www.facebook.com/xSKULLDOZERx
Sounds like: Death Metal
From: Mississippi
Questions answered by: Jason Ramsay (guitar/vocals).
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Skulldozer" and is there any meaning behind it?
I officially got started in the music business at the age of 14 when I joined my first touring band as the drummer. A dozen bands and 33 years later and here we are! I would say the sound of the band is a culmination of all my musical influences and experience over the years. I never approached this project with the intent to reinvent the wheel but only to create music that could stand the test of time. Ultimately the goal has always been to write quality death metal. When I write songs and riffs, I usually save lots of ideas on a voice recorder to refer to later. I found that naming the riffs helps me identify what the riff might sound like when Im searching for a new idea to use. "Skulldozer" happened to be a name I came up with for a very crushing type riff that I had written. I never really intended it to become the band name but over time I realized that it perfectly encompasses everything that my music is trying to portray.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Hopefully the music will make you want to move. Ive always thought that the most powerful music isnt the amount of notes you can play or the technicality of the songs but you truly always win as a musician if you can get people moving. As a frontman, I would say that theres nothing more satisfying than an entire front row wall of headbangers really enjoying the jams.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
A short explanation of our sound has been described as Dying Fetus meets Crowbar. I would say thats a fair opinion. Skulldozer is Crushing Death Metal from Mississippi. Straight forward, sludgy, heavy, grindy, groovy, slammy, classic, death metal.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Exhorder, Frozen Soul, Jungle Rot
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
I don't believe in the Scamdemic so it has no effect on our progress.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Death Metal?
I would say the current state of death metal is absolutely thriving. Almost every metal band I know is reaching some form of success and its great to see.
7. What's the current music scene like there in Mississippi?
Mississippi is full of very supportive metalheads. I know that this state is easily looked over and forgotten but metal is strong down here in the dirty south and the fans are always looking for more. I would encourage all touring bands to consider making the Gulf South a definite stop in their schedule.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
It's fine.
9. What’s next for Skulldozer?
We have recently signed our first record deal with Guts n Blood Records from Peru. Our debut full length album "Non Stop Ruthless Crushing" will be out by January 2023. Id really like to play some bigger fests and maybe jump on a good tour with friends. We're a fairly new band but we're here for the long haul. We're already planning for the second album and a full year of crushing. Hope to see you in your city soon!
10. Any shoutouts?
Thanks to Mike and all at FTD Entertainment for the interview and helping us grow our metal family. Also big thanks to Edu at Guts n Blood Records for giving us this killer opportunity. Eternal gratitude to all of our family, friends and supporters who have helped us get to this point. You are truly our Skeleton Horde! Keep Crushing.
