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Interviews
Suffocation - Mike Smith
26/02/06 || Global Domination
This interview was done by ex-staffer Fishermane.
I really hate trying to write interview intros. The day I write up an interview with some second rate piss-poor unknown band that no one remotely gives a fuck about, maybe I’ll take it a bit more seriously since they will obviously need the introduction. But then again, I don’t interview piss-poor unknown bands that no one remotely gives a fuck about anyways, so it’s kind of like a Cock-22 situation. Or not really. Who cares.
Anyhow, anybody who’s remotely into good death metal knows Suffocation. I was impressed that long-time drummer, and also manager of the band, Mike Smith replied to my initial request the same day, so I was looking forward to sending him the questions. Believe it or not, he answered them the same day. Good work Mike. Not the longest and most detailed answers, but the material is solid. I figured I should comment on his good work ethics and the seriousness to which he took the interview itself. Remember, this is fucking GD, ok? Anyhow, let’s see what drummer / bad-ass / kung-fu expert Mike Smith had to say…
Global Domination: All right, first of all, as typical generic interview questions go, give us an update on Suffocation. You guys have been touring a bit, the new album’s been doing good, so let us know what’s up here…
Mike Smith: We’ve been touring more than a bit, after 200+ shows we’ve decided to take a break from touring to just concentrate on the writing and creation of the new album and DVD. When they are complete we will return to a life of travel.
200+ shows? That is a bit. Now I have to comment on “Souls to Deny”. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely impressed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good album, but I thought it lacked some charisma. The musicianship was tight, as always, but nothing directly stood out and made me want to listen to it over and over. But who cares about what I think, the overall feedback has been great from what I’ve read and heard, and I just feel the need to be completely honest and not kiss your ass no matter how much I respect you guys. What’s the band’s take on the album itself?
We had less time than we have ever had to create and record “Souls To Deny”. The second the word of our reuniting hit the streets we were loaded with show requests , record label commitments and deadlines in order to meet the high point of the year. The first ideas we had for songs were what were recorded, we are used to having the material for a period of time to allow us to absorb, dismantle and rebuild. This album was more of a Point and Shoot attempt. We will never write our most satisfying shit when rushed, Suffocation doesn’t work that way and will never work that way again now that the people know we are serious. Nonetheless our live shows destroyed all year regardless . So who can really say anything regarding the intentions of the band. We’ll get by.
Without a doubt in my mind. Now in retrospect, how about you give us some insight on your previous recordings? We all know “Effigy of the Forgotten” is a classic, hands down, and that people always tend to comment on the shitty production of “Breeding the Spawn”, no matter how great the actual musicianship is. Feel free to make us aware of any pertinent facts that we should know.
Nah, everything that can be said has been said regarding the past albums. All that needs to be known now is If we are focused and stress-free we’ll hold our own with most.
Damn, I was hoping to hear you take the piss out of “Effigy”, but fair enough. So give us a couple of the high and low points from your time as a drummer. In addition, what would be your all-time favorite moment that you experienced with the band, whether in the studio, on stage, in a strip club, an enchanted meadow, etc…
HIGHS:
1) Being the founding member.
2) Creating a technique of drumming that wasn’t before me. At the time being original was the idea we started with.
LOWS:
1) When the band was so dysfunctional in the past that the decision to leave it was a high point in life. Don’t be fooled. It was a mutual departure.
2) The wasted time it took for me to convince the others to hush-up and let me run the behind-the-scene business at hand. Thus leading to the successful Suffocation of 04’,05’,06. Some are meant to run a biz, some are definitely not.
And some like beer. Now I’ve read that you’ve done some musical projects on the side, some involving a hip hop aspect. How about you give us a quick rundown on your general musical preferences, and if you had the time (and money) to produce any project remotely imaginable, what could we expect? And not necessarily from a sales perspective, but just in the sense of the music that you truly love.
Deathmetal, classical, rock, jazz, funk… There was a time when hip hop had a spot , but that has long gone. It’s an insult to any sensible man’s intelligence. At least what is shown of hip hop in the media. There is definitely a underground hip hop movement, just like deathmetal, that will soon hold its own in the masses.
