Interview: Rolo Tomassi: “There will be blood!”

b>With the new issue of Artrocker going on sale later this week, Rolo Tomassi are about to find out that their new album Cosmology has been awarded our bestest release of the month. They do not know this yet. Well, they probably do now, if they're reading this. Oh, nevermind.

The band's keyboardist/singer James spoke to Artrocker.TV last week as part of our Hardcore Week celebrations, but because of the volcano we were unable to publish it until now. That's right, the volcano is to blame for EVERYTHING from now on. Roll interview!

Name, age and occupation?
James Spence, 21, keyboards and vocals in Rolo Tomassi.

What's your own personal definition of hardcore?
Hardcore is a passionate, alternative music community.

What was your eartliest experience of hardcore?
Probably hearing Converge on a compilation CD I got with a magazine when I was 13. It really opened me up a lot of new music and was probably what got me into hardcore.

What's the most intense on stage experience you've ever had?
I'm not really sure. I think our bassist Joe almost breaking my hand on our recent tour was pretty intense. He swung his bass head and I had my hand in the wrong place. There was blood and intense bruising. I couldn't move my hand for two songs.

What's your band's weirdest private habit?
Probably just stupid injokes that no-one else would ever understand! Nothing too taboo.

Is hardcore misunderstood?
Maybe. I think a lot of people are put off by the aggression of hardcore and how that translates with people going nuts at shows but I love it!