought it was interesting. I was like, huh, Uncle Steve has got his own meal. I guess he doesn't like our cooking here. Yeah. Especially being so young, you don't know how to process that. Yeah. What is he doing?

Yeah, I had no idea. But I just remember, you know, vividly just him bringing out his own stuff, his own food, and just being very particular about that. Yeah. How old are you? I'm 50. Wow. No, how old were you?

Oh, then? that was probably eight or eight or seven man you're way ahead of me i didn't really know what what eating my vegetarian was to know us maybe 18 or something like no concept of anything that related to food i don't know i just ate it i think that's very common though especially growing up in america i mean nobody would i mean honestly we did have a class in schools like home And you would learn to cook and sew and you had to take it. And this was in junior high school. But it had like that pyramid, you know, it was like, this is the food chain, you know.

You have like meat on top and then everything below. It's just something like a weird char with like tons of dairy and meat. And all this information was coming from those industries. They were paying for that education for like, yeah, you need milk for strong bones and meat for muscles and protein. to survive, to live as a human being. They kind of put that in your head. It does. And it was like charts in all the schools.

It was the curriculum for everywhere in the U.S., like the teaching basis, you know, this ridiculous pyramid. But nobody was really questioning it then. And I think now they just know a lot more about what's going on. And they just realized that, hey, there's a lot of processed food. If you look over the past 30, 40 years in the U.S., You just see the decline in people's health here, you know. Yeah.

I mean, tremendously. And it's because of their lifestyle, you know. It's because of the food that we're given and we were told like, hey, that's okay. We're never questioned it. It was like just kind of pushed upon us with a lot of advertisement and persuasion. And you just never think about it. And if you're here living here and living that life, never questioned it. never would question it.

You did? And I didn't, you know, for so many years, you know? Yeah. It's strange that, did you find that when you read that book from John from the Crow-Mags, that would be me like the first time where, like, you're just undoing all, like, those images you've been fed since you were a kid? Well, not immediately, because that was coming from, you know, philosophy and old philosophy, the Gita.

and there were other books that started coming to play that I started to gravitate towards and there were other people that I met and it was coming from a different point of view there were books like by Upton St. Clair there was The Jungle which was one book that I had to read in school and it's the author lived with the family

from Eastern Europe he lived in like it was kind of the environment of Chicago the meat packing industry was happening there and the industrial revolution was booming so creating a lot of meat a lot of eastern europeans were working these factories and kids and there were no laws or anything no usda at that time so it's just like whatever goes you know people's arms and limbs getting chopped off there dangerous conditions um and he was writing about it he was witnessing it he didn't tell the family he was living with that he was a writer and he lived with the family on one of those places and in their house. And the houses were set up pretty much on the factory site. So they never left. They were just pretty much like slaves living there, working there day and, day out with, like, no laws, nobody, you know, regulating anything.

They were just like, yes, money, money, money like those big meat industries were making. They were like, that was like thriving time for them. Pay, low pay, you know, they didn't have to do. I mean, they could just do whatever they want, which they did. And then he wrote about this afterwards, and then people were in shock about the conditions and the things that were happening there. So they came up with the USDA regulating all that because of him. And Americans were shocked because they had no idea what was going on there. So that was another book that kind of opened my eyes to the industry side.

So it was kind of looking at a different way. And then reading more about it, it was like, oh, wow, I'm seeing how it affects the earth. You know, like grew over time. Like, I was a vegetarian at first, and then I became a vegan. Yeah. Wow, that's, yeah, it's crazy when you just realize what, like, mass producing meat is. You're like, whoa, that, that's real? Like, when we hear about it for, like, the first time, it's very shocking.

It is shocking. I mean, they did a really good job of shielding that from the public because they don't. I mean, who's going to want to eat that after knowing. exactly what they're doing and them showing you how they do it. Yeah. I mean, that doesn't make any sense for them. That's not good business. So it's better just to keep it hidden, which they have.

They still do. Yeah. And, you know, they're able to do what they do. I mean, the more that people know about it, the more that comes out, because there's a lot of laws protecting them from having to show what they're actually producing, which I find absurd, that, you know, a lot of people, People are starting to get hip to the fact that, hey, these guys are really don't give a shit about anything they're putting out there. And, you know, it's harming us in every way possible.

Not only us, but the planet around us. They don't give a shit about any of that. Yeah. So, but it's great that there is this knowledge coming on. There's other options that are coming out as well. Yeah, now we have options. Right. I mean, back when you were, you know, eating vegetarian and vegan.

How did you do that in the 90s, dude? Yeah, that was difficult. It was a lot of suffering. And they gave, you know, a kind of a bad name because there wasn't the money backing, you know, the propaganda, pushing a healthy lifestyle or any of that. So, you know, it was trial and air, you know, like struggling, like figuring it out and figuring out what's good for my body. You know, it's not always going to be the same for everyone. So that took time, you know, just time and patience and just having a problem. better understanding of like that whole lifestyle and what I could make or eat on my own.

And then there's a lot of businesses that have come up throughout the years. So people start to take it very seriously, you know, in a way where they're going for taste, you know, a lot more, which helps. You know, I love that. Wow. So they figured out like, hey, we got to make this taste good, you know, and there's ways of doing that, you know, just like naturally. It doesn't have to be super produced or anything like that.

So, you know, a lot of chefs and people have just really stepped up, I mean, tremendously in the past 20 years. Yeah. And having an outside perspective, it feels like this is still very recent for like the vegan, the way of eating vegan and being vegetarian is like, oh, we need to have more options. We need to find a new way to live and cook and make things, you know, taste good. I mean, definitely, I think one of the things that kind of turn people away from is how extreme people can be in that plant-based world. Of course. Which turned me off too. And I was, you know, I am a vegan.

I was like, man, these people are really aggressive and really annoying. And I get it. You know, I understand why they're aggressive. You know, they want that change. You know, we want that change to happen. Yeah. Not only for, you know, that person, but for the planet in general for everyone. because it's not a selfish thing to become, you know, vegan or plant-based,

but a lot of people get very defensive if you're screaming at them like, hey, you should change this. But it's, I always felt that was a really, it's not a good way of going, you know, trying to see people your perspective. You know, there's better ways of showing that. And I think the proof is in your actions, you know. And so for me, I just really try to take care of myself. and people have questions, then I like to ask, you know, answer those questions for them. That's great. And just by lifestyle, you know, living by that example of, like, what I'm preaching, you know.

So people just gravitate towards it once they see, you know, in action. Like, oh, what are you eating over there? That smells good. You know, it's like, oh, you want to try? You know, it's like, yeah. Then the questions will happen. Like, oh, so what is it you eat during the day? And, I mean, all these questions that came about ended up.

where I was like, man, I should have a show, a TV show is showing how it is on the road, the people that I meet, showing that they're not crazy. They're not all like hippies or some weird stereotype that they have. You know, it was a big challenge, I felt. And I found another person that felt the same way, Tanya O'Callaghan. She's the co-hosts of the show that we've been working on called Highway to Health. and she's from Ireland. She's an incredible bass player.

She kills it. And she's an activist. And so we, together we can do a lot of interviews with different people that you wouldn't imagine. Not only vegans. You know, we're really going out to people because we're not really going out to people that are vegans already. We're going out to people who aren't. You know, we're not going to preach to the choir. So we want to have people who aren't 100.

percent vegan. We want to see like what are the, you know, talk with them, have a conversation, show that conversation, introduce them to something new they may have never thought of or tried, and hear their point of view and listen to their questions that they might have and just show like this is nothing that's so crazy. This is actually something that a lot of people should be thinking about, you know, because it's connected in so many ways and aspects of our life, you know, what we're eating, our lifestyle, you know. It really has an effect on all of us, on each other, you know. Yeah, I really love the highway to health idea.

I think it's awesome, especially you're probably going to different places in the world. Right. I mean, before the lockdown, we're able to shoot about eight episodes. And so for the first season, it's done. And we decided like, hey, we're going to do this ourselves. It's difficult to explain the idea to somebody that's never traveled. It's never been in a band. It's never toured.

you know, an office person who's like an executive was going to be like, oh, that's a great idea, but I can't envision it. So, you know, it was great that we had people who were supporting us, people who believe in that movement. Yeah. And we were able to film everything and do everything ourselves, how we envisioned it. And so that was a challenge. You know, I had never done anything like that before. And it was really stepping out of the comfort zone of, you know, you know, You know, I've been on stage and everything, but it's very different in front of cameras and

set up place and to do interviews and things like that. So it was something I had to learn about, Tanya as well, and it was a great learning process. You know, it's like, wow, you know, traveling in the road, we went to so many different places. We really wanted to show where we come from. So we went to each of our hometowns and showed, like, how we started and the changes that have happened. since we lived there. So we went to Ireland and tying us home town.

It's very small. Malingar. And we went to Cleveland where I grew up. We went to Cleveland. Yeah, we went to Cleveland. It's not as exotic and glamorous. But that's a funny part about it. You know, you get to see this diversity on the show.

