www.facebook.com/petricorgrunge
From: Aberdeen, OH
Sounds like: Grunge/Rock
Interview conducted with Jeremy Hamm (lead singer).
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Petricor” and is there any meaning behind it?
Jeremy: I've been into music since I was like 16. Most bands would probably say they started out playing some Metallica song or something but the first song I ever learned to play was Nirvana's "Rape Me" because I was really lazy and it was the easiest song I liked. I'm hugely influenced by Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley, I guess that's where my lyrical inspiration comes from. I actually thought of the name "Petricor" it's a misspelling of "Petrichor" which means the earthy smell after it rains. I decided to spell it the way I did because I felt like it'd be easier for people to spell. As for our sound, I guess it just kinda fell into the sound that it did.
2. What do you want people to take away from your "Temple" single?
I wrote "Temple" about some issues I was going through at the time. All my lyrics are personal and about real life issues no matter the song. It's obvious what "Temple" is about, you know? I mean, I think if anyone can take something from it or relate in some way that's great. If not, well hopefully they enjoy the music for what it is.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
I guess I would describe our sound as basic dark 90's Grunge or dark retro alternative, maybe? I don't know. That's the best way to describe it I think. We have some double bass drumming in our songs and I think that separates us from other "Grunge" bands or the "Seattle Sound" of the 90's. I guess I'd say think of Nirvana or Seether and you'd kinda get the idea.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
There's a slew of bands. I'd say three big names would be Seether, Pearl Jam, and Godsmack. Three Indie bands would be Valentiine, Marytree, and Idjit or Inner Temple. So many great bands out there.
5. What are your three desert island albums that you'd never get tired of listening to?
Nirvana "Bleach", Seether "Karma & Effect", Alice in Chains "Dirt", but honestly I'd probably have my iPod which has everything by Nirvana & Alice in Chains with Layne. I also realy dig Seether's "Poison the Parish". Just too hard to choose really.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
It totally sucks. I mean, whatever happened to great music like Matchbox 20, Fuel, Live, or even Tool? There's just nothing in Rock anymore unless it's something Indie. I mean, hell man, there's better bands on YouTube that aren't signed that's great and way better than anything mainstream right now. I could name several off the top of my head but we'd be here all day.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Ohio both locally and state wide?
There's a few good bands state wide but locally there's nothing at all man. The local scene is completely dried up. It's like no one's interested in playing music anymore. It's very hard to find local Rock bands. It's insane.
8. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?
I have my opinions on it. I mean, the short version is it's wrong but I'm not going to knock someone from doing it. It's just a whole different thing we probably don't want to get into right now.
9. What’s next for Petricor?
Well we got our debut album being released soon, within like the next month and hopefully get some venues lined up so we can start touring and promote our debut "Pluviophile".
10. Any shoutouts?
Shoutouts? I guess it would be Heather, Jesse, Sean, and anyone else who might be reading this interview.
