xBarcadiax is one of the most uncompromising straight edge bands with fierce sense of integrity and fearlessly outspoken. Their main focus of their brand new output Violent Means, Violent Ends is domestic violence and sexual assault, a topic that has been ignored by many bands. This is time to take a stand!
xBarcadiax is one of the most uncompromising straight edge bands with fierce sense of integrity and fearlessly outspoken. Their main focus of their brand new output Violent Means, Violent Ends is domestic violence and sexual assault, a topic that has been ignored by many bands. This is time to take a stand!Could you tell us something about Violent Means, Violent Ends? What should we expect from it and when it will finally drop?
We approached everything with the attitude of "if we like it, we don't care what anyone else thinks". A lot of the music was influenced by bands we love like No Retreat, Built Upon Frustration, Grimlock. Lyrically, I wanted to bring things I think are important to light. There aren't too many "heavy" hardcore bands who confront rape, child molestation, human trafficking. I don't understand why that is.So it’s coming out on Seventh Dagger. Is it important for you guys to be on the label that is backing up your message and promoting the same sober lifestyle?
I think it's important for people to realize they can get a lot more done if they are sober. We have stayed with Seventh Dagger because Danny has always been really awesome to us. I can call him up any time with any problem or question and he's always there with a solution.
The album’s running theme is the sexual assault, domestic violence and life trafficking. What prompted you to touch this import ant topic? Were there any specific stories or people that influenced the lyrics on the album?
A while back a really good friend of mine was raped. I would say that's what set me off. The more I looked into sexual assault and saw how prevalent it is, the more disgusted and pissed off I became. I decided to use my band as a vehicle to drive all of this information into the heads of people who might not be thinking about it or who might not know about it. I also wanted to be a band that lets anyone who's ever been sexually assaulted know they are not alone and there is at least one band, one group of people in this world who care and who actively stand up against what ruined their lives.Members of this band have also had to confront sexual assault head on. One of us was born out of a rape. What we are about isn't just some front or some way for us to get a pat on the back. I used to wake up every day sick to my stomach because of the horrible shit human beings do to each other. We are actively participating in a fight against sexual assault and those who would violate others. This band is just one part of that fight, a weapon, a tool.
Are there any new insights into this topic that you've gained when you prepared for this album? What do you think the biggest myth is about domestic violence?
I have always tried to get some sort of understanding about the effects of sexual assault. I am always reading stories from woman who survived brutal rapes or children who were molested. The thing that got to me most is how fucking damaging sexual assault is to people. It tears them to pieces. It fucks up so many different aspects of their lives.
I think the biggest myth about domestic violence is people who are abused thinking it is in any way "acceptable" or "okay". I wish people could understand that people who love you do not hit you and if they do, you deserve someone better, someone who won't hit you.
What do you think is the most critical helping factor for someone who has fallen a victim to sexual violence?
Just being there for them. It is their decision whether or not they want to report it or come forward. But I think standing by them, being there are much as humanly possible with love and support can help them through it and help them get the justice they deserve.
Your “Zero Tolerance” t-shirt is strong. What is your view on a capital punishment for a violent sexual crimes?
I think convicted rapists should be killed or locked away until they die. And if locked up, they should not be afforded anything other than the minimal amount of food and water needed to survive. They should be treated like the fucking filth they are. Child molesters, child pornographers, pimps...these "people" should be castrated. I don't care if it's barbaric or inhumane. And fuck chemical castration which requires ongoing injections. Cut their balls off. The worst offenders should be killed without any of the appeals bullshit red tape that costs everyone so much money. These assholes deserve to die. The words "repeat offender" should not exist. And if the law won't do it, there are people in this world who will and there are ways to do the necessary things without being caught.
Have you received any controversy for this t-shirt?
No. Everyone I've seen with one always says that people agree with it and are all about it.
So, after the album hits the streets, what’s next for the band?Most likely us stealing a van and going on tour until the police stop looking for us. Hopefully that includes Mexico and Europe.
Any final thoughts that you'd like to share?
Thank you for the interview. If anyone has any questions they can contact us. If anyone needs help or wants to help, they can go to www.rainn.org or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE
More on Barcadia here.
