Through This Defiance have been touring hard trying to get their music to every corner of the World. They stopped by in SA last year and fell in love with us. Let's be honest, who wouldn't? Now they're on their way back for a second tour this August.
Ant (vocals) answered some questions for me about where they're at, where they've been and where they're headed.
C: For a band that has only been around for such a short time, you've done more than most bands to in 5 years. How did things pick up so fast?
Ant (A): We've only been a band for a year and a half, but most of us have been in or around the hardcore scene for 15 years plus. We have all been in and out of bands throughout the years, so we already had the knowledge and view of what we wanted TTD to be. The passion and love for the road was already there, so it came quite easy to form the band and prepare to tour the world.
C: You've come to visit SA once before, how was that for you and what made you decide to come back?
A: The love we received from the South African hardcore kids was unreal. It made it 1 place we would never forget and want to continue touring SA at least once a year.
C: It's tough for any band to go through member changes. How have all your member changes influenced the band?
A: You need tough skin to be in a touring band. Some have it in them and some don't. Life happens, kids, jobs, girlfriends, family issues etc... But Hardcore is what we truly have a passion for and it's what has kept this band together.
C: What makes you guys keep on trekking hard across the world with getting gear stolen, vans breaking down and long hours on the road?
A: Nothing has ever come easy for most of us in life. The struggle we've been through set us up to not give up on living life and doing what makes us happy.
C: Do you think hardcore where it needs to be today? Do you think bands do it for the right reasons compared to say, ten years ago?
A: I don't think hardcore will ever be where it was ten years ago. It was a totally different generation with a different message. There's a handful of us out there that still hold that message close to our hearts and keep it alive.
C; How does it differ all around the world?
A: I tend to think we got spoiled here in the states since it's where hardcore was rooted from. The appreciation level is just so much greater in other countries.
C: Of all the heavy music out there, what is it about hardcore that keeps
you there?
A: Hardcore has always represented things we all related to such as loyalty, unity, struggle, and its probably the main reason why some of us are still alive today. There's an old saying, "Hardcore saved my life" and that's exactly what keeps us here doing what we love.
C: A lot of people think we own lions and ride to work on rhinos out here. What were your impressions of SA before and after you arrived here?
A: We really didn't know what to expect before we got there. Haha! The only thing we knew was that there was a couple of hardcore bands down there such as Reason To Live and Bloodline LTD. Now that were going back next month, we're all super stoked and know what to expect from such and welcoming scene.
C: Where in the World do you guys still want to go?
A: Where ever theres are open hearts and open minds for the love of hardcore. We plan on hitting anywhere and everywhere this year.
C: How are things looking for your next release? What can we expect
from TTD?
A: We have plans to finish up writing the new album at the end of the year. We are all very excited about how these new songs are coming together. We have a new line up and it's incorporating the many different styles from everyone. Expect a variety of styles we all grew up listening to. We really feel like this next album is the next step up for TTD. Be on the lookout!
Stay up, and we hope to see all of you soon! Peace
TTD-
Be sure to check out Through This Defiance on their South African Tour this August. There's a killer bunch of local bands on the tour too, so bring the love and show your support!
C
