New York hardcore hitmen Brick By Brick are tackling their third decade in the worldwide metal scene. Friday April 25 a new ep titled "Collapse on Upstate Records to be released. Plus a hometown show on Saturday April 26 at Empire Live In Albany NY. Loaded with an massive amount of local metal contenders and regional innovators opening show. We spoke with Mike Valente, foI unding member of Brick By Brick to fill us in.
Ralph: The calm before the storm. Are you ready for Saturday’s party?
Mike: I couldn't be more excited for this. We haven't played out in four months. Plus the fact there are new tunes and some "classics" that we threw in the set list that we haven't played in a while. I am so humbled that all the people that are involved came together for this. I personally handpicked each band for this show to make it a cool mixed bill so that it is worthwhile coming from start to finish. The bands will play short sets and pack it in will all killer/no filler. The Lycan debuts at this show. It's their first show. I booked these guysbecause my friend Dan turned me on to them. He is the former drummer and I wanted to give them a shot. Next up is Everdredd. A great metalcore outfit with veteran players. Then we have Kakos which is Nick Stamas' band. Nick is one of the driving forces behind the Extreme Music Awards all star jam. Great guitarist. Balor comes in swinging and has a mix of the old Troycore sound crossed over with some good ole death metal. Oakheart brings the violence with a hardcore/metal hybrid. Then we come to 25 Ta Life. Warren has been a friend for many year's and I thought it wouls be a great "old school" compiment to the lineup.
Ralph: what are the plans for brick by brick after Saturday, tour? Shows with Cro-Mags and Sheer Terror on the road.?
Mike: We start playing in May. We have a Canada run with our boys in Sworn Enemy and War Nerve, then we do another run with Cro-Mags. Sheer Terror will be on one show, then Sworn Enemy will hop on another show. That takes up hald of May, then we begin our East Coast assult with Hoods from June 4th-June 20th. Then we pepper in a few shows over the summer. We haven't planned the fall yet. Probably pick back up towards November.
Ralph: Besides being a musician and working at empire live you do a few other things , tell all?
Mike: A couple of years ago, I decided to stop working for any "corporation" type environment. I'm getting older and my time is worth more than money. So, I am now the lead talent buyer for Empire Live/Underground. I surrounded myself with music. if there isn't music then I do not belong there. This summer I plan on riding my motorcycle a LOT. I designed the Extreme Music Awards out of frustration for other awards shows neglecting the genres of heavy music. I think that heavy music is more important than people think.
Ralph: Can we expect a full length album or videos?
Mike: We will be doing some videos in the near future.....we usually have already done that, but peoples schdules are hectic. We will be working with Sean Cranston and his new company Sinema.
Ralph: Is there anything else that you want to tell WABY listeners about?
Mike: We dove into some really cool merch ideas. We diversified. We got into the booze and weed market. Smooth Truth is our signature whiskey (available at Empire Live). you can also get bottles through me directly. I'll show you how to order them. We have our own branded "gummies" as well. Come see us at the merch booth!! Thank you, Ralph, for all that you do for music. Always been genuine and selfless'
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