Time to wrap your ears around today’s Band of the Day…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We’re based out of Chicago, IL with the exception of vocalist Jewell Yocum. He’s originally from Fairbanks, Alaska and currently lives in St Louis, Mo.
How did you meet?
Matt (Drums) and I are brothers, so we go way back. Haha. Tyler (bass) and Matt went to school together so he’s been around us for ages and Jewell (vocals) was in a Chicago area band called Habit of Force we used to gig with somewhat regularly in 07-08’.
How long have you been playing as a band?
Matt and I have been playing in one version or another of this band since 03. Tyler has been playing bass since October of 2017 and Jewell just joined us in June of this year.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
Sure, the name “Beneath the Hollow” was was just something we came up with as angry youngsters. I remember (vaguely) it being stemmed from the point of view the vast majority of society bow and follow all these entities void of any real substance. Be in religion, political figures, reality stars, excess culture. And all the people on the outside of the norm that had different values, or didn’t need those things were looked at like they were less than or strange.
What are your influences?
Personally for for me it would be Pantera, Alice In Chains, Acid Bath, NothingFace. And a healthy dose of Skynard, Sabbath and Judas Priest.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Dark, heavy, intense haunting metal. I think what makes us unique is we’re a little bit old school being a 4 piece band like Zeppelin or Pantera you don’t see that much anymore, and we approach each song differently. So you don’t get a release with 5-6 songs that just sound like a repeat of the last.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
That’s all Jewell’s department. But from what I see it’s always pulled from personal experience; but vague enough to be open to interpretation.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live shows tend to get pretty rowdy. I couldn’t tell you how many shows we’ve played collectively. I know It’s a lot.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
During a headlining set at one of our favorite home area venues (The Looney Bin in Bradley IL) a young lady was brought on stage and had her nipples tased , all of which happened at her request!
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I play an assortment of ESP/ Gibson and Dean guitars. Whatever feels and sounds good.
Matt uses DW drums, Scorpion percussion sticks, and Axis pedals exclusively.
Tyler uses Spector 5 String NS 2000 series basses, and Jewell uses Sennhieser mics.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We just released our new single “Spellbound” on September 27th. It’s available on all digital platforms and there’s an awesome lyric video for it on YouTube which was done by a gentlemen named Jacob Glover.
What are your plans for the rest of 2019/2020?
The last thing on the books for 2019 is a 3 day residency set of shows at The Looney Bin in Bradley, IL support our good friends in Dog Fashion Disco.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Can we open instead? Haha perfect tour for me would be something like BTH opens, Dog Fashion Disco second and Dillinger Escape plan headlines.
What is your dream venue to play?
currently it would definitely be House of Blues. Once we get that one checked off I’ll have my eyes set on an amphitheater!
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