Detox Retox was formed in 2007 by friends Mike Parker, Nate Frey, Kevin Glass, and Kabir Khanna. They played their first show at WMUC-FM (University of Maryland campus radio, in College Park, MD) in early 2008, performing on the station’s long-running Third Rail Radio program.
In July 2008, Detox Retox went into the studio with friend and producer Joe Mitra to record their debut EP, Hard to Swallow, at Wired Wrists II in Brookville MD. The record was released at a show at The Red and the Black in DC last month, and it is currently available in digital format through eMusic, iTunes, and Amazon MP3, or in hard copy through Kunaki. The band plans to continue playing shows, writing songs, and acquiring new fans over the coming months. Further information can be found on their Myspace.
This is the leadoff track from their debut EP, entitled Hard to Swallow:
[Download Detox Retox – Groovebox]
We did a quick interview with the boys, and we are still busting up over some of their answers!
KG=Kevin Glass (bass), NF=Nate Frey (lead guitar), MP=Mike Parker (vocals/guitar), KK=Kabir Khanna (drums).
What is your opinion on the influence of music blogs on the music industry?
KG: The internet has allowed a democratic revolution in music, and blogs are obviously related to this. Previously there were only a few magazines and news outlets that the vast majority of people digested their music from. Now there are blogs that cater to every audience, every genre, on both a local and national level, that really has allowed everyone to take part in the process.
NF: Yeah, it’s been huge. I think blogs and digital distribution have a lot to do with the decentralization of the music industry in recent years and the resurgence of independent labels. Blogs are also a really effective promotional tool, as well, I think. At least they have been for us.
What inspires you to make music?
MP: Scott Stapp.
NF: Yeah, definitely Scott Stapp.
Tell us about your most memorable gig thus far!
KK: Probably our EP release show in DC. A lot of our friends came out to support us, and we had a blast playing.
NF: For me, it’s our show at Asylum in DC in August, because I think it was the first time I really felt like we had reached a point with our fans where they were going to come out to every show in big numbers and have a good time. Also because it was a terrible, terrible show from a performance perspective. But hey, people didn’t seem to care.
KG: Our second show that we ever played was at an actual legit music venue (as opposed to a dive bar, like our first show) and we did a terrible job with publicity and getting the word out. There was a great touring band opening for us, Girl in a Coma, and we were the locals who were expected to draw a crowd. We fucked up big time, and we deserved the tiny crowd we had. Nate and Kabir picked a memorable good show, but I think that poor showing on our part was a great learning experience that motivated us and propelled us forward as a band.
What three artists you would love to collaborate with?
KK: Michael Parker, Nate Frey, and Kevin Glass. Haha no seriously… if we’re talking actual artists, I’d love to collaborate with Mozart, Shakespeare, and Leonardo Da Vinci.
NF: David Byrne, Neil Young, Thurston Moore
KG: Nate and Kabir have to go all faux-pretentious. Who the hell is Thurston Moore? What has Mozart ever done lately? I’m going with Timbaland, R. Kelly, and Hugh Hefner.
MP: Vin Diesel, t.A.T.u., and Nicholas Cage
Have you ever laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose?
KK: Yeah, but I was drinking snot, so nobody really noticed.
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?
KK: Haha almost, but I saw my friend coming and pushed her in first. Then I realized it wasn’t a swimming pool but a shark tank, and it wasn’t my friend, but a small child. That was the day I vowed never to drop acid at the aquarium again.
Eaten alligator meat?
MP: Yeah. It’s true what they say… tastes just like people.
Ever jump out of an airplane?
KG: This one time I did. I was on a routine flight from Russia back to the United States, and a bunch of terrorists plus Gary Oldman hijacked my flight. They took my family hostage and I faked jumping out in an escape pod, but actually stayed on board in the luggage compartment, overpowered the terrorists with my superior wit and a satellite phone that ran straight to Glenn Close, and finally was able to escape via a tripwire attached to a marine rescue plane.
Have you been to more than 10 countries?
KK: Pssh! I’ve been to more than 10 continents.
KG: Best five: Switzerland, England, Egypt, Israel, Texas. Worst five: France, France, France, France, France.
MP: You’re wrong. France has invented everything I love: Bikinis, ménage a trois, the French kiss, Audrey Tautou…
What did your last incoming text message say?
KG: “Lincoln freed the slaves.”
KK: “I know. I knew they were after me.”
What was the last thing you yelled out loud?
KK: “Shut up and pull!”
NF: Not sure, but probably “FUCK!”
KG: “Nate, if you don’t play a one-five-six-four power chord progression, I quit this fucking band!”
MP: “This is one of the best poops I’ve taken in my entire life!”
