ISC Blog (Archive): Interview With Michael Boakes of I CHOOSE VIOLENCE, 07.04.23.
Original Date of Posting: 7th April, 2023.
I choo-choo-choose you, violence! <3
Okay. Let's be serious metal-folk again, shall we?
There's a storm brewing in the depths of Adelaide.
Next Saturday, a metric fuck-ton of bands and even-more-arbitrarily-quantifiable number of keen punters will flock to the Lion Arts Factory, for the 12th iteration of the annual New Dead Festival. [EDIT: this is obviously long in the past, but I want to retain the original post as-is. As… was?]
The festival sees both national and international acts, of both veteran and newcomer fame, standing shoulder-to-shoulder for what is set to be a full-day onslaught of heavy stuff. Nice.
I caught up with Michael Boakes, gutturals-provider (oops, vocalist) of I Choose Violence.
Sporting an initial EP that is one heck of an extreme-metal charcuterie, and already building a name for themselves on the live front, it's safe to say they're an act I'll be heading down early for!
Photo Credit : Samuel Phillips Photography. Go cruise the blog and check out our New Dead Festival coverage. Lots of high-quality snaps!
Righto. Here's the Q and A:
Nice job on your latest EP 'Trial By Combat'! I can definitely hear elements of death metal, hardcore, thrash and even a smidge of black metal. Any particular influences that stand out for you guys through the song writing process?
“‘We’re extremely glad you can hear these things, as we’re inspired by a vast array of genres and bands. As stated, all the above for sure. At the time of writing this EP, our influences were bands such as (but not limited to) Carnifex, I AM, Knocked loose, Behemoth, Slayer, Alluvial, Incendiary, and of course, the almighty The Black Dahlia Murder (RIP to the KING Trevor Strnad).
We hope to not replicate our influences, but make it clear that we are inspired by such artists.’”
You Choose Violence. I Choose BASS.
Obligatory-follow-up-music-journalist question - 'Any plans for a full-length?
“‘Of course! We’re already writing new music now (because why should the process/grind ever stop?).
Hoping to release a full-length next year. Currently we are working on something more than a single, but less than an EP with a self-contained story.’”
B/W images provided by ICV. Photo by @threesix_imagery
I feel like I'm playing a grimdark tabletop RPG or watching some brutal medieval horror when I see both the EP cover art and your latest merch. Any particular aesthetic influences here, or just plain ol' Choosing Violence?
“‘All our art is inspired by the Dark Souls (soulsborne) series, Resident Evil, Game of Thrones/ anything medieval and of course… plain ol’ violence! We have a few artists we work with currently. Basically, just tell them the rough idea of what we want and see what vile concoctions they can spit back at us.’”
[EDIT 03.01.25: Holy shit that ended up being relevant to our podcast, lol. I gotta share this with Luna on Discord…]
Photo by @threesix_imagery. P.S.: ‘Yes, we get it. You Choose Violence. But which cheese do you want?’ Michael: BRIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
How's it feel opening such a huge local bill as New Dead Festival next weekend? There's been an uptick in heavy festivals in Adelaide recently.
“‘It feels pretty damn good considering it’s only our fourth show for the year. Jason North is a great dude and even better show promoter, we feel honoured being a part of his dream/festival. Off to a flying start that’s for sure.
Adelaide needs more festivals, need to prove to the rest of Australia and the rest of the world that there are loyal fans here who do actually like going to shows.’”
👏 blast 👏 those 👏 goddamn 👏 skins 👏 baby. Photo by @threesix_imagery
Speaking of Adelaide generally - what's the vibe check on the scene at the moment? Any up-and-coming SA artists we should be paying attention to? Other than yourselves, of course.
“‘The scene is interesting, very diverse which is excellent. There’s definitely a lot on offer at the moment. Freedom of Fear, Exhuminator, Holur, Numen Noctis, Descend to Acheron, Devoidance, Tunnel Vision, Endless Grey, Ecdysis. Not all of those bands are new and coming, but they’re delivering the goods either way!’”
photato credit: Samuel Phillips Photography.
You've managed to secure a bunch of shows in a short time. Any plans for local or interstate shows after New Dead?
“‘Of course, we have plans for more LOCAL shows.
We’re playing Dead by Daylight II and the just recently announced I’m Not A Burden festival (shameless name drop, but courtesy of our vocalist’s new booking agency IRONJAW BOOKINGS 😉).
Our drummer is taking a few months off from the end of May to September as he’s about to be a father (love you Jarrad). We’re not worried about the momentum dropping as we’re hard at work making new music anyway.’
’But yeah, I’d say expect to see us touring either later in the year or early next year. We feel as if it is important to establish a loyal fan base here in Adelaide first! But are definitely keen for offers of travel.’”
Great stuff!
Looking forward to watching these dudes rip next weekend.
LINKS:
Artist Page:
https://linktr.ee/i_choose_violence
IG:
https://www.instagram.com/ichooseviolence_official/
UPCOMING GIGS:
You can catch I Choose Violence at The New Dead Festival next Saturday, alongside a slew of other local, national and international bands.
As mentioned, ICV will also be making an appearance at the second Dead by Daylight Festival, also in Radelaide on the 20th May.
And, as if two wasn't enough, they'll also be making an appearance at the I'm Not A Burden festival, on September 23rd.