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Sonik Garcia of AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK Talks Touring, Discipline, and New Music

By capitalchaostv on January 19, 2012 • ( 0 )

We caught up with Sonik Garcia, vocalist of metalcore giants As Blood Runs Black, to talk about life in Los Angeles, recording the band’s latest album Instinct, their wild European tour, and what the future holds. Raw, honest, and passionate—Sonic keeps it real from beginning to end.

From Gardena to the Global Stage

Capital Chaos TV: You’re from the Los Angeles area, right?

Sonik: Yep, born and raised in Gardena, right next to Compton. South Bay vibes all day.

Capital Chaos TV: Did growing up in L.A. shape your music?

Sonik: Definitely. It’s where I got my grit. You see a lot growing up here, and that rawness gets baked into the music.

Joining As Blood Runs Black

Capital Chaos TV: You’ve been with As Blood Runs Black since 2010. How did that come about?

Sonik: I joined in August 2010. The band had just lost their vocalist a week into a tour, and I stepped in. At the time, their new album Instinct was 90% done, but we ended up scrapping most of it and starting fresh.

Capital Chaos TV: That must’ve been a challenge.

Sonik: For sure. They told me, “You’ve got a month to write a whole record.” I did what I had to do, but with so much of the structure already laid out, I couldn’t fully be myself on that one. But the next album? I’m bringing the heat fans remember from Allegiance.

The New Record and What’s Next

Capital Chaos TV: When can fans expect new music?

Sonik: We’re hoping to start pushing out material by summer or fall next year. We want it to drop as soon as possible—we’re ready.

Capital Chaos TV: How was the recent music video shoot?

Sonik: It was wild—shot entirely on green screen. The director had a vision, we trusted him, and it turned out amazing. Some people say it’s the kind of video you could trip out to. [Laughs]

Side Projects and Stage Presence

Capital Chaos TV: You were in Fallen Figure before ABRB, right?

Sonik: Yeah, and I still am. It’s my side project—my baby. I’ll never give it up. I hope to write another record for it someday.

Capital Chaos TV: We’ve seen you perform—you’ve got serious stage presence.

Sonik: Thanks! I actually started doing merch on tour, just hustling. Eventually I made my way to the mic. You gotta start somewhere.

Touring Europe and Representing Culture

Capital Chaos TV: How was your first European tour?

Sonik: Unreal. The love out there was insane. As a Mexican dude, I stood out, and people were super welcoming—buying me drinks and food. It felt amazing.

Capital Chaos TV: Did you meet any Spanish speakers?

Sonik: Yeah, a few! Spanish is my first language, so anytime I find a fan who speaks it, I’m all in. It’s important to stay connected to your roots.

Label Life and MediaSkare Favorites

Capital Chaos TV: How’s the label treating you?

Sonik: MediaSkare’s been great. Shoutout to George—he checks in, he cares. Real hard worker.

Capital Chaos TV: Any favorite labelmates?

Sonik: The Ghost Inside, Barrier, and Deez Nuts from Australia. We just toured with Deez Nuts in Europe—they throw down and know how to party.

Soundtrack to Chaos

Capital Chaos TV: If As Blood Runs Black were a movie soundtrack, what would it be?

Sonik: A riot movie. Or protest film. Something chaotic and heavy. Workout music too—we get that a lot.

Childhood Discipline and Life Lessons

Capital Chaos TV: How were you disciplined as a kid?

Sonik: Old school. If I messed up, my dad brought out the belt—sometimes wet. [Laughs] Trust me, that kept me in line.

Looking Ahead

Capital Chaos TV: What’s next for the band?

Sonik: We’re heading to Japan in late February, and after that, our focus is fully on writing. The goal is to release new music by next summer—fresh and powerful.