“Well, I was twelve years old and listened to all kinds of punk and metal, all kinds of bands…I knew that’s what I want to do with the rest of my life.” 

Their message is punk rock angst and revolution; their debut album Earthbound captured their massive live sound on tape, garnering international recognition and a deal with Metal Blade Records. BISON B.C. recently finished recording their Metal Blade debut Quiet Earth with Jesse Gander (3 Inches of Blood, Subhumans, Mass Grave, S.T.R.E.E.T.S.) at The Hive Studhand, we all lived in Victorianios in Burnaby, BC. Quiet Earth features the band’s trademark crushing sound and will be made available everywhere September 30th 2008. This is definitely a band for fans of doom, stoner rock, sludge, and good old fashioned heavy metal. Vocalist and guitarist, Dan And, took the time to answer some questions with me.

Kate: Hey Dan, thanks so much for talking with me!

Dan: Hey, no problem at all!

Kate: So, can you give us a history of the band?

Dan: Well, we were all friends beforehand; we all played in different bands. James was playing in this band called “The Streets” and when they broke up we got together we put the word out that we were looking to form a band and it all came together from there.

Kate: How has the feedback been for Quiet Earth?

Dan: It’s been really great, I can’t believe it. The album’s really awesome, we love it.

Kate: Yeah, I love that it’s metal but it has some punk undertones to it.

Dan:  Yeah, it’s just as much punk as it is metal.

Kate:  How has it been having a label like Metal Blade supporting you?

Dan: Metal Blade has been great; they’ve been supporting us all the way. They completely trust us with the decisions that we make.

Kate: Who are you touring with right now?

Dan: We’re touring with Three and Black Cobra and will be touring with High on fire and Disco high Tower pretty soon.

Kate: What influences made you decide that you wanted to play music?

Dan: Well, I was twelve years old and listened to all kinds of punk and metal, all kinds of bands. That started for me. I knew that’s what I want to do with the rest of my life.

Kate:  Who are some of your favorite bands?

Dan: Oh god, there’s too many, we’ll be here for hours! (laughs)

Kate: Did the whole band have input on the album?

Dan: Oh yeah, we all did. Our band is a democracy; we wanted everyone to be in on it. We’re not like “Hey, I wrote the vocals so I decide what goes on the album and that’s it.” No, we all wanted the whole band in on it.

Kate: What is your outlook on the punk and metal scene today?

Dan:  It’s hard to gage. I grew up in a small town and there were always all ages shows so kids could always go out. But there were always different bands on one stage; there were too many different genres. But Vancouver has some great bands. Some great underground punk bands.

Kate: Yeah, unfortunately, at least in the Bay Area here, a lot of clubs have shut down. I remember when we could go out every night to see a show but now it’s either crappy cover bands or DJs.

Dan: Yeah, unfortunately, it’s starting to get like that around here too.  It’s harder for kids to go out and see a new, original band play.

Kate: What are you guys going to be doing after you’re done touring?

Dan: We’re going to take a couple of months off and just chill. Holidays are coming up so we’re going to hang with families, girlfriends, you know. James is already working on new stuff; we’re always coming up with new ideas.

Kate: What inspires you guys?

Dan: James usually writes about what’s going on today, society and culture. We’re not overly political but he likes to write about that. I write more about personal conflict and what’s going inside with me.

Kate: Any words for your fans out there?

Dan: Just want to thank everyone out there and just to let them know that we’re not your typical metal band. We want people of all types to come check us out!

Kate: Thanks so much again for taking the time to talk!

Dan: Anytime, thanks! 

We would like to thank the band and their camp for making this interview a possibility.

Click here for CD review of Quiet Earth