That's great. We were in Brazil. We were in L.A. we were on the Kiss crews I mean it's the show is going you know all over we're interviewing like MMA fighters and just

it's incredible yeah it was a lot of fun a lot of fun so I'm just really anxious for people to see this that's great I mean that's something that's like an infinite idea of train like oh yeah absolutely there's always places to go

there's always new things coming out oh yeah you know and and what also what you're doing which is very important that you're you're putting out there real information like to fight off like the bad oh yeah absolutely people need to hear and see what you're doing and it's crucial and I think it's great to go in

with like some type of humor about it too huge because you know it's I mean there's so many serious things that are out there and I think food is fun talking with people is fun it's a great way to unite people through food and and having that so it should be something that's light and not so banging with like politics or anything like that just that aggressiveness is just a big turnoff to me you know and so um i i love to hear people's perspectives and let them talk as well not only just be talking over

them or talking to them you know yeah have like really great conversations yeah it's uh once they see you being so open-minded and um biting that will also allow someone else to be you know open-minded hey maybe I wouldn't eat this or try this, but since this person's so open-minded and willing to hear me out, I'm open to try what they're doing. I'm actually really happy to cheer people on when they're like, hey, I'm going to try one day a week, not eat meat. That's like, that's fantastic.

You know, that's a great start and cheer them on or help them on. Because I see a lot of people in the past who would just be like, one day, only one day. Like, come on, man. It's like, you're not real. You're not real. That's not real. you know, that's not a commitment.

It's just like, come on, give a break, man. It's a great start. They never did that before in the past. You know, I never heard of people like, yeah, my family are going to have one day we're not going to eat, meet in the week. I mean, that's a tremendous change. That's huge, I think.

Bigger than they, I think they can possibly imagine because, like I keep saying, like, everything is connecting, you know. Our decisions on what we buy and the products that we buy have a big impact because that's, you know, it's powerful. You know, having, that money and consuming.

We do a lot of consuming here. And the fact that we consume a lot of just crap and trash and just the worst things, you know, I think people can have a better understanding of what they're consuming. There's products that are coming out and different companies are more translucent. You know, you're not afraid to show you how they're creating their product and what they're doing for the planet and how they're. involved with their customers. You know, this is really, there's a lot more of those companies out there.

It's great. Yeah, that's kind of the future where, like, you invite the cameras in, hey, this is what we do, you know, and that's very inspiring to see. Oh, yeah. I mean, because we want to see that. Absolutely. I mean, I would, I'd rather put my money there. I mean, there were a lot of things I just didn't know about certain products I was buying and just how destructive they really are because we're at that time.

You know, we've been at that time where things have just, you know, just spinning out of control, you know. Yeah. You know, it's, it's, I mean, if you're living in especially big cities and stuff like that in the U.S., and you have that opportunity to have those choices and make some changes, I think what's going to be the challenge is showing this, um, showing this change that's happening in smaller places, you know, because we're, we're going to be, with this show, we're going to be going to be going to a lot of different places,

It's not only big cities. We want to show how you can do these things in smaller cities, you know, start with these little changes, you know, because that's where really can have a big impact, you know. Because I hear a lot of times like, well, in the U.S. you have that, but we don't have those options here. And we're not able to do that here. But there are things you can do in other places. And hopefully, you know, we'll be able to show that and learn, you know, at the same time while we're doing this. Yeah.

and you have like the best thing involved. You have the experience. Right. It's like you've been in like the Asia territories when there's no other options. What did you do? Yeah. I mean a lot of it was just like you already had like plan B. So you would be carrying a lot of stuff that's, you know, like peanut butter.

Or, you know, it's like I got peanut butter right here. You got breakfast, lunch and dinner. I got a latte. I mean, you would come up with like clever, clever things. And it just, you know, for people that couldn't understand. And it's like, just give me, you know, vegetables or something or like bread or, you know, just very basic grains, fruit, you know, and survive and be able to survive. Yeah. I think maybe someone that's an outsider that might hear that, you probably heard all the questions.

Okay. Where do you get your energy? Because especially being out on the road, how does, how did that affect how you feel and then you have to play show? I think it, I mean. I mean, for me, it's hard to say because I haven't eaten meat. I mean, it's over 30 years. So that energy, I mean, a lot of people don't realize that it takes a lot to digest meat. It's not a day of two days.

And that takes a lot of energy, a lot more than energy than digesting fruits or vegetables. Yeah. And so that's already like a negative in the fact, you know, like you can get energy from fruits and vegetables. You also have to think, you know, this protein, a lot of people ask, like, where are you getting this protein to maintain your muscles? And I was like, plants. They're like, what do you mean? Plants are like, meat. Meat, that's where the protein is.

I was like, well, animals are just kind of in the middle. You know, all protein sources come from plant life. So the animals are eating the plants, but they're in the middle of the process of you getting the protein. So I go directly to the source, the plants. You know, so it's just like you're going to go through the process of like killing an actual animal just for that protein. You can get the protein it's getting from those plants. Interesting. You know, so all the protein that animals are getting starting from plants.

So it's better, I mean, it's just more effective to go directly to the source. And it's much easier to digest than animal protein. And as you get older, it becomes harder to digest animal protein, which any doctor will tell you as well. Like, yeah. You always heard that back in the past, like, you should cut down on eating the meat, you know, a little bit. Like, get some more greens in your diet. Yeah. Because it goes through you very quickly, the fiber, everything.

And then you just, yeah, just you want that out. You don't want this animal that's already been killed, traveled many, many miles in a freezer from somewhere usually. Yeah. Unless you're, you're a hunter and you're getting it directly. You know, you're living in a small place. It's like, yeah, I hunted that, we killed it, and we got it, and we used it. You know, that's, it's, I'm not talking about those people. I'm talking about, like, Burger King, McDonald's every day.

That's like, you're not a hunter. You're not doing any of that. So that's not an excuse. Like, what about hunters? And I'm like, I'm not attacking hunters. I'm not attacking. I mean, those people are like, that's something entirely different. I'm talking about, like, a mass consumption too much.

And so I just think of people, like, really start thinking about cutting back they'll notice these small differences that happen, especially in their health, you know. Totally. It's undeniable, you know, proof, you know, that changing that diet can, you know, cure a lot of the illnesses that people have. Yeah.

Which are caused by what they're eating, you know? Totally. Yeah, thank you for clearing it up. That was like my generic question I had for you. I'm like, you know, you always hear, you know, where do you get the protein? I mean Honestly I had that question too because literally like

You know I'm on like the vegetarian train Not like hardcore but like the past like two months I'm very very recent You know not like I knew there's a big difference when I stopped Getting pepperoni pizza from Dominoes You know I'm like what? Who am I becoming? Is this what growing up is?

We're growing up man Well I mean it's funny because I haven't had any like fast food type stuff in such a long time. But now all these fast food places are creating these vegan menus. If you notice like, Del Taco, they're like, oh, we have a plant-based taco. You know, just don't get any cheese.

There's avocado. There's beyond meat. And I had to try all these vegan options at these fast food places just to know, like, all right, I'm never going these places ever. But there's times on the road. where it was just like, I remember like really young, just like going to McDonald's and just like,

yeah, could I have a hamburger with no hamburger? They were like, I'm sure you can't do that. They're like, sir, you just asked for a hamburger without the hamburger on the bun? They're like, what? Are you crazy?

And I was like, yeah, I just wanted the cheese to let us to me. But no hamburger. I was like, yes, please, just no hamburger. Okay, so no hamburger. And it was just like laughing and it was just ridiculous. But it's great that these options are out there.

You know, people can change up. There's almost all the fast food places have these options now. Yeah. It's just not by coincidence because people are changing. They're starting to realize that. And even in Brazil, in the place where it's a big meat-eating country, I mean, they have the Shoshagaria where they have this meat right in front of me, like, slicing it down. I was just like, Jesus, just like blood flying on my plate.

I was like, I'm just trying to go to the salad. bar and uh but even there you know people ended up opening up a lot of vegan options like restaurants and lunch places and buffets and they're really good that must be a trip for you to see like it be from zero to like seeing places open up oh yeah but but i also notice a lot of people who are getting older who take care of themselves it's amazing you see these people like oh that guy's 60 and he's like lifting you know and there's like women who are like you know triathletes you know try out doing triathlons and they're you know and they're it's great 60s or late 50s and you know that's definitely stepped up a lot you know you see a lot of people older and age

they're much stronger yeah it's great you're not a much big drinker either huh i stopped i actually love alcohol yeah sick I mean, I was definitely not opposed to wine or a good beer or fine whiskey. Yeah. All that stuff. But, yeah, I guess there was just a lot more negatives as I got older than the positives. So I was like, all right, let me just weigh this out, you know, and just go down the list. And I just feel much better not drinking.

Great. I stopped now. It's almost two years. congratulations yeah yeah thanks i mean it was it was literally just like you know what i'm i'm not gonna do this anymore and it was like wow i saved a lot of money yeah my body was like my god thank you yes yes this is what it feels like you know and yeah i mean just it's it's really bad when you're just thinking uh wow like this is what how it is to normally poop you know oh it's true yeah you have like uh you have like the morning after you know oh god

Yeah, I mean, all that gone, all those problems, like, and I was also getting depressed after drinking. Like, I drink, I was like the happy guy, like, all right, I'm happy. Oh, he's a funny drunk. He's so fun. After the next day, it was dead to the world. You know, I started, as time went on, I started to feel very depressed after drinking, no matter what. Matter what. Yeah.

