Getting to Know… SUBXERO | Interview 🎤

For the 120^th interview on the Musical Hype, we get the scoop on nu metal/ post metalcore /modern metal collective, SUBXERO.

“Our distinct sound comes from our use of simplistic, yet catchy rhythms accompanied with ambient background sounds.” Works for me SUBXERO! That said, what is more intriguing is the rest of the response the band serves up: “While it is very impressive to hear an 11/16 time signature with cascading arpeggios and a choir of Demi God ogres, I couldn’t see myself cracking a beer to that and banging my head to it like I can with our sound” – Hey – it’s rare that 11/16 gets mentioned! SUBXERO are the interviewees in our 120^th interview in the Getting to Know… series on The Musical Hype. As always, we get some awesome answers regarding the nu metal/post metalcore/ modern metal band’s music, background, goals, influence, and of course, present and future endeavors.  So, without further ado, here is Getting to Know… SUBXERO: Interview #120.

Let’s get this started off right. For those who may not be familiar with SUBXERO, what would you say makes your band distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I feel our distinct sound comes from our use of simplistic, yet catchy rhythms accompanied with ambient background sounds. This really fills out a musical soundscape for our listeners and allows them to let loose and just enjoy some good ole metal without being overwhelmed audibly. While it is very impressive to hear an 11/16 time signature with cascading arpeggios and a choir of Demi God ogres, I couldn’t see myself cracking a beer to that and banging my head to it like I can with our sound.

You’re speaking my talk by mentioning that 11/16 time signature! Anyways, continuing on, how did Subxero form and what were some of the goals or the visions you had as a band early on?

SUBXERO originally formed by Jason Xero with musicians in the Pittsburgh, PA area in 2016. He relocated back to Florida and put together a band of regional heavy hitters to form the current lineup. Subxero has released a Full length in 2017 entitled reborn. In 2018 the band released The Blood In, Blood Out EP. In November of 2019, they released The Lightwork EP. The band is comprised of Jason Xero (vocals), Eric Schramm (bass), Josh Lough (drums/vocals), Daniel Knight (guitar), and Issam Pereira (guitar). The goal has always been the same, to get our music and message to as many people as possible.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

As I mentioned before, we’ve always had the same goals – to bring Subxero to the masses. We want to be able to create music, tour, enjoy what we’re doing and make a living while doing it.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

I’d have to say a lot of our sound is influenced heavily by bands like Sevendust, Breaking Benjamin, and Korn. The characteristics that I see in those bands would be their ability to change it up every now and then while still maintaining their sound, keeping their listeners intrigued. Heavy riffs, catchy choruses, and “hell yeah brother” vibes. We want everyone that listens to our music and comes to our live shows to feel like a family.

With that, “Hell yeah brother,” the fun stuff!  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

Jason Xero got to party with Vinny and Dime one evening. Ended up “borrowing” the hotel golf cart and doing some 4 wheeling.  We were in Georgia, can’t divulge too much info here, but we ended up doing shots of Jägermeister with most of the crew and guests in a Waffle House one evening/morning. That was a good time!

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

“Monarch”, “Lightwork”, and “Before the Fall” are probably tied for first place. They’re just fun songs to play live.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I wish I could say something cool here but alas, I’m just a normal guy that loves playing music and learning how to hack computer networks.

Closing things out, what is SUBXERO currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

We just released a video for “Demons”. It’s available on our YouTube channel. We’re writing material for our next release and hoping to be able to see all of your smiling faces live soon.

Thank you so much for sharing taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

Thank you for this opportunity, it means a lot. We want to thank Damon Moreno at the Inner Light Agency, Spector basses, InTune Guitar Picks, Scorpion Percussion and of course, all of our fans, new and old. Horns up!!!!

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Photo Credits: Subxero, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype; Icons made by https://www.flaticon.com/authors/freepik (Freepik)