Hip Hop is so fucking 80’s anyways… So I’m aware that you and your wife take care of most of the management for the band. How does that work out? Obviously, it helps to manage your own band, but do you sometimes wish you had some other bastard taking care of it (assuming he’s competent)? How time consuming is it, and are you satisfied with the overall results?
It works smooth and efficient. No nonsense, no clutter, very few mishaps and a lot of personal sleep-loss which in turn allows us all to be Suffocation for a living. Each member has a skill they are good at and contribute when needed. Running an overall business from beginning ruins to success wasn’t one of them. We took on the job gladly out of fear of neglect being our premature downfall.
Well, you answered this interview within 3 hours of me sending it to you. That either means that you take this seriously (or just don’t give a fuck about GD). Let’s go for the former. Now to be honest, you guys are officially considered one of the pioneers of brutal death metal, New York style. I’m sure you’ve been asked this question before, and will have it asked again, but who cares… How does it feel to have laid out the blueprints as to how good fucking metal should be played?
Its an honor to be recognized for anything you do in life. To set an example for the next generation of musicians is more than we could have asked for.
And you can thank me for bringing it up. Now, If you could smack the shit out of one person, band, politician, etc, who would it be and why? Nothing too serious, but just someone who deserves to be put in line for the fun of it.
Prez Bush, he’s an ass always and forever.
Never saw that one coming. So when I initially contacted you for this interview, were you looking forward to answering my questions and impressed by my signature at the bottom of my office e-mail address? Or were you like “Oh great, here’s some other fucker with his two bit webzine that’s going to take up my precious time, thinking I actually remotely care about his insignificant questions…” Don’t worry, you can be honest. I’m a bad-ass but I still wouldn’t fuck you if you badmouth me.
Like I said I am the only one who takes the biz as serious, interviews are a part of it. I don’t excite easy or impress. I didn’t expect anything so I wasn’t surprised with what I got. What I did expect was to okay the interview and get on with it as truthful and straight forward as possible. I don’t know you well enough to waste time badmouthing.
Hmmm, didn’t expect anything from GD? Didn’t badmouth me when you had a chance? Sorry Mike… Strike 1. Anyways, I’ve seen you guys on a few occasions live in Montreal, and you guys put on a great live show. I’m not just saying this to kiss your ass, I’m being honest here. I remember last year (in April was it, at Foufounes Electriques?) Frank was talking about how he loves coming up to Mtl, and he had good stories about it too. Was he just bullshitting to stimulate the crowd, or do you guys actually like coming up here? Feel free to comment on playing here, crossing the border, or just talking about my city in general. Don’t worry, you can be honest. I’m a bad-ass but I still wouldn’t fuck with you if you badmouth my city.
Crossing the border sucks each and EVERY TIME. Once we reach our destination we have the best time, but until we reach there we curse all that is involved with getting in and out.
Incidentally, I said 20 questions. Are you bored so far? Is this just like any other “interview” you’ve done? In other words, let us know how much you love me by asking me anything you like, or you can just tell me to fuck off if you think my questions blow. Or you can just tell us something about Mike Smith that nobody knew, and that we’d all love to hear.
I’m not bored this is what I do daily, I don’t love you, but I do think your alright so far. An interview is an interview until I fill it with answers of substance, relevance and truth. As for what the people might want to hear. Well… Suffocation is available to play house parties cheap, just call 555 YEA-RITE and we’ll be right over.
Hmmm. didn’t say you loved me when you had a chance? Strike 2, Mike-o. Now comment on these 10 bands:
Cynic: Classic worldclass musicianship.
Aborted: Nice guys and behaved appropriate on our last tour. Except the drummer likes to get naked alot and wear SUFFO thongs for the people to salivate over.
Haha, I fucking knew it. Alright, The Smiths: My wife and I are worldclass citizens, and should be an example for all humanity.
Morrissey must be turning in his grave… Wait, Morrissey isn’t dead yet? Well his soul is… Anyhow, this should be strike 3 Michael, but I’m sure you couldn’t care less about 80’s UK bands anyways, so I’ll let it slide…
Good ‘ol Cannibal Corpse: Good friends, can’t believe they’ve done it all these years with no breaks. Maybe that Ace Ventura thing helped out a little.
