Interviews

Grade

Interview with Kyle on Nov 30, 1999 by Archive Bot

I'd like to thank Kathi of Victory and Kyle of Grade for making this happen. Also, O.J. Simpson for showing me what not to do in life. 

PB: At a show at Club Krome in South Amboy, NJ with The Voo Doo Glow Skulls you stopped in the middle of your set to lecture the crowd. You said someone had stolen your merch and that "their hand will turn black and fall off". Well, I confronted the kid who did steal the merch at the show and his hand did turn black and fall off! How's he supposed to go about living his life now and how should he go about getting girls?
GR: It makes no difference to me. He took what wasn't his.

PB: Your new album Headfirst Straight To Hell is now out and I was wondering how you feel about it compared to your previous release. Also, speaking of hell, what do you think should be done with those responsible with the attacks of September 11th, and how has the band been effected.
GR: I think we have just progressed into "technical" musicians. I think the people involved or responsible for the terror should be punished and we have all been hurt by this tragedy.

PB: You guys have a tour coming up with The Murder City Devils and American Steel. You always seem to get such great bands to get on the road with you guys. What are a few bands that Grade would love to tour with and why?
GR: Strung Out, In Flames, just to name a couple. These types of bands are major influences to us so why not.....

PB: I was wondering what you think of Cave In recently getting signed to Virgin Records, and what are your thoughts on major labels?
GR: Major Labels are just independants with lots of money and advertising. Cave In can get more known with the proper ads so good for them.

PB: I read on your site you guys are trying to hit up Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. How are the plans going and will it still happen with all the chaos going on?
GR: Yes, we leave on November 17. 

PB: I'd like to commend you guys on taking part in the Plea For Peace/Take Action sampler. It goes to show that bands that may seem tough really do have hearts, and want to do what's best for the world. Why did you guys decide to take part in the compilation, and do you have any clue on how the sales have been?
GR: I don't know about sales but we took part because we are not tough guysand we do have hearts.

PB: What, if any, is the significance of the album title " Headfirst Straight To Hell"?
GR: The only significance is the darker feel to the record.

PB: Tell me a joke..........
GR: Knock Knock?

PB: Kyle, recently a friend of mine said you dance like George Michael on stage? Do you agree and if not how would you like to respond?
GR: I disagree, and I think your friend is just saying that because they have a crush on me.

PB: Lastly, thanks a lot for the interview and for all the Grade fans please fill them in on your plans for the rest of 2001. Good luck on the road.
GR: Two shows with AFI in Toronto and Montreal on November 15th and 16th then off to Japan, etc. We get home Dec. 9th and leave for Europe in January.