It just became, you know, the next day, we're just always just dead. Like I would lose it. It was just gone. I had no energy, no inspiration. Oh, that's the worst. And it was just felt like my body just felt horrible. And I was like, why am I doing this and paying for this to happen too? You know, like a lot.

Am I paying for this? Yeah. I'm paying to feel like this. Like I didn't make any sense. And then stopping, I was just like, wow. People are like, whoa, you look different, man. You lost a lot of weight. Oh, you don't look, you know, like puffy.

I'm looking at photos. I'm like, oh, my God. We see old photos. Yeah. I'm like, damn. I'm fucking puppy, dude. I was, you know, bloated and just not the best of shape. But I mean, I mean, the body is so amazing how it can really bounce back.

It bounces back. It's good. It's incredible. It's so resilient, you know. And so when you start treating it well, it gives back to you. You're, like, stronger, you know, you're more alert. You're more focused, you know. Yeah.

It feeds into, you know, I think eating also has an effect on your mental health as well. It does. You know, when you're eating well, you're feeling well in your mind. And when you're eating this crap and shit and treat, it adds to that depression that a lot of people consistently going through nowadays, you know, more than ever. Especially now. Especially now. You know, and you got out in like the nick of time.

Oh, yeah. Because it could have gone in a very horrible way with the lockdown. And I know a lot of people are like diving into the booze. And bad habits creep up. Oh, yeah. But it's totally understandable. It's like, whoa, this is the end. Oh, here we go.

You know, and that attitude, I was like early on like, nah, I, this is going to end. I want to come out strong on the other end. You know, I want to be able, you know, I don't want to lose that momentum of that positivity. And I want to, this is now time that I can really focus on myself. Yeah. You know, it's like, I'm in lockdown. I can go to, I can work. I can do some type of workout every day.

There's no excuse. Absolutely. I can cook great food at home now. There's no excuse. Yeah. You know, I was like, I'm going to take advantage of this, you know? And so I did that. And I lost like 25 pounds.

I was just doing walks every day, like a little bit, then a little bit more. And then it was like an hour and a half each day, like four miles, five miles. Wow. Every day. And doing very little weights, like lifting. but just push-ups, sit-ups, and walking. Not running, no impact on my knees or anything. Just consistently walking or doing hikes.

Great. Felt amazing. You know, it's this amazing feeling where I didn't have that depression that some people were feeling during the whole lockdown. You know, I felt really alive. I just wake up like, yeah. But also I'm very fortunate. You know, we are fortunate to live in California.

So you have, like, incredible weather. Yeah. You know, much every day. So that helps. A lot. Yeah. Yeah, you got the vitamin D, which is crucial for, like, your, for your mood. Vitamin D also came out, you know, to anyone that got COVID has been shown, like,

80% of them to have, like, vitamin D deficient, you know, like, just getting that. And walking is underrated, too. It's underrated. Walking is huge. Yeah, I agree 100%. I mean, it's a fantastic. form of exercise. Any doctor will tell you.

Any doctor will tell you this. No matter what age you are, it doesn't matter. You know, it's really something that's healthy all around, you know, for your mind and your body. I would make playlist, you know, just like things I hadn't heard in a long time

and put it to start building it, building and building it. Yeah, that's like three hours of me. That's four hours and I was like, let's do this walk. Yeah. Clearing your mind, start thinking of ideas, and just things flowing away from like your phone. You know, I'm not, I mean, some people would talk and stuff, which is cool. But I love the fact that it was like, I'm not even going to look at my phone the entire time.

And I'm just going to, this is the time for me. Yeah. You know, and really enjoy it. And it was, you know, that was life, you know, really, really kept my spirits up doing, you know, walking. That's great. I'm glad I'm glad you were doing that. Did you ever go out for walks where, like, there's no music, no nothing? You're just going out there.

I'm like, I'm going to go out here. I'm gonna let my thoughts go and see and see where they go. You're like, wow. I didn't even know. I had to process that. Wow. And I'm just something that's shortest like a 30 minute walk if you wonders. You go out there and you see the green like the sun and you brain and start thinking and start processing some thoughts.

Like, oh, wow, then you're inspired. It's insane that you think that's something so natural that everybody does. But I mean, I was caught up in the mix of just work, work, work, you know. I hadn't stopped playing shows for over 20 years. It's like tour, tour, tour, tour. But I don't, I mean, as artists, I think we have time to sit back and to reflect on certain things

and to really process. And, you know, there's a lot of people who don't have the time or never do that. So I think it was a lot of positive things I heard from different people who were in lockdown that they discovered these little things.

You're like, man, I was just outside just looking at these bugs and whatever, flowers or simple, simple things. It's just like beautiful, it's beautiful, you know, beautiful day and just more appreciative. You know, it's great to see that, though. I know. Especially in your case where, like, you know,

you almost been in a band going on almost 25 years. Just, it seems like nonstop. It was nonstop, man. Like, once I got in, it was like, here we go. You know, a big whirlwind, you know, moving from New York. I joined the band when I was 27 or 26, 27. Yeah.

And we just, we never stopped. You know, creating albums, creating music, and touring, nonstop, you know. And so this was really bizarre, like, when COVID hit, the first summer not going out and having a new album that came out in February and then locked out March. And I was just like, are you got to be kidding me? Same.

Our records dropped at the same month. Right, yeah, yeah. I was like, man, all these years building up to this. Yeah, you know, especially in your case, like you're doing U.S. tours right before that record dropped, and I was hearing some really great things about you guys. I was like, damn, no, I'm fucking proud of them, dude. They just been grinding for so long to just to build a name and they finally, they're doing it. Then we were talking about going on tour with each other.

I'm so, I'm so proud of them. and then you guys drop that record like damn this is like a five this is a great record oh thank you man appreciate that it was great and uh you know to like

you know younger bands I'm not saying we're like a young band because we're like in our mid 30s now but still like we you know I look up to like you guys and I'm like okay they're on tour they're you know I look at Andre's like he's still rocking now dude he's in his 50s

still rocking a lot yeah I have no fucking excuses yeah what What do I have to do that? And then when I hear you guys put out great music and still killing it and drawing more people than ever, to us, that's like, it's very inspiring. Oh, man.

It's huge, man. I mean, it's the same, like, when we were able to tour with you guys, there was just like, I was like, what is happening? The scene is insane. You know, it was like, I had never seen anything with such, it had been a long time since I'd seen a band so aggressive and so like physical on stage. Like I was just like, damn.

I was like, where are they getting this from? I was just like, oh my God. And that's super inspiring. It's like, shit, you know, we, I love to like learn, you know, it's a learning process, you know, being in a band. And you get inspired by so many musicians, I think, I know I do. And it's great to be able to perform and play on the, same stage of somebody that's, you know, giving out so much energy and giving off so many things

that you can learn from. So, you know, it's reciprocal, you know. Totally. Like, seeing like, I was like, fuck, man, I don't want to be, you know, like, so close mind thinking with certain, you know, aspects of music. Yeah. I know a lot of times in the metal scene can be very close-minded at times, you know, like, I would be lying if I didn't say that. Yeah. So I always felt, It was important for the metal scene. I've seen it grow. On the other hand, I've seen it expand in many years,

which is exciting to see. So I love that aspect. You know, there's more diversity. There's people taking more chances. Great. Which is extremely important. Yeah. And that's how you learn to,

you know, better your craft, taking those chances, not being afraid, and putting yourself out there, you know. Yeah. You know, and you have a lot experience with putting yourself out there.

Oh, yeah. You put yourself out there in the craziest way. I can't imagine what you did is a, it's a very rare human quality where you were down to join a band that was from a different country. Guys, have you ever even met them before? Never met them.

Never heard Portuguese, like, and know it. I was so, like, I was trying to explain this to somebody before. I was like, you got to realize, I was like, everything kind of happened rapidly and things have changed since then. Technologically, as people, you know, we have kids, families have grown.

You know, a lot of changes happen this period of time, but when I joined, I didn't realize how big the band was. Like, I knew they were big in the U.S. because I just pretty much was in the U.S. And I was like, yeah, I know how people react to them and how it is here. But you got to, I mean, if you think about it, I had to go to the library.

I had a library card then, and I had to get a book, because there were no, there was, I didn't have a computer then. I was like, the internet wasn't like booming. Everyone had one,

so I was like, I'm going to go to the library, get a book about Brazil. And, uh, remember that and I got a tape from the band. Here's the tape with one song with no vocals, and you're going to do vocals of whatever you want to do.

So everybody got those. They were looking for that singer. And so everyone got their, tape. And I sent them back a tape of what I had done. That's how long ago it was. It was crazy time. So going to Brazil, I'd never been there.

