So what's going on with your bands right now as far as recording or touring?
Well Converge just got back from Europe and it went over real good.  We just finished the new stuff for the split with Agoraphobic Nosebleed on Relapse.  Bane just finished our new lp also.  It is going to be 10 songs with a different 10th song on the LP.  We are doing a us tour in Sept. when the record comes out and we are going to Europe in Nov.

How's Life Records going, and what is the current band lineup for it?
Well unfortunately due to touring and no help or money, Life Records is on hold right now. I have lots of ideas for future releases, but none right now. Hopefully in the fall I will start things up again.

How did you enjoy the European Converge tour?  Where was your favorite place to play over there?
The tour went great.  I have no favorite place - they all ruled.

Where do you find to be the most supportive scenes?
Well, Europe helps the bands so much. I think they appreciate bands more over there than they do here.

Who are your inspirations in life or music and what bands do you enjoy listening to on a regular basis?
It sounds cheesy but my friends are my inspirations.  I think everyone in Bane keeps me wanting to do it.  Just seeing them and knowing how much it means to all of us makes us want to do it.  I have been listening to Good Riddance all the time and you should definitely check out Death By Stereo.  They rule.  My newest favorite record.

How do you feel about all the negative attention 'straight edge' has been receiving on TV and elsewhere in the past months?  Why do you feel it is receiving this negative attention?
Well I think it is receiving negative attention because of a lot of the negative people that surround it a lot of the times.  Bane has chosen to not call ourselves a straight edge band.  The reason being too many people won't listen to any bands if they are not straight edge and a lot of people wont listen to you if you are straight edge.  Bane is a hardcore band.  We are a band that our sole goal is to have fun and make hardcore fun again.

I noticed you are a Star Wars fan.  First, what are your opinions on Phantom Menace?  Second, who is your favorite SW character from all of the films?
I liked it a lot, people don’t realize it is a new movie.  It is going to be different.  Boba Fett is my favorite character.

How have you enjoyed working with Equal Vision Records with your bands?
I love EVR.  I would never choose another label.  Everyone at EVR are great people, and they work as hard as they can for their bands.

Do you think that the Internet has had a more positive impact on hardcore or a negative?
It has had both, like everything there are two sides.

Anything you would like to add or state about Bane, Converge or Life?
Not really.  Just keep an eye out for the new Bane LP in Sept.  I think everyone will enjoy it.  And keep an eye out for Life Records again in the Fall.  Thank you.  Get in touch with Bane at BANE. 43 ESSEX STREETMARLBORO, MA 01752.

Official Bane Site