Who the fuck is Ace Ventura? Some gay male stripper act? Speaking of which, how about Metallica: Filthy RICH and made it from Metal.
And gay porn, har. Alright, Atheist (“Effigy of the Forgotten” booklet, sexy sleeveless shirt, anyone?): A band that all should listen to and understand the skill they had back then. Piece of Time.
Ripping Corpse: Rutan was crazy back then too. Loved’em.
The Project Hate and/or God Among Insects: Sorry never heard of them.
Good call Mike. Minus 3 strikes. Dark Funeral: Good Black metal.
Insert a band of your choice here that deserves to be commented on: Umm , got me.
Ok, I lied, here’s number 11, Opeth: Nice choice, I was hoping you would mention them, but truthfully I don’t know much of’em. Sorry.
A few years back, I was “dating” this Trinidadian girl who only listened to hip hop, but somehow loved Suffocation especially since she saw a brother behind the drums. Needless to say, I’m sure she might have been thinking of you on occasion while we were sleeping together. Any comments?
That’s cool send me a picture so I can think of her as well.
And incidentally, now that I’ve so skillfully introduced the issue of race, how was it for you starting off in a death metal band? I’m sure you got a few looks at first, until people actually heard how good you were. Being black and playing death metal was a first, so as much as you can tell me to fuck off for asking this, feel free to comment on the situation if you have something to say. Plus all my black friends who hate metal will now have an incentive to actually read my interview.
I’ve never had a problem. If there was one it didn’t approach me face to face. I would hope that if they were in the same venue as Suffocation I would hope that they were of good sense to just enjoy themselves.
Ha, I could be the David Duke of death metal and I still wouldn’t step to you, so I’m not surprised. Now that we’ve got that aside, what’s your take on the music scene these days? Whether it be mainstream, underground, extreme metal, etc… It seems a lot more bands are getting signed by labels than there should be. How’s your outlook for the future on metal, or just music in general?
I hate it, it’s too crowded. I don’t really listen to too much, and I definitely can’t stand to watch what they are feeding us on TV. It makes my head hurt. But overall the metal scene is strong, videos for deathmetal and nice size tours are coming slowly but surely. Now if the promoters will pay properly we will all be better off.
Including those who do piss-poor interviews for unknown websites. Another typical interview question here. I’ll give you 10 words, items, names or situations, and give us the first thing that comes to your mind, or just comment in general:
The actual initial forming of Suffocation itself: Innocent expectations.
The war in Vietnam: Waste of young lives.
The assassination of president Kennedy: Sad but reality, it can happen to anyone.
Kevin Costner’s career: Care less.
The actual initial studio sessions for Human Waste: Drunk and wild.
The splitting, then re-forming of Suffocation: Inevitable .
Your first actual live show: Empty.
The first thing that comes to your mind everyday when you wake up: Wrapping up unfinished business. How to finetune myself in strength and wisdom.
Your favorite food and/or alcoholic drink: American, Crown Royal.
Frank Mullen’s “Trump Tower” shirt on the “Effigy of the Forgotten” pic: Ridiculous, don’t forget the sweatpants.
I actually thought they were rather stylish. Right. Ok, you guys are in your 30’s, you’re obviously grown fucking men. How does it feel playing in a death metal band, let alone one that is actually good? Not to say playing metal is something that should cease once you hit 30, but have you ever just considered stopping this, and concentrating on progressing on different aspects of life?
I had already done that when I wasn’t in the band. I ran a business and bought a house and married. Security was there and comfortable that’s why I run the business. If I can keep all I already have with no worries then the rest should be just fine. At least we would hope. Playing death metal keeps me in shape along with motocross and Kung-Fu. I’m personally better now than before.
On a more serious note, how about the situation with the war
in Iraq? Nah, I’m just kidding, haha… So what’s the most fucked up porn
you’ve ever seen? That’s serious.
Well, it’s definitely not human on human. But when women deep throat
horse cock as well as eat their cum, I tend to spend a little time
contemplating the fuckedupness of it.
