Emerging screamo Texans, portrayal of guilt announce a new tour beginning on February 7th in Houston, TX. Hot on the trail of their critically acclaimed new release, “Let Pain Be Your Guide”, the band will travel throughout the US for the bulk of February, joined by D.C. punks NØ Man, New Jersey grindcore outfit Fluoride, and Chicago hardcore trio Stay Asleep.
How did you first get into music? Who or what turned you onto punk?
I stole a copy of Buddha by Blink-182 out of my sister’s room one day when I was maybe 5 or 6. Up until then I had actually decided I didn’t like music for some reason, but I thought the art on that CD looked really cool so I had to give it a listen. Once I heard it and realized that I actually liked it, it was game over for me.
What got you started playing music and how old were you? How did you become a drummer?
I got interested in the drums when I was maybe 8 or 9 because my sister’s boyfriend at the time played the drums in what I guess you would call a “screamo” band. I went and saw them play at the local high school’s battle of the bands and I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen (it was also the first show I had ever seen). After that I begged my parents for drums until eventually my dad surprised me with a kit when I turned 11.
Are you proficient in any other instruments? Have you always been creative?
I’ve been playing guitar for about the same amount of time as I have the drums (13 years) and yes, I would say so.
What was the local scene like where you’re from, was there a particular band you aspired to be like, favorite local bands back then, favorite local bands now?
Growing up, the scene in Austin was a lot of fun for me. There was a lot of MySpace-era metal/screamo/hardcore or whatever, but there were a ton of bands and the shows were always rowdy. Bands from San Antonio were here every weekend playing gigs and for a few years it really felt like one big community. In those days I was really into 25 Dollar Massacre, Thumbscrew and a few other random Austin bands people wouldn’t know. They were playing half-assed “spastic grindcore” and I thought it was the shit.
My favorite locals right now would have to be Street Sects, Mammoth Grinder and Impalers. There’s a ton of other great bands, but those are the ones I listen to a lot.
How did Portrayal Of Guilt come about? Where did you develop the name? Where is it derived from? What other band names were considered? How would you best describe your sound?
Matt and I were already playing in a band called Illustrations together, but had initially started this band as a heavier side project at the time. Illustrations broke up soon after so we decided to start working on this band full-time. I can’t remember what other band names might’ve been considered, but Matt also came up with the name. I would describe our sound as emotional, intense and honest.
Who living or dead is in your dream 4 piece super group?
That’s a tough one but for me, personally. I’d have to go with Jon Theodore on the drums, Armistead Smith on bass, Timmy Taylor (RIP) on vocals and Duane Denison playing guitar. All playing together in a psychedelic prog/dance punk band or something.
What kind of gear is bringing us the Portrayal Of Guilt sound?
I play a DW kit with 2 Zildjian A Sweet Rides and 12” Sabian Hi-Hats. Matt uses a Sovtek Mig-60 with a Sunn Slave out of two 4×12’s. Right now we’re using a full Sunn setup for our bass rig and we usually run our samples and noise through a Roland SP-404.
Name the one album that epitomizes your style of punk above all others?
There are a few, but I’d say one would be Tragedy – Vengeance.
Top 5 albums or songs released in the last 12 months and/or all time?
Daughters – You Won’t Get What You Want
Street Sects – The Kicking Mule
Mammoth Grinder – Cosmic Crypt
The Soft Moon – Criminal
Big Bite – S/T
You’re on a desert island and only have three albums to listen to for the rest of your life, what are they and why?
I would probably take the first three Mars Volta records because they’re long as hell and and they make me feel warm and fuzzy.
What does punk rock mean to you?
Me and my friends doing whatever the hell we feel like.
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