Didn't know what Portuguese sounded like. I don't think I even knew that they spoke Portuguese because I was like, the place is surrounded by all, you know, Spanish-speaking countries. Of course they're speaking Spanish. It was delusional. You know, I didn't know anything. And I got there and I was like, no it's why I already knew from reading the books about it was like oh they speak Portuguese

and um it was just mind-blowing I was just in shock but in a good way because I was really looking forward to meeting them and the culture I knew nothing about and I was just excited just to be there I was like oh I'm going no matter what I'm going to have a great time even if we don't get along and I was just open-minded about everything I was just like wow man this place is incredible I loved it instantly. It was chaotic and insane. And that's when I realized how kind of how big they were because everyone knew them there. You know, like people like, oh, and cars and autographs, like everywhere that they went, everywhere.

You know, it's just like people are just like, yeah, Sepul Dura, yeah, like freaking out. And I was like, holy shit. I was like, these guys are pretty big here, you know. But then it really dawned on me from being in Brazil and then going out in the world with them. And I was like, holy shit, this man is bigger than I imagine. Metal is bigger than I imagine. You know, like it opened my mind.

I was like to so many different things, I didn't realize that, you know, Indonesia were into metal. I didn't realize that India were into metal or Mongolia or Kazakhstan. Wow. You know, it was mind-blowing in that way. So it was just so exciting for me. I didn't think about so much of their past. I was like, this shit is happening now for me.

Like, I gotta get on stage. I gotta write an album with these guys. Like, I had no time to think about questions. So what do you think about they did in the past? I was like, I don't know. I was like, I wasn't there in the past. I was like, I know right now I need to step up. Like, this is happening.

You know, like, we're gonna, you know, like open this show for this band. We're gonna play with Slare. You know, I was like, we're gonna do a tour with Metallica. I was like, we're doing, you know, like, I was like in the moment. You know, I had no time to think about like, what were they doing in the past? And then I was like, I don't know. I was like, I don't even know them then. I was like, I'm sure it was fantastic because I was a fan of the music.

But this is important right now. Wow. Maybe that approach you did with like it was innocent. And plus there was so much pressure you didn't even have time to think. You didn't have a ton of process. You're absolutely right. Because I had a friend. who helped me with the demo, who tried out for Sepaltour.

And a lot of people don't know about him. And he's a fantastic guitarist. He can play many instruments, and he tried out for them. And he knew the whole back catalog, you know, to play and sing it. He's like, yeah, man, he just wanted to do it. And then he was like, I don't want to do this. He was like, this is too much. He wanted to work on creating a studio, being at home.

But he wanted that opportunity to try out because he was such a fan But yeah, that was incredible he gave me some tips before meeting those guys and I gave him my tape and then the rest of history Dang What's the song there's a rumor that the song is choke? Joke it was choke are you fucking serious that's my favorite song that you did with those guys It was choke and there were other people that did that song Chuck Billy from Testament

Phil Demo from a machine Interesting Yeah interesting Interesting It's like I I think you can even find The version on YouTube

Somewhere Damn I go on YouTube Yeah Deep dive on YouTube Yeah But it was excited Oh yeah Choke demos

Mail tape Yeah Mail tape in But I think on my tape It was very different though I mean, they heard the stuff that I did in the past and it wasn't metal. It was like hardcore and melodical. And I think what they were thinking is like, hey, we want to have somebody that's completely different.

And somewhere we can go in the future with this. You know, he can scream and he can sing. So maybe you can do something in the future with that and expand and do and not do the same thing. You know, they didn't want to try to find somebody trying to be like the old singer. which most people were sending in their tapes trying to sound like that yeah and so that kind of killed it for them mine was like radically different

yeah and uh and i think that's what attracted them that ability to be flexible yeah yeah it seems like the band and you had like this natural like all right we're looking forward you know how we're gonna how we're gonna be how is how are we going to be the band in this moment and then and then let this uh

and still be able to innovate for the future. Right, right. You guys just had that natural. Yeah, I think we all were in that state of mind that, I mean, even before I joined the band, they were already in that state of mind. Like, let's not do the same thing. Let's just keep it fresh and new. You know, we're growing, we're changing.

So our music is going to follow in that way if it's going to be very honest. You know, a lot of things were happening to each of us in our own personal lives. That's going to have an effect on the music as well. Yeah. So, but it's a learning problem. because I didn't know those guys for a long period of time. Like, they had a chance to tour, play together. You know, again, their culture, everything, you know.

Being brothers, you know, in the band. I know. And so then it was, like, really trying to, it took, I knew already, like, hey, it's going to take some time before I get adjusted. We all get adjusted and for fans to get adjusted. So I didn't think it would be, like, super popular right off the bat. I already knew it. I was like, oh, I'm going to get so much shit.

you know like from whoever that's why the first album was like against you know everybody was like kind of against us we felt and uh and we were against them we're like you know fuck off we're gonna do what we want to do and it was a battle you know for many many years of just you know just doing what we want to do yeah it's great that where where were you at personally when you join the band then and then the years that followed because that's a lot of pressure to walk into. One, just joining a band that you don't even know. Let's say they're not even like a big band. Just join.

Oh, yeah, I'm basically marrying three guys. Pretty much. Pretty much. How did you handle that? I mean, the girlfriend that I was seeing for a long, pretty long period of time I was living with, and she broke up with me once I got in the band. and that was just I didn't have time to really

to figure out what was going on I was just like in the moment of like I'm in Brazil now and this is happening and then we're going to come back and then we're going to go on the road and then we're going to write an album all this stuff and I was like and you're breaking up with me

and that was also the age where it's like really young which is not an excuse but it's like I'm sure he could have communicated better at that time but we didn't and we split up until I was single, just joined the band,

so I didn't have no family as far as like kids or anything like that, so it was like I can go anywhere. It was like I just dove right into work. You know, I was like, this is what I've been waiting for to play with the group that's professional that are established

that, you know, I can really learn from. And so I, I was all in, you know. It was at that time we would do promo tours around the world before going on tour, so the label would pay for you to do all these talking and radio and photos and pre-tour like for a month around the world. And they would flip the bill for that when they had a lot of money because, again,

it was a time when everybody was switching over to CDs. The biggest scam. I mean, they were charging like, what, $20? There's a CD and it cost them way less than an album to make. So the labels had tons of money. Like, yeah, yeah, go on the promo tour around the world for a month, and then you go on tour. And the first place that I went to was like Amsterdam. And that's where the label, Roadrunner, is kind of like founded there.

Really? Yeah. I never knew of that. Yeah. Because the owner, Casey's Dutch. And so it all started Roadrunner. Yeah. Wow.

Yeah. So that was one of the first places that we went for the promo tour. And I fell in love the city. I was just like, oh, my first time there was like, this is amazing. I was like, people just ride around the bike. You don't need a car. People are mad cool. I was just like, it's beautiful.

There's history there, you know. It's a diversity of people. It's fantastic. And I lived there for two years. I was like, I'm going to live here. like I my friend marlena who lives here now um she used to work for a roadrunner and she worked at epitaph records at that time and and she was like i have a room here you can stay there for free you know i was like i'm there you know i was like living that way i was like i have no responsibilities

except for this band yeah let's get this you know so it would be like tour leave europe and i was like see you guys later i'm staying here and then um and then we had to write a new album And then that's when I was like, you know what, it's better if I moved to Brazil and we work on this together. Because the first album, a lot of it was written before I joined the band. I see.

So this was like my chance of being there from the very beginning, which is very exciting. Like, oh, yeah. Because they wanted that type of person that's going to contribute to the writing process of an album. They didn't want like a higher gun. You know, they really wanted that interaction

from another person. So that was a big challenge. And of course, everyone looking at us like, what are they going to do next? Like, where is this going? Like, yeah. And so it was a lot of fun, man. I mean, we were very fortunate to have to work with a lot of the people that we did. And we learned a lot from it, you know?

It's just like that label was difficult, you know, for us, Roadrunner. It was they didn't believe in me. Like a big portion of the label didn't. And they were, I knew. that and so it's just like man i can't wait till we're off of this label yeah so we can you know be surrounded by people that believe in what we're doing so that that was a challenge you know yeah with the whole joining the band because there's the management had left so we had to find management that was uh believing in us a lot of times are coming to us like you guys should

change the name you know and it was like and then it was like at that time you know it was was Igor Andreas Impala. You know, and it was just like, we don't want to change the name. It's like we shouldn't have to and we're not going to. So finding a manager who was like willing to work with us and keep the name. And that was Todd Singerman who was managing Motorhead at that time. And so he took us on. And that was dope.

You know, like that really, you know, started. We're like, okay, we have this one person. It's in our corner. Let's find the next, you know, finding people that really believed in what we're doing. And so we had to prove this to ourselves. And those guys had to re-prove themselves in a weird way, you know, because they had tons of people talking shit, you know? And it was just like, what happened to the love?

You know, like, people were treating, I felt like not fairly, not giving the respect that they deserve, you know? And, I mean, I saw that kind of happened with Metallica when they did the black album and people were, even justice for all people were just like, oh, no, no, no. This is and I was like really? I was like, some pretty good stuff. And in the end,

they had the last laugh. I was like, I was like, yeah, it's like, stop dissing Lars and being like, oh,

he's a horrible drummer. I was like, he invented an incredible style, you know, his style of drumming, which is, it's still there. You still hear it on those albums.

