System Failure on 07-10-2000 by propheci

System Failure is a hardcore band from Omaha, NE. They've rocked the local scene for a while now and played with many big hardcore bands. I've always loved their sound, and I think it's about time people get to know them better. This interview was conducted through email; nothing has been edited.

1) who are you and what do you do for System Failure?
I am Zach and i play guitar for system failure.

2) how long has System Failure been around?
we have been around for about 2 and 1/2 years.

3) were you a part of any other bands before System Failure?
I was, i was in a pop punk band called the "FoodStamps" and I was in a heavy band called "StapleFace"

4) how did you guys meet?
We met through a local chrisitan music store that no longer exists. It has closed. an employee there introduced us all. The only people who knew each other before the band existed were Tavis, the bass player, and Kevin, the drummer.

5) How many albums/eps has SF released?
We have only released one EP called "Conception" which is all sold out now. we are recording a new CD soon, which should be out at the end of the summer sometime.

6) what are some of your favorite bands, albums, influences?
As far as hardcore goes, Buried Alive and Throwdown are what i listen to the most. I also really like bands like NIV and Stretch Armstrong. I usually listen to other styles of music such as country. I also listen to tons of Ween. I love Ween.

7) who have you toured with?
We havent toured with anyone yet, but we have played with many bands who come in areas around our hometown (Omaha) such as Buried Alive, Hatebreed, NIV, Turmoil, and All Out War. we hope to tour soon. maybe after our new CD comes out.

8) is the band straightedge, vegan, Christian, etc.?
Our band is "straightedge" only because all of the members are Christian. We are Drug and Sex Free only becasue of our relationships with Jesus Christ. If it werent for that, some of us would probably be on drugs. Our reason for being in a band stems from our faith in Christ.

9) define the lifestyle of hardcore.
I can only speak for myself on the following questions. To me, hardcore isnt about tattoos and piercings, but it is more of an attitude. Someone who is "hardcore" to me would stand up for what they believe, no matter who is for or against that belief. Not only would they stand behind their own beliefs, but they would stand up for everyone else and what they believe. By this, i mean they would not allow others to put down ANYONE because of their beliefs, lifestyle, convictions, addictions.... there is too much hate and rejection in the world. To me, a truly hardcore person will go against the flow of the world and work to build one another up, despite what the world may say.

10) what's your view on straightedge, vegan, and Christian hardcore?
I think all music is fine until beliefs are forced on people. We all have a right to our own beliefs, so standing up for your beliefs is a good thing. Of course i am a Christian. I know that no one wants beliefs forced on tehm. No one wants me to force my "Christian" beliefs on them, just as i dont want anyone to force thier "staightedge" or "vegan" or anyother beliefs on me. As long as people respect one another, i think all "types" or flavors of hardcore can exist peacefully.

11) what's your view on the hardcore community? any changes you'd like to see?
in all i feel it is good. one thing that could change would be the level of Unity in the scene. And i dont mean the NY scene or the Buffalo scene or the east coast or west coast scene, but the scene as a whole. So kids can travel to other cities to see their favorite bands play, and they would be welcomed like a "friend" or "family member" not as a stranger from another city. another small thing would be the dancing. just people looking out for one another rather than going out to hurt others. i think this is not a problem right now, but it could become one if we dont care for our scene. i have no poroblem with dancing at all, i encourage it completely.

12) what guitar and other equipments do you use?
our drummer has a pieced together set, there are no named drums. some are itama, some are gretch, and some are pearl (i think) he really needs a new set (ha ha) our bass players plays an Ernie Ball Stingray and a Carvin head and SWR cabinets. I have some SG's and a Peavey 5150. we have other stuff too, but that is what we usually use.

13) what's the music writing process like n System Failure?
we just jam until something sounds good, or jam on something sometone thought of. usually we just jam until we hear something we like.

14) any plans for the future? perhaps a new album?
We are recording this month and should have something out by the end of the summer (hopefully). hopefully we will go on some kind of tour. that would be nice, but right now we are focusing on the new CD.

15) what are your views on the mp3/napster/metallica wars?
I support napster all the way. i do respect metallica in SOME ways, but as far as napster goes, that is awesome. i love it. i use it. there are so many bands out there, chances are you wont make millions of dollars on your music, unless you are metallica. That is why i feel most bands that are good are in it for the music, not to get rich. I think napster is a good way to hear new bands and see if you like them without buying their CD and finding out you wish you had got something else. I think the whole issue has been blown way out of proportion.