Bask Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

1. Bask initially began when Ray Worth (guitars and vocals) and Scott Middleton (drums) met in December of 2011. Jesse Van Note was added on bass in the summer of 2013, along with Zeb Wright on vocals and guitar in the early fall of the same year.

2.You have an album coming out in September, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

2. Our debut LP is a heavy album with a strong Americana and post rock influence. There seems to be varying nuances that different listeners appreciate, whether it be in the forms of a specific hook or a more doom-oriented riff. 

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

3. Appalachian culture and folklore is a common theme throughout the album, although even “American Hollow” can be deconstructed in multiple ways. The lyrics also touch upon personal and familial narratives.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bask'?

4. Jesse came up with the name and we collectively liked the phonetics of the word. Bask has a very open ended meaning to me. Although we are a heavy band, we wanted a name that signified possibility and hope, which we also want our music to convey.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

 5. Opening for Darkest Hour in Virginia was a highlight, as many of us grew up listening to them. We also opened for Black Tusk in Savannah, which was really awesome. I would say our stage show is akin to our music; there is tension, anticipation, and release. It's a bit difficult to describe since I'm trying to get lost in the moment when we play.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

6. Yes, we plan on playing our hometown of Asheville, NC, often and are trying to do some regional shows every month. September 17th through the 20th we are playing Athens, Savannah, Columbia, and finish up with our vinyl release show in Asheville at Broadway's. In Savannah, we are opening up for an amazing burlesque troupe, The Savannah Sweet Tease, which we are really excited about.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of stoner rock and metal?

7. We are very honored that the reactions have been really positive so far. We got a nice review from France and someone from The Netherlands currently wants to have a Skype interview with us.

8.Are the band members involved with any other musical projects or is this a full time line-up?

8. Yes, Zeb has an ongoing singer-songwriter project, Zebulon Camp. Scott plays in an indie/punk band, Means Well.  

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

9. We want to continue to experiment and expand upon our dynamics and songwriting skills. I see us further developing our experimental side by adding more effects and ambience to our music. Zeb's Americana influences will always be in collusion with Ray's heavier leanings, which hopefully leads to songs that hit you in the gut and simultaneously make you want to head bang. We all love cathartic music, whether it be of an emotional or purely primal and heavy nature.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10. There are so many bands we collectively love within the various realms of heavy music, whether it be punk, screamo, doom, etc... As a band, we also have been into different post rock bands and pull a lot of influence from music that contains more space within itself. Individually we diverge as some of us like bluegrass and old time honky tonk, while others lean towards more experimental music. This summer, we all have been really stoked on the new Pallbearer album and are very excited about the new Earth release, as it seems they've added in some heavier elements to their sound once again. I'm excited about This Will Destroy You's new album and I have also been really feeling Thou

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

11. Living in Asheville, NC lends us to all being huge fans of craft beer and microbrews. We seem to talk about good beer quite often, along with the amazing food our city has to offer. Zeb is into blacksmithing and creating works and tools from metal. Ray is the traveler of the band, as he travels to a foreign country at least once a year. Jesse is a tremendous barber, who gives the most thorough haircuts we have ever experienced and is opening a shop in West Asheville, Model Barber Shop. Scott is a big hockey fan; playing was his first love before music.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12. We really appreciate your time and interest in us, John. We hope to meet you at a show in the near future. We've started to write new songs so keep your ears open