Give him the respect that's due. Give them the respect that they need. They wrote, I don't like St. Anger, the album but i'm still not going to like deny them the respect that they got from all the other work they did you know it's impossible you know yeah

it's crazy how people will want to take away everything that right that he's done in the past it's like what yeah it's like the fuck yeah so so the same band man so still still they earned it man they earned that respect man and that's why i always continue to like that band you know just they're a band where i'm like damn still going Ups and downs, you know, it's very real. And I think that's why they have that attraction.

You know, people, one of the many reasons why people are attracted to that band still. Same. I say the same thing about them. I'm like, no one talks about, okay, yes, they're obviously the biggest metal band of all time in the world, but no one talks about how they're also the most transparent metal band of all time.

Like, they put everything out there. I did. It's just, talk about everything. I'm like, yeah, that's, for some reason, it's inspiring. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Even if you don't like it, you still kind of like it. Yes, yeah.

And like, it's like having like an honest friend or an honest family member. You're like, oh, you might be pissed by a year, but like, oh, actually, you know what? Pretty cool. You know what that? You know, I need honesty in my life. Yeah, yeah. And that's what I love about metal and alternative music, heavy music, you know, that honesty that's there. It's really, you know, a key factor in what makes it so, um, it's such a loving scene, you know.

something you'll want to be a part of you know yeah it is it's it's it's like its own it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's it's like our thing right and it's cool it's cool when it grows you know right as you know not talking about like the gatekeepers but like i mean like you know like it grows and like it's like we're our own thing right it's fucking cool definitely yeah what do you feel about like how metals getting more like accepted how do you how do you feel about that i think it's interesting because i think it goes in cycles you know it's true you know like definitely because the 80s mid 80s early 90s it was like rising you know it was like super popular yeah you know even within the hardcore punk scene i mean talked with this a million

times of friends like how it's doing that crossover thing you know like that in the late 80s or mid-80s like happening. It was inevitable that was going to happen. But I think it's great. You know, I think it's something like I said, that honesty, you know, fans are die hard. You know, they teach their kids what they loved. And I think that tradition has passed on with heavy music and rock music and metal music. That's something that I noticed internationally, you know, in Brazil, especially in the U.S. You know, it's like, oh, you still listen to Deep purple, you know, and it's funny because when I moved to Brazil, I never listened to Deep Purple. It's just an example.

And a few things, but then it's super popular there. Like a lot of young kids know Deep Purple. Like, they do covers of Deep Purple. Like, oh, we got a cover. It's like Systems of a Down, Deep Purple. Blah, blah. I'm like, what? And I thought it was so cool.

That is cool. And I was like, man, I was like, yeah, my dad taught me about deep. purple and and then we even toured with them there was you really yeah how was that that was amazing dude deep purple us and the helicopters from sweden wow we put that line together i was like this is happening it was like stadium like weird it was it was awesome and those guys were amazing but i i have so much more respect much later in my life for deep purple because of brazil and listening i'm like damn young kids there i would go to these bars and there'd be cover bands and are always playing like deep purple yeah yeah like it was it was amazing yeah that's awesome you saw deep purple

you tore deep purple yeah that was incredible that's awesome it's also cool to see like younger uh people still i always like wonder how does it happen like when people are still talking about nirvana you know it just keeps going like it's just uh damn how does that happen i mean They left such a big impact, you know, it's impossible to get over. It's also a time period in a lot of people's lives, you know, that, especially with Nirvana. You know, I kind of remember what was going on in my life. And when I hear those songs, brings me right back to those moments. You know, a lot of music does that, you know, puts you kind of in a time machine in a weird way.

And, but it's interesting. I mean, they had such a tremendous impact, you know, that's pretty much unforgettable, Nirvana, you know. Yeah, one of my favorite bands. Speaking of hearing something It takes you back Remember like the first time I heard your voice was on Remember when you you guys put out a live song On the tattoo the earth

Live compilation Each band had a song Yeah so What the hell was ours I don't even remember what the song It was choke Oh it's choke Of course yes

A single I was like damn Dude the fucking dude is pissed Yeah It was angry Love that song I was angry It was very angry

Young and angry. I was young, vegan and angry, dude. It's like, guess. Like, fuck you all! This record is called Against. If you're not a vegan, you're fucking against me. I mean, it was, but I got to say, like, the, what really helped so much was, even, I mean, living in Brazil helped a lot, I think, because I never felt so much love, you know, and support. You know, it was insane.

wasn't expecting that. I didn't even think about that before moving there that, um, especially for like a gringo, you know, and gringo there is a different terminology than the rest of, I guess, the Latin world. It's, it's more of, uh, a foreigner is a gringo there. So anybody's a gringo there. It's not from Brazil. Oh. It's a, and so it's like strangiero, gringo, somebody that's not there. It's like, so getting that love, it was just incredible, you know, It's a different world, you know, moving there and then people recognizing and then believing in the band. They're like, this is our band. You know, still, no matter the changes, Sepulour is a representation of Brazil.

And I was like, wow, there's a lot of responsibility. You know, there's people that grew up with it, you know, their father or their honor. They're like, oh, you know, as I got older, they're like, oh, my dad loves your band or, you know, my grandpa loves your music. I was like, damn, I was like, I'm that old. And, but it's that support, you know, it's always been there. Like, still to the state, like people were, I mean, it's my home, you know, it became my home, Brazil. And so it just fascinates me when I talk to people, friends, and they're like, I have a Brazilian friend. I told them you're in Sepul, Tour, and they just couldn't believe it.

And they knew it, you know, and it doesn't matter the age group, you know, it's just like, wow. So that was a trip to move there and then to be recognized. And then every day, it's just like every day. Autograph. Photograph. As technology moved on, people got phones. So then it just became like insane. Like everyone, oh, photo, photo.

Like before it, like, got it. You know? It's like film. Yeah. Or you would rarely get that. It was just an autograph, a lot of autographs. Yeah. You know, but, you know, as time went on, it was like every day,

leaving the house. It was just like, yeah, Sample door, like, people staring or just in your business, and that was a little weird for me. I didn't like that attention so much at all. Yeah, even though you're getting

support, yeah, how was it getting that, like, attention? Well, I mean, it was, thank God it was positive. It wasn't like, you suck. You know, go back here. It was like, get out of here. Why did you do this? You know, I'm sure there's those, but I wasn't getting in my face, but thank God it was a majority of positivity. That's great.

And really helped. Did it help? It did, because we wrote a lot of albums in Brazil. So having to support people like, yeah, man, this next album is going to be great. And doing Rock and Rio Festival, you know, we've done so many of them. And being asked to do it year after year, it's just fantastic to be a part of that. And that has such an impact on the history. of Brazil, you know, Rock and Real has a big, it's a big deal.

You know, it's the first time that people got to see a lot of rock and roll bands in the 80s that they were never able to see before because they had a dictatorship and there were no bands that were playing there and there was hard to get albums and rock and real kind of brought all that mixture and everything once things changed. The politics and everything changed. And so it's fascinating that, you know, we're able to. We've done so many Rock and Rios, and that, you know, is such a Brazilian thing for me, you know, Rock and Rio, of course. And just, you know, it's an honor to ask to play.

And we played in so many different variations of jamming with other people, other people from other countries, Brazilian legends, you know, it's great. But, I mean, that's important. I love of Brazil is like no other, you know, it's, I feel it everywhere around the world. You know, Brazilians that are all over the world, they're just like, yes, Sepultura, you know, like everywhere. That's a trip now. It's everywhere, huh? Everywhere. I mean, I've seen Brazilians everywhere.

Like Siberia, like in Russia. Really? You know, with like a flag I see in the back. You know, a Brazilian flag from their state or their football team or I'm just like, oh, my God. Brazilians in Siberia. Wow. That is the future. Yeah.

We are in the future in the moment. Wow. Yeah. that's a it's so great that that you actually made the move there yeah yeah I think that was that was extremely important um I don't think you know we we could have gotten to know each other better if that didn't happen you know I didn't realize it would be 20 years but I really you know fell in love with the country and I fell in love with being there and um being a part of that whole seeing you know It was something very unique.

And, you know, again, it's like a home. You know, when I'm not there for a long period of time, I feel like I'm really missing it and some of the aspects of it. But it's definitely helped, you know, keep the band going, you know, that support from all of Brazil and all over, you know, but especially Brazil. Yeah. It sounds like it really helped you guys keep going.

That, like, support. It's huge, huh? You get, like, those, like, injections of, like, inspiration. Oh, yeah. I mean, everyone. I mean, it really, really, and they're inspired by the band, that the fact that we're doing it, we're still going, we're still creating music.

So, you know, it was a blessing to be able to live there and to learn so much about the culture, you know, and I'm still learning, you know. Yeah, and then you learn the language. Yeah. It's gotten worse since the lockdown because I haven't been able to speak so much, but I dream sometimes in Portrait.

