Exit 380 Interview with Blocker
Where did you come up with Exit 380? What’s the meaning behind it?
We came up with it in college going to the University of North Texas. University Drive was actually Highway 380. The meaning then was plenty of state funded advertisement via-road signs, now it’s a way we remember our roots.
Who are your current members and what instruments do they play?
Blocker – vocals
Jimi Bordo – guitars
The Hutch – bass
Jeremy Hutchison – guitars
Bobby Shoes – drums
What genre would you put yourselves into?
Alternative & Experimental Rock
How would you describe your music to someone?
Hard driving melancholy rock music; sans-power chords, love ballads, and air-drumming.
Are your songs political, personal, fictional or something else?
Personal Fictional with undertones of Something Else. Our last album was a concept record of the life & trials of a fictional 1930′s married couple, so for those arrangements “Fictional” was in full swing. Our other 3 records, however, are definitely a mix of personal and something else.
Who are your influences?
It’s a varitable diet of Led Zeppelin, The Who, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Black Sabbath, Zappa, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and more. Mainly older bands, but a few 80′s & 90′s heros would make the cut too.
Describe the type of person that would be a typical fan of yours?
That’s tough…I have no idea. The definitely come in all forms, shapes, and sizes.
Do you have any existing promotional materials we could share with others for you?
Sure. We are an open book, especially online with our music, videos, & art strewn amongst Myspace, Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, YahooMusic…etc.
What is your song writing process like?
Cathartic and time consuming. We purposefully write full jams together, as well as, individually bring new songs one at a time to the table. So, honestly our writing style is very eclectic, and that is where I believe we gain most of our musical strength, because we do not pinhole or tie ourselves to one way, idea, or genre.
What are your songs typically about?
Definitely nothing about the mall, skateboards, cars, hoes, thugs, or pop fluff. Most of it’s dark w/ hues of grey thrown into it.
What image do you think your music conveys?
Dark black red.
What is the ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Artistic choice. If someone would like to pay us for those choices, then our hands are quite grubby.
Did the recent passing of Michael Jackson affect you as a musician?
No.
Do you feel your music has changed since you first started?
Entirely.
Do you have another outlet other than myspace that your fans can access your music?
Yes, iTunes, YouTube, MusicMatch, YahooMusic, MSN Music, Napster, Amazon, probably more.
Any opinion on the recent Kanye West incident at the MTV VMA show?
He is a fool and always has been one. Every award show he’s been at all he has every protruded was ungreatfulness, pomp, and ego. This time he just exerted those same characteristics during someone else’s speech, which is undeniably more damning.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering support?
Guillitine Clothing, White Cane Productions, Social Giant Productions and James Villa Photography.
What do you hope your fans get from your music?
A mind of their own to use as they see fit.