Well, that’s not as bad as pigs, eh Covan? On an ACTUAL more serious note, what’s your vision on the human race as a whole? Anyone who remotely follows world politics can see that the world is pretty fucked right now, so how do you see things yourself? Are human beings inherently evil in nature and seek power at the expense of others, or do you think that under an honest and just government, peace and efficiency can be achieved?
Definitely with real common sense making decisions we would all be better off. Split all money on earth equally. Let us start again fresh. As of now I see the world as DAZED AND CONFUSED as ever. The funny thing is we are more dazed and confused in the US than any country I’ve ever been and Suffocation has been to many lands recently. No matter if they are rich or poor, they follow a code of ethics that’s been lost a long time ago in the US. If it ever existed at all.
Damn commie, haha. Staying slightly on the political tip, where would we find Mike Smith on a political spectrum? From a utopian perspective, I tend towards the left as a liberal who believes in social equality and freedom, but realism and the overall lack of intelligence of most makes me stray towards the right on certain issues… Feel free to speak on your personal ideologies, or anything even remotely related to this, or once again, you can tell me to piss off and shove my ideologies up my arse, in case you’re not into politics.
Ok shove it up your ass for the record! Democrat, if any at all, would be my side since we have to choose. Common sense rules all. The wealthy would fear me worse than any stock market crash. Dummies would stay dummies to themselves in a little dirt hut somewhere in dummy land. And the common sense hard working folk with laugh in glee because it just made sense to. We would have no worries or evil-doings knocking at our door. Everyday would be a new day of opportunity that could be achieved under Smith-politics. Remember though, dummies go to dummyland, so if the decision you make is a dumb one, I am so sorry but you must go. That alone would change the face of this earth tremendously.
And to finish it off, how about you let us know what we should expect for the future concerning Suffocation (how un-cliche!). While you’re at it, feel free to drop us some words of knowledge, since you’ve been in the game for a while, and obviously have some interesting things to say! Also, go ahead and comment on drugs, since we all deeply care about them so much.
Suffocation is stronger now than ever so be patient with our time taken to do what we do. Drugs have been one of the main sources and outlets for the dummies who can’t live or breathe without them. I despise those who aren’t strong enough to taste it if curious and then move on with your day and business. When the drugs become…. your day and business, which I know a CLOSE few who live by that rule. Your health, misfortune and untimely death is your problem. And I wish it upon you as quickly as you wish it upon yourself.
Ok, I lied again about 20 questions, here’s an extra one. Just tell us about your drumming skills and preferences, and initial influences when you were starting. I’m sure you’ve been playing for at least 15-20 years, and I believe I heard you were pretty much self-taught? Any really specific influences, such as metal, rap or jazz? And how about some funny moments where you got lost during a live song, or lost a drumstick, and had to pull a Def Leppard until the next break?
Ive been playing 23 years. Dave Lombardo was my main influence that led me to the darker side of things . Other than that; Maiden, Black Sabbath and Zeppelin played a part in my style as well. When a drumstick should vacate, it is replaced in a split second. Sometimes I don’t even conciously realize it’s been replaced. It just happens after all of these years… To wait for a break meant you didn’t expect that this could happen and you set yourself up for failure. The stage isn’t the place for memory-loss or fuckup’s, they happen but that’s what the basement is for. Fuck up minimally. Take it seriously always, or move out of the way for the bands that do. DEATH METAL 101.
Alright, thanks so much for your time Mike, sincerely, and I wish you guys the best. And remember, next time you come to Montreal, you have to let me buy you guys a beer (or 9), since you guys dominate and since I’ve been listening to you guys since the early 90’s. And props to Global Domination for the interview (if you say that, I’ll officially get a 10 cent raise, which will now give me 35 cents per interview conducted).
HORNS UP for GLOBAL DOMINATION for supplying an interview worth answering.
Later,
SUFFOSMITH
Cheers!
And what do you think of my alias, doesn’t “Fishermane” rule? It’s catchy, no? I love fishing! Right…
Nevermind that man, I want my cut of the 35 cents. This is a business afterall.
Bastard.