Portuguese and so it's really the slang I really got down Pretty well the slang terminology so that's why people are like oh your Portuguese is great I'm like yeah I can say bad words and and and talk shit and which is not the greatest like when you're doing like interviews or serious stuff or in Yeah, front of people's grandparents and you're just like yeah, this is fucking great man. I love this meal. You know, it's better than a dick. You know, you're just like oh excuse me oh my god they're like he's so funny this gringo he's like hilarious it's funny if i'm saying it but then yeah it would continue on where it was like always the clown you know always funny it's like wow you sound like an eighth grader i was like okay i had enough of this you know yeah i was like i got to step up in my Portuguese game you know yeah but uh yeah i i learned a lot you know it was

It was definitely like learning another language and dealing, you know, like food and figuring out how I'm going to eat, you know. Wow. I mean, they have great food there and everything, and I was lucky about that. But I started to have to make friends who didn't speak English because a lot of friends I was meeting wanted to practice their English and they spoke English. And then I would become lazy and speaking Portuguese. So I started to make friends of people who didn't speak Portuguese and that would help because I was forced to speak to try to. find the words. Yeah. And it was frustrating because I love to communicate and I love to talk and being at an age in your 30s where you were like a man and people like, you sound like an eighth grader man

and just over and over and over again. I was just like, oh my God, this is becoming depressing. You know, like I need to represent myself. I have to be able to speak this language. So just started paying a little bit more attention, you know. On the road, those guys always speak Portuguese, people wondering, what on the bus? Of course, they're going to be speaking Portuguese. It would be weird if they were speaking English to each other, like, hello, Paulo, how are you today?

This is like, I'm great, Andreas, I'm thanks for asking. It would just be weird. So I got to, I mean, I can understand a lot of Portuguese because I'm just hearing them speak. And they're saying a lot of the same, you know, a lot of slang and best. bad words. So that's, I was like, oh, you're from So Paulo.

And I'm like, yeah, I live there. But, you know, certain accents and things like that. I just get from hearing them and mimicking them, you know, imitating them. Yeah. So that helps a lot. Yeah, especially when you're in a band. There's a lot of, you know, bad words being thrown around. So you probably just kind of took that.

I was like, I want to know if you're talking shit. Yeah. Talking shit about me. I heard that, man. Now, we're talking about your shoes, man. Chill out. Now you know. Derek, you're fucking crazy.

You joined a band of dudes you didn't know. And you went, what was it like walking in the room? And everyone was speaking a different language. I mean, that was kind of crazy. But it was crazier when those guys started playing. Dude, how was that? That still, like, gives me goosebumps. How was that, dude?

They were like, we're like, we're going to just play this. And so they're going to be like, you know, refuse or resist. Like, do-d-d-d-do-tok-tah-tah-tok. I'm just like, holy shit. Like, I didn't realize that. Oh, my God. Oh, fuck. I gotta sing on this.

You know, it's like the power of the, like, there. And I was like, in the room, you're like, it wasn't a show. It was like, literally. And they're like playing and then done like, like, all right. So I'm gonna, I'm gonna sing this now. You know, that was like the most intense thing because there were certain songs like arise I would hear. I was like, fuck, you know, like it would bring you back to when you first heard those

songs if you're a fan. Yeah. I was like, oh man, like I didn't realize it was that fast and that heavy and just sounded so good. You know, it was just like, damn. I was like, this is a simple tour, man. And And Andreas told me, I told Andreas that like years later. And he was like, I had that feeling when I first played with them too. Really?

That's a trip. It's a trip. It was a trip. Like, I had to get my head around like doing. a lot of the old songs and that became a lot easier but as the career you know going on in the career there were certain times that we had to do shows or like we did the entire rise album from beginning to end like one show and that was really difficult man I thought I knew that album pretty well I was like I don't know anything like B side like B side of the album like shit I was like

man it's it's starting to like blur in my head you know like it's like a lot of songs are there's some similarities in certain songs and I was just like fuck I this is difficult you know and it was difficult for everybody you know it's like some songs they never played live so yeah it was you know those challenges were really really cool but like I said just that practice you know the first practices and just hearing those songs like in a room like my god you know it's like like intense that's intense. What is, you're always going to have that moment in your life. Oh yeah. Yeah. That's so special, dude. Mm-hmm. And then a lot of times people are like, don't you get tired of playing those songs? Like, no, because it's always a different scenario that you're in. Different people, different stage, different sound, you know, different feeling of what you're feeling when you're going.

Everything is always different when doing, no matter, even if you're doing the same song. Yeah, it's true. You know, I've done roots here, you know, in L.A. and doing roots in Brazil and New Zealand, you're all different, you know, doing that same song. But it's never, it's never the same. It's never the feeling, oh, we're doing the song again. It's always like, we're doing this song better than ever, you know, this is it. You know, like, this is the moment, you know. Yeah. Yeah. It's cool. You guys still had that fire. Oh, yeah. I mean, I think what helps again is, like, having that support from the fans and, and, and, and, and, and, and. and friends and family around you a good team of people oh yeah and then uh it really helped you know having you know i think with alloy kazagrangi joining the band it you know it really added um so much fire to the band you know we had fucking good yeah you really is eloy is wow it's just like really such a uh an amazing fit into the band and and his love of playing and especially metal music you know

It was just like invigorating. You know, we went through two other phenomenal drummers before. I mean, really amazing, amazing drummers. They're just all very different. But it just felt great with the lawyer because he really wants to be there. You know, there was so many other problems with things going on. But to have that energy and that focus that he has, you know, it really helped, you know, move the band in a.

different direction, I think. That's awesome. Yeah, yeah. And especially, again, like that outsider. When we see that stuff, it's so inspiring. Like, dang, they're like, they're older than us and they're, like, we got to, like, do something. Right. I know.

We're like, damn, we got to keep this fresh, too. It's like, we're getting older, but it's like, Jesus, the songs are getting faster, it seems like. Yeah. You know, it's really funny in that way. Like, harder and harder. I mean, the songs that we keep, that we're coming up with, it's just like, wow. this is not an easy song to play.

Like, we're thinking of, like, some other stuff. Like, you know, when I think of certain songs, I'm like, fuck, this song is pretty complex, you know, in comparison what we were doing before. So that challenge is important, I think. Yeah. It's kind of like a, is it like a muscle? Well, you really have to just keep doing that.

I mean, definitely for, I think for everyone in its late way. I mean, especially with voice, you know, I haven't sang on stage. It's going to take some time, practice, a lot of practice to get back in that rhythm. You know, it's definitely like a muscle that has to be trained. Yeah, how does your, I'm sorry for the generic question.

How does your voice feel? Now it feels pretty weak. You know, because I haven't done any. Oh, yeah, yeah. But on the road, you know, it's something you have to get into your mindset and you have to really take care of yourself. you know stay away from

alcohol I mean even when I did drink I didn't drink before a show or ever you know it's just impossible just closes your vocal cords

for alcohol and it's really bad for that as well so that was something that was a plus that I already had in my mindset like I can't drink and do shows like it's only after

um But just, you know, taking care of yourself, you know, like really staying away from like a lot of smoke, a lot of talking. It's a lot of discipline. Like a lot of people realize, wow, he's so quiet. You know, like on the road, I'm silent. I can't really be talking a lot to preserve my voice, you know, to keep it in check for the next show. So try to talk and not be in loud places where you're over talking. We're just like, yeah, man, what's going on?

It's like you'll lose your voice immediately. Damn. And then again, alcohol on top of that and smoke around there because places used to be filled with smoke. Back in the day in Germany, it was like, oh, my God. They're fucking smoking in the fucking building. Yeah, yeah. But, yeah, it's hard, you know, the first few or three days, four days.

But once you're in that rhythm, it's great. Yeah, so once you get in the rhythm, like, oh, yeah, yeah, it becomes stronger. It's just like, yeah, I can scream my head off. You know, it's just like long screams and, you know, keep it steady from beginning to the end of the show. And by the end of the tour, it's pretty much over. It's, you know, the voice is like done.

Yeah. But, I mean, I've been really good with that, you know, like really doing warm-ups and warm down. Warm down. Yeah, warm down. After the show, like me, me, me, me, me, me, me. Bop-pah-pah-pah-pah-pah-pah. Wow.

And just warming down and taking it easy, you know, just very fortunate to never have to cancel a show because of that, you know, voice. That's great. Yeah, it's like 20 years over. 20 years, never canceled a show. Congratulations. That's why. Why is there? I need wood right there since you keep saying I'm not going to wood.

All right. All right. no it's great like especially you know like bands like us like you know transparently i mean i'm like i look at eddie and my man how long can we do this man right how long can we keep that aggression do that like that it's more so because we because we could you know like we could practice but we i have no idea what it's like to maintain the voice it's it's it's it's scary i have no idea what it's like it's you know what It's scary because there were times where I had dreams

or it's just like I'm screaming in the dream and nothing's coming out. Oh my gosh. And I guess it's like an anxiety like a wake up first show and I'm like, I can't do this. And I mean it's a discipline. It really, it takes a lot of practice

and you have to be able to recognize when your voice is hurt or in certain songs, you know, to keep it going, you have to realize where you're going to hold back, where you're going to push further. and a lot of things that just have to happen naturally throughout time from touring and getting used to that.

But yeah, it's no joke. You know, it's also mental game because it's so in your head singing, you know, and the first week it's very, very hard. It's just loud and you're just screaming, you know? And I'm just like, man, why? Can I ever be in a band where it's just singing? Like, that must be incredible.

