D1: Where did the name Eightfold Path come from?
Mikey: We're all in a stage of maturing as humans and songwriters, and we found the idea of the Buddhist "eightfold path", or the eight steps to reaching enlightment to encompass many of our basic beliefs about life and self realization, not from a religious standpoint, but on a spiritual and social level. Many of our songs are focused on these types of themes, so we wanted the band name to be a foundation for the songs.
D1: Where are you guys from and how did you get together?
Mikey: We're from East Bay Area, just outside of San Francisco (CA). I was in a band with the other guitar player Shaun and drummer Andrew since 1999. I left to join another band with our vocalist Matt, and when that project dispersed, him and I went back to my original guys, went through several bass players, and finally found the keeper, Shane, who is the newest member of 8FP.
D1: Tell us a little about each member of 8fp...what do they play, influences, etc?
Matt - vocals (expertise: road/event organization, scheduling)
The quirky, dramatic high range vocals you hear on the new cd "timeandplace", and the astounding and intense stage presence dispayed at every 8FP show have been shaped by some of the greatest rock influences in music today (Guns N' Roses, Faith No More, Tool, Incubus).
Shane - bass (expertise: grassroots promotion) Our newest addition comes from an old school thrash background (Testament, Pantera, Slayer, Morbid Angel) as well as years of classical acoustic guitar training, adding an incredibly melodic edge to the songwriting and performance of the new 8FP sound.
Mikey - rhythm guitars (expertise: management, booking, marketing/music business) Bringing the huge thick guitar tone and rich textures to 8FP's rhythm section, Mikey taps into influences of West and East Coast Hardcore, atmospheric and stoner rock (Glassjaw, Dredg, Cave In, Failure, Vision of Disorder, Zao).
Shaun - guitars (expertise: graphic/web design) This phenominal guitarist is a product of influences ranging from classic rock to European metal (Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, In Flames, At the Gates), playing a huge role in our faster and more technical material, as well as some of our more complex lead arrangements.
Andrew - drums (expertise: recording/engineering) Precise beats and pounding rhythms pour out of 8FP's drum kit. Our drummer's musical education came from modern rock to reggae alike (Deftones, Local H, Bob Marley, Sublime), adding much tightness and fullness to both the recording and live performance aspects.
D1: How would you describe your music for the people who have never listened to
it before?
Mikey: Eightfold Path combines the catchiness and hooks of alternative, the raw energy of metal, the aggression of hardcore, and the complex textures and melodies of atmospheric/stoner rock to create a very diverse, accessible and powerful blend of pure rock fury.
D1: Which is more fulfilling for you, working in the studio or playing live?
Mikey: Playing live is definitely the ultimate fulfillment. There is nothing like hearing your fans scream and and interacting with people on an emotional and physical level when you're on stage. It's an extremely spiritual, larger than life experience.
D1: Any upcoming shows scheduled?
Mikey: We can be found on bills all over the San Francisco Bay Area, some with high-profile national artists, including an upcoming leg of a tour with Immortal Records act No One, which runs through the West Coast from September 27th to October 3rd. Stay tuned to our website, www.8fp.com for all upcoming dates.
D1: Are you guys aiming for a deal with an independent label or are you shooting
for a major label?
Mikey: We want to start independent and work our way up to the majors. Most new bands that jump directly to major labels, from our experience, usually don't get the right marketing and tour support and end up flopping very hard and fast. We want to take our time, create a national buzz with the help of an independent label, and based on a tremendous amount of hard work and do-it-yourself ethics, we can prove ourselves to a major and get the right kind of backing when that time comes.
D1: If you had the to opportunity to collaborate with anyone who would you want to work with?
Mikey: In a dream state, I find myself collaborating with Mike Patton of Faith No More, a tremendous influence to us. He is an absolute mastermind of music, diversity and experimentation. His projects have guided me through life for so many years, and he continues to break every barrier and set every trend for modern music.
D1: How would you describe your writing process?
Mikey: Our writing process is not what you would call conventional. We don't sit down and think chord structures, progressions, and mathematical algorithms as many musicians do, but instead use our life experiences, environments, cultures, and at times, psychoactive enhancements to create a natural musical flow which constantly flourishes, thrives, and glows, slowly becoming a living, breathing entity.
D1: How do you feel about the music scene right now, and do you think there is a place for a band like 8fp?
Mikey: People are always hungry for something new and refreshing, something that hooks them and catches their ears, yet is at the same time quite different from standard radio rock, common verse-chorus patterns, stock themes and gimmicks. Eightfold Path is hard-hitting, driven, diverse enough for mass appeal, and most of all - real.
D1: Is there anything in particular you would like to see D1 do to help bands?
Mikey: D1 does an awesome job helping bands of any genre find their place, much love and respect to the D1 staff for all their hard work and encouragement. I'm sure D1 will only continue to develop and improve on many ways to push their bands even harder.
D1: Well that's all the questions that I had, is there anything that I didn't cover that you'd like to mention?
Mikey: Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. We wouldn't be here without you. Those who haven't heard us so far, please lend an ear, and if you enjoy the sound, you are encouraged to join us on our path.
To all the other bands: This is not a competition to us, just another opportunity at exposure and being heard. Never give up your dreams, you all deserve it. One Love.