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The Showdown Interview

A Conversation With Vocalist David Bunton

By Chad Bowar, About.com

The Showdown

The Showdown

Solid State Records
Aug 15 2008
The Showdown are a band that keeps growing and evolving. The Tennessee based group’s southern metal and metalcore sound with a Christian message has a bit more thrash to it on their latest CD Back Breaker. It finds them on a new record label, Solid State. They also trimmed down their lineup from five to four. Vocalist David Bunton fills us in on the new CD, his musical beginnings and several other topics.

Chad Bowar: What can fans expect from Back Breaker?
David Bunton: A totally different record than the last. It’s more thrash, raw, live, and rhythmic.

Your sound has evolved over the years. How has it changed on this CD?
We are a lot more thrash/rhythmic on this CD, and the vocals are a lot heavier and rough.

Had you been listening to a lot of thrash lately?
Me not any more than usual, but I’m pretty sure Josh listens to it 24/7.

What’s the concept behind Back Breaker?
It’s a Greek mythology concept.

How did you decide on Solid State as your new label?
It was a natural move for us. We have been a fan of Tooth and Nail and Solid State for years. We are very excited to be a part of their roster.

What are your expectations for the CD?
We don’t have any specific expectations for it. We had a blast doing it and we hope to be on tour a lot supporting it.

What are your upcoming tour plans?
We want to tour as much as possible. In the fall we will be touring with Norma Jean and Haste The Day.

You guys have had some pretty high profile tours the past couple years. Which ones did you enjoy the most?
Ozzfest was a blast, it was a total heavy metal summer camp. Lamb Of God, Hatebreed, and Ozzy every night ruled.

Does playing as a four piece noticeably affect your live sound?
We can't do some of the guitar harmony stuff that we used too, but as far as the new CD goes, it doesnt affect us. We wrote the CD as a four piece, so it works well and sounds raw.

Do you plan on eventually adding another second guitarist?
Not any time in the near future. We really like it as a four piece. It’s raw and tight, and I love when it drops to bass, drums, and a guitar solo.

Are the economy and gas prices hurting your bottom line?
Yeah, it costs more to eat and more to get to shows. It’s crazy how much it has changed since we started touring in ‘04. Its harder to make money now, so we have be very careful how we spend it!

How did you get started in music?
i played the drums in the middle school and high school band, and played drums in a few bands around home. I started singing because i wanted to be in a punk band that already had an awesome drummer.

Was there a song or album that inspired you to want to perform music?
My first records were Twisted Sister and Motley Crue. i used to play them over and over and sing along.

Who are some current artists you admire?
Buckcherry, Slipknot, Lamb Of God, Hatebreed. really hard edged bands.

Whats your all time favorite CD?
MxPx – Life In General

Do you ever get pressure from those in the industry to distance yourself from overtly Christian lyrics or messages?
Never, no one has ever told us what to sing about.

Have you or would you share a bill with a satanic band?
Yeah we have a lot. It doesn’t bother us one bit.

Who was a key mentor or motivator in your life?
My parents are great, and Hulk Hogan.

What's your favorite hobby away from music?
Lifting weights.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Junk food and coffee.

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