Then get off the stage and be like, yeah, fly me to the moon. In other words, all right, thank you everybody for coming out to the show. We're going to walk away now and have our voice intact. But it's like, at the end of a simple tour, it's just like, hey, what's up, man, how you doing? It's like, I'm going to keep it low. Yeah. My head's just like, foo, foo, foo, foo, oh, yeah.

So. I can't imagine, dude. Yeah. And then trying to head banging. Yeah. The same thing. Double whammy. Right.

Wow, that's fucked up. But, I mean, you get used to it, like, I have to be moving around. If I'm just standing still. then it's that's when the headache comes in yeah studio is the hardest because you're just in a position where you can't really move in the booth yeah so much and and you're trying you're directing into one area specifically yeah so it's just like all focus on that just like ah god your body's there like fringing up and you just have to do in a way where it's natural but it's not you know it's not natural so the headaches really build up then. It's like,

let's try that again. It's just like, oh my God, I just gave you my everything. It's like, Dan, that was okay. I think it could do better. But I love the studio, you know. I love the studio, and I love the stage. There's just two different worlds,

you know. Yeah. But again, I'm, I think it would enjoy doing a band where it's just singing. as well. You got the stage, hang out. I'm talking. Right.

Talking. I told Andreas this before and he's like, yeah, man. He's like, that would be great. You know, like a reggae band. We always talked about doing a reggae band. I was like, perfect. He's like, I don't have to be like strumming into a way where it's just like my fingers are falling off.

Totally. It's like, that would be amazing. Just imagine that. You know, you just come off stage like, yeah, like, all right. Let me want to smoke a cigar right now. Fuck yeah. That's why the loud singers were just like smoking and singing. Yeah.

I'm like, how do they do that? I'm like, I get it now. I get it. Yeah. I come off and it's just like soaking, everything, wet, disgusting. Yeah. Just drench like a puddle around me and just like, just like everything poured out and just like drenching out shirts.

I think like drummers and singers get the worst. Totally. They do. Just like so messed up, like destroy, like empty. And people are like saying something like what? Like what? Like what? I can't focus on anything. It's like give me 10 minutes and get back in my body again.

Yeah. It's insane. Like people don't realize, you know, how intense it can be, you know? Totally. I mean, it's like the same like, you know, like you leave it all on a stage. Yeah. You know? Oh yeah.

And some shows like, I mean, I don't imagine it's a senior. you're actually saying lyrics and words you wrote. Sometimes you like go somewhere. Yeah. Right. Well, sometimes I try not to. It's like, man, if you think way too much, I'm like, oh, that laundry. Did I put that laundry in?

Like it's like, oh! It's like, come back. But there's been times where I thought like, if I think way too much, I'll forget lyrics. And I'm like, oh, right? You know this? Come on. You got this. I can imagine.

And it's just like, stop thinking about it. Stop thinking about the lyrics. it'll just come. I just need that one word, the first word of the sentence. And then it'll, you know, that's... I don't know, it's a weird thing that I have. It's just if I hear that first word,

then I'll get the whole entire verse. Is it like chain linking? Yeah. Okay. A lot of times. It just has to come natural, but yeah, it's a lot of lyrics, you know? Like, that was...

So many words. And when I first joined the band, that was, like, rough. Like, I just remember, like, uh, like learning these songs. and certain songs like beneath the remains. I was like, I don't know this album that well. And it's just like that song,

Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan, dang. It was like one of the first songs I learned. Middle of War and that started by me. It's just like, Blah, blah, blah. Perliferation, you know, like certain words he was using. I was like, what? Fucked up.

I was like, I thought they couldn't speak English at that time, you know? And I can only do the song if I'm hearing the actual music. Like, if I were to recite certain, I would be like, I don't really know. I just know from what I hear it. I have to have that music in my head in order to... Isn't that so weird?

If you try to remember the lyrics, you don't, but once the band starts playing, it comes. Yeah. That's so weird. Yeah. Same with, like, if you're playing the music, like, where you don't have the vocals, you get kind of lost.

Right, right. Oh, you do? Yeah. It's so, why? It's like, you play this song like a thousand times, but you still need everybody there to like kind of okay. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

Strange. Yeah. But I know you guys, you know, you've gone through the singers change. Yeah. And so it's difficult, you know. It's very typical. You know, definitely relate to what you're saying when like,

you know, you got to know you got to know how to work with somebody. And you came in, your mindset joining the band. You had the perfect mindset. It's like you kind of accepted like, this is not going to take one record. No. This is going to take multiple.

Which is fine, though. Because I mean, you realize the band has been playing, you know, people have gotten used to how that band is and how they're sounding. And they had time to develop themselves as well to grow into, you know, that formation. It's just a new formation that it's going to take time too. I think there's certain groups that have done the changes happen relatively quickly. Yeah. But which is cool. But I've just never been that type of musician

Honestly, you know I there's certain people I know they're like really adapt to music Super quickly. Oh, got it boom like one yeah, it's crazy I'm like damn We're still with me Yeah, it's just like I got a you know I get it over and over and over again which is fine you know But it's just the process for me it just takes a little bit longer to to get adjusted to playing with different people, depending on the situation. It's a lot that's going in.

But it took some time, man. There was a lot going on with us and just with management and with the past and dealing with the future. And just putting it all together and just, I think the main thing is just really communicating with each other. It was very important talking about what's going on, direction that we wanted to go. And staying focused with that, you know, and really believing in each other, you know. And I think that confidence built up throughout the time of touring and everything. Because, again, those guys have been building themselves up and they got to a point where it was very well respected. And then it was like all of a sudden, like all these people started turning their backs.

And then just really weird treatment and lack of respect, I think, from a lot of, like the industry and certain people that were. surrounding them and then kind of building that back up that confidence i think you know yeah of like okay there's a different formation let's you know really believe in this and and and i think with alloy we're on that third album you know it's like the junior album and we never had that you know it'd been a long time since we had that that connection with somebody for a period of time so with his first album it was like radical and really just like intense second album with it was like amazing an experience and then third it was like comfortable i think everybody really yeah and taking our time as well like this the last album we really took our time within i think that had a impact as well

on the sound being able to sit back and not rush ourselves and um but all these things you know really add up to really that confidence was what we really um we're always you know knew that we had but as a band as a unit you know we felt much stronger like yeah all right um paolo's gonna go in and do bass you know nobody's gonna be around you know we're just doing our things and come back he's done all his parts you know a week of like that or eloy coming in like that bastard come in like four days like i'm done you know like the whole album or a week like yep ready to go home i'm like damn he's done the producer like yeah i never say anything like that insane and then i'm there the last you know like by myself you know i don't have every you know

people looking over my shoulder are the same with andre's doing guitar i just hear it you know we're in the studio yeah sleeping in the same proximity or whatever and it's just like oh he's doing that again you know that song or yeah but um everyone's doing their own thing you know like we're confident enough it's like okay we're gonna you know we have everything demoed out we've done everything the demos we're ready when we go in the studio to do our parts and and to expand on those parts even you know so totally yeah it's it's crazy how long it takes to get that confidence yeah it's crazy how long that fucking takes man mm-hmm to get like but not only get confidence but that's some conscious confidence yeah yeah this is real oh yeah right right it's fucking real man

like now we we now we could throw down and then also having everyone on the same page Well, that's another fucking heart thing NGO. Jesus, dude. Yeah, I mean, to start a new band, like now, I mean, we're talking about young kids, you know, it's like I don't envy them. It's difficult. I mean, difficult. Yeah. I mean, I know I've done, like, projects and things like that and just get people's attention.

You know, it's really, really, really difficult with new stuff. Yeah. You know, they're like, I heard it. A piece. You know, it's. It's difficult. It is. This is a question that I've been asking this, and this is the one, and everyone answers so differently, where do you see the music industry growing?

That's a good question. Hopefully, I can't really predict the future. I just hope that artists are going to be able to really gain control of the situation of where this money is. going for digital plays, you know, like just to figure that out, you know, more unified and getting more money for the artists for these plays from Spotify and things like that, you know, it's just completely unfair that, you know, that these outlets are there where they're just a monopoly on that, you know, where they're making the money and the artist is getting virtually nothing from them, millions of plays and things like that.

I just, and the labels are getting money from them too, you know, these deals. I just hope that the future is better for artists in the future. We have more control of that are unified in a way where we can go after, you know, the money that we're deserved from plays, you know, from digital plays and things like that. So I'd love to see the technology improve for sound, especially like headphones and things like that for the consumer. um get off of like like the probably of like

mp3 type sounds like compressed and everything yeah yeah i mean like as an artist it drives me crazy you know like hearing i'm just this doesn't sound like the studio at all you know or just hearing certain sounds just compressed i just hope the technology gets better for that which it will um and like i said i just think it's important that the artists are just uh respected more in the game as far as the business in

and um get what they're deserved because it's really bad at the moment. You know, it's always been really bad for the artist for some horrible reason, you know. We're publishing, like, it took a while for people to be aware, like, wait a minute, they own this song, you know, and people are still learning, you know. Still, man.

Damn, we got fucked. Yeah, still, man. So I would love to see, you know, a unity with, like, artists where it's like, wait a man, We should all get together and use our power in order to gain what we deserve, you know. Yeah. I just don't know what that plan would be. But in that aspect and also maybe like a health insurance for artists, musicians, like a special thing, like a union for musicians where it's like, hey, I'll pay this due if we have, if we're covered.

You know, like every musician that we know, have their own artist health insurance would be great, you know. like uh yeah so i don't know like things like that i think would be great you know and also for artists for their future you know like a retirement you know yeah something to be organized to be a part of that put their tour money towards that you know certain bands or individuals you know like hey i pay the seats month i'm going to be taken care of when i'm older after playing so many many many years i think those things can be put together you know i don't see why not there's some bands and arts artists out there that suffer from you know if you get hurt you're you're screw you know hospital bills are crazy and things like that and and then you hear about these musicians like why is that guy you know living in

a shack and he did so much incredible music you know how does that happen you know like you know take care of each other yeah it is but i think i'd love to see artists you know take care of each other more you know yeah totally i think i think it's conversations like this i just Just like what you're doing with the health show is like to spread awareness, say it out there. True. Put it out there to get people thinking differently when they, you know, structure deals. Yeah. You know, it's huge.

I think having ownership in your masters are as huge. Absolutely. You know, as opposed to zero percent. I know, I mean, give me one percent. It's a good start. One percent. Yeah. Something's better than zero.

fuck dude yeah yeah yeah it's crazy but yeah communicating and getting out there having more discussions about that you know huge and involving like people who may not who are better on the business and get them involved maybe into the music scene where they can help artists you know have a better understanding of or creating something that works in a way that could help artists you know yeah be i'd love to see that happen i don't see why not definitely it's very possible you know you know I think it's also time for artists to start wearing multiple hats. You got to kind of be like a somewhat business person. Now know, know where your money is going.

True. You know, absolutely. I mean, no doubt about that. I mean, it's difficult. I mean, it's confusing, you know, to jump into it. And as a young artist, it's happened to many of them where they just got completely used, you know. But it doesn't have to be that way. It doesn't.

Right. It doesn't. Well, I think the future is still bright, you know, I think... Oh, no, without a doubt. I mean, there's still music that comes out where I'm blown away. And I love, you know, searching for it, digging for it. I love... That's what I love being on the road.

Also, I miss is that fact of that element of talking to people like, hey, did you hear this? I was like, no, I never heard. Oh, check this out, you know. And that's why I learn, you know, hear about a lot of bands. It's not from just sitting at home looking at my computer online, which I've done. And the lockdown, I'm like, what's discovered stuff? But it's word of mouth.

I love that. I love that. I was at the bar the other day. I'm like, he ever heard of spirit box? I'm like, no. And I go home and hear spirit box? And I'm like, shit, sick. Cool.

I was hanging outside. Someone told him about a cool band and found out about it. That's awesome. I love that. I love that. There was a really good friend of mine I grew up with. We're really into skateboarding. And he was like, oh, you know, Tommy Guerrera, he's an incredible skateboarder.

And I was like, yeah, we grew up with him. And he's like, did you know that he has a band? I was like, no. And he's like, yeah, he plays like every instrument on it. And he's got like multiple albums. I was like, get out of here. And then I went online and I just couldn't believe, like, how amazing. Wow.

He's written these incredible, just jam albums. They're just like instrumental a lot of them. And it's so good, man. It's really, really impressive. I was blown away. Like, oh, my God, man. This is my new thing, man. Tommy Graham.

It's awesome. Shout out. Yes. Go fucking jam that shit. Skaters. Skaters with skills, musical skills. Damn, so you already know how to skate, man, but now you play every other instrument.

I know. Fuck you, dude. Bastards. Man, I could fucking barely play one instrument, dude. Jesus. There's some skillful, uh, uh, gateboarders that do music. So it's like a double duo.

It's so awesome. Double threat. Talk about wearing multiple hats. Yeah, yeah. Shit. Well, Derek, I don't want to keep too much of your time, man. I really had a great time chatting with you. I learned a lot.

Oh, thanks for having me here. I mean, it's cool. It's quite a voyage and worth the voyage. Yeah. Thank you for making that shitty drive, man. No, no, it wasn't that bad. I really appreciate it. It was great.

I mean, it's great to be here and to see you and definitely reconnect. It's awesome. You know, it's been way too long. I know it's been too long. It's nice to have, like, a conversation because when you're out of show, it's kind of hard to have, like, that kind of sit-down conversation, you know? There's, like, multiple things going on. You have, like, I'm mad of show nerves, you know? Right.

You know, it's a weird thing. Yeah, it is. It's like, oh, shit, I'm like, you're not nervous, but there is, like, those nerves in the air where, like, you don't want to, like, want to go out and, like, really, like, like, start talking to people. people just kind of sit back and wait for the show. Yeah, I mean, it's just, it takes a lot of energy to do a show. So it's just mentally get prepared, you know, to be on stage. I can't wait to get back to it, you know. It's just weird thinking about it.

Now I'm like, it's terrifying, terrifying, you know? It's like, I really don't want to go out without that confidence. And so that's why I'm looking forward to, like, practice and to really go through those songs again. It's been a long time. I mean, I don't know about you. When was the last time you were jamming with the band? It wasn't that long ago, though, right? August?

Last August, 10 months? Oh, okay. That's been a while. Yeah. It's a while. Especially, yeah, it's like a muscle. Once, like, you could stop doing it and they all, you get back the first day, it's like, yeah.

Are we a fucking local band? The fuck, dude. All those years go down the fucking drain. What the fuck happened? I thought it was badass. I guess not, dude. I was trying to, like, sing whatever our songs, like, new songs. I was like, oh, my, in my kitchen.

I was like, oh, my God. It's like, I'm going to really get this. Am I going to do this? Oh, my God. Yeah, serious practice. That's right. Kids still need practice. So at practice, that shit is not dead.

You still had to fucking practice. Hours and hours, it's just, there's no shortcut. No. You know, as you, you proved, like, this. Yeah. I mean, I mean, you're talking decades, dude. and still learning too after so much time

you're still learning and again like you're you guys are very inspiring to to me and seeing what you guys do it gives me it gives us light you know like wow

we could do this for a while at a very high level I still I feel the same way about a lot of the bands that we've toured with and come in contact with you know it's really

has that effect you know it's fantastic That's another great thing about touring is meeting different bands and singing them on stage. And it's just, it's a joy. Especially when you have like a great band that you're just like, wow, you know. For us, we definitely love having bands

that have a different sound to take out different bands have a different sound than us. Because it would be boring just to have like four bands of the same style. Totally. So, yeah, that would, I mean, always a learning process, you know. It is, man.

It is, man. Yeah, always learning. Are you guys having any shows coming up? Yeah, we have a tour set up for November, December in Europe. So I hope it happens. You know, I'm staying very positive. That's with the Sacred Right. And it was supposed to be with Crowbar,

but I think they're not going to be able to do it. But that tour we're supposed to do in the U.S. next year, 2022. But this, hopefully November, December, keeping our fingers crossed that that happens. It's got to happen. It's feeling good, man. Yeah, it is feeling good. I just want to keep getting it right in Europe, you know.

Like just I hope they're able to heal up like it has been here. You know, we have the lowest rates in California. Wow. Than any place. And it looks like Fourth of July is going to be a big bad. Oh my gosh. That's me a big party, dude. Yeah, I'm going to be like inside.

Stay inside, dude. I'm not even taking a fucking Uber anywhere, dude. Oh, hell. No. No, man. No way. People are going to be like, it's America back again.

America's back. Back, baby. Back. Fucking back. I love the enthusiasm. But I'm going to, you know, I'm going to be a little bit, you know, keep it back a little bit.

Like, I'm not going to. gonna roll out so fast like in party mode full on party mode you might you might even have a pot of copy who knows no i can go hard man i'm gonna go hard in my backyard yeah pretty much like with friends and stuff like that but uh it's exciting man it's exciting seeing shows open up yeah that's everywhere and and i'm gonna try to get in as many shows that i can go to before we start playing shows because i never get to see bands yeah and so this is a good time to be like oh my god i'm going as a fan again, you know, a spectator, like, let me get my ticket, you know, I'm going to be over here, you know, watching the show, you know, from beginning to the end.

It feels good. Yeah, yeah. Especially in September, there's definitely a lot of tours coming through. Yeah, so I'm stoked about that. That's going to be like, you know, reunion of friends and music. I'm set. I'm ready. Ready, man.

Ready. Ready. Well, where can people find you? I'm on the Instagram. Instagram. Cool. We got our Instagram account. There is Derek Green official.

Then we have Highway to Health. That's health. That we have that page. I'm not on the TikTok. I'm not on the TikTok. Yeah. I've heard about the TikToks. And I'm not on that yet.

I have the Facebook's. The Facebook's happening. Sick. Yeah. So Facebook and Instagram. and Twitter every now I'm thinking. Nice. Yeah, MySpace is over.

That just ended it. No, it's that. Kids are like, what mySpace? Why on MySpace, everybody? Google MySpace. But yeah, on those things. And Sepul Tour, of course. Awesome.

Well, again, Derek, thank you for being here. Appreciate it, man. Thanks for having. All right, everyone. Until next time. Later.