Interview Interrogation: Unlocking The Truth (USA)

They've been making a name for themselves since their inception a decade ago, not just because of their age at the beginning but also due to their bold move at performing live in Times Square which took the social media world by storm. Having racked up the press attention, fan numbers and even striking a monumental deal with Sony Music, it was about time that GMA gave the trio Unlocking The Truth an interrogation to find out what ticks these three lads from Brooklyn and what it means to 'unlock the truth'... all three lads - Malcolm Brickhouse (MB), Jarad Dawkins (JD) and Alec Atkins (AA) - gave their answers.

Hi guys, so firstly how did you get into metal music? Are you surprised by it's global spread?

MB: "We got into metal music by hearing the genre through the intro music to WWE and the background music of anime. No, I'm not surprised by metal's global spread. There's a crowd for every kind of music and I know from experience that people can really connect to this music."

AA: "I got into metal music through Ana, me, Jared and Malcolm ."

JD: "I got into Metal music, by an entertainment network known as the WWE. In addition, AMV also known as, Anime music videos, were a source of entertainment that introduced me to metal music. Bands such as, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Three Days Grace and more."


What did your high school friends and your family think of your choice of music? What do you aim to achieve?

MB: "My high school friends support me. They may not listen to metal, but they think it's cool that I am doing something unique and making something out of it. I aim to carve our own path in metal. Making it okay for people who are scared to stand out and be themselves, feel like they can show the world how unique they are. I also want our music to touch people's souls."

AA: "My high school friends think highly of my music and most of my high school friends like my music because in order for you to be considered my friend you have to like what I do"

JD: "They believe my choice of music is unique. I aim to achieve a platinum album, and a few Grammys"


You performed in Times Square, that surely must be a highlight of your career? Would you do it again? Perhaps organize a festival?

MB: "Performing in Time Square was a highlight of my career. It pushed us into the mainstream and got us used to performing in front of a large crowd, but I would not do it again. That was only chapter 1 of our journey. We have to keep improving and moving forward."

AA: "Yeah it would be cool to organize a festival but I don't see us going out to Times Square playing for four hours with a bucket."

JD:


Since NYC is steeped in music history e.g. hip-hop being a popular choice of music, was it hard to break out of that social convention and do something different? Do you / have you ever been subject to racial discrimination for playing what some still call a 'white man's music'?


MB: "I think the fact that hip-hop is so steeped in New York City, it was good for us because it helped us stand out from a lot of other artists. Also being black helped us stand out, so I can't complain. We did not necessarily face racial discrimination. We would show up at venues and people would automatically assume we were rappers or called us the Jackson 5. But they were surprised when we started playing metal." 

AA: "Yeah it was kinda hard to break out and do something different, but the real thing is people want different so it was easy for us to get our name out there and for people to get in on unlocking the truth. Some people think we play white people's music but that's not true because we know that the origin of the Heavy Metal table comes form rock 'n' roll, rock 'n' roll key from the blues and soul and that's black peoples music so we didn't care about what people said as far as race."

JD: It wasn't hard to break out and, do something different because in NY, people don't really care on what you do until they see it, and the improvements you make for yourself. I've also been subjected to racial discrimination, and it wasn't just for music."

Back in the day

How do you feel signing to Sony Music? Surely this blew you back at the time, signing to one of the world's largest labels?

MB: "Signing to Sony was a huge part of why we are where we are today. It was a great opportunity and even though everything didn't workout, I am still grateful for everything that came along with signing the deal."

AA: "Signing to Sony music was a blessing, even to have the opportunity despite the fact we are no longer with them."

JD: "Signing to Sony gave the band a fresh start to the music industry. Also it gave the band, a new start to the music industry and the people to help you succeed. Furthermore, being independent is better."


Do you have any plans in touring Europe? Where have you played so far?

MB: "We have not played in Europe yet but we are finalizing the deal for two shows in Warsaw, Poland this coming May."

AA: "We do not have any touring plans for Europe as of yet. But we have played at Coachella Bonnaroo warped tour etc."

JD: "Yes we do have plans of touring in Europe. Furthermore we have toured the states and parts of Canada."


You've just released your debut album last year, what was the reaction like?

MB: "The reaction to our debut album was great. We received tons of great feedback too. Now for our next album, we'll just have to capitalize on what we did so far."

AA: "People reacted nicely to the album, gave us good feedback and we gained a good fan base from it."

JD: "The reaction was okay, its our first album and, we have much more improving to do."


What advice could you share with aspiring metal bands or indeed the youth in the metal music community?

MB: "I think that aspiring metal bands and the youth should try to find ways to be different. People want new, not recycled artist. When times are the hardest (and they can get hard), just keep pushing through it and never give up. Thank you for this interview."

AA: "My advice stay true to yourself and do what you want to do and don't do what others want you to do."

JD: "Be the best you can be, don't let nobody stop you from what your trying to achieve. Always do better, exceed the average, never want to be the average. Furthermore, surround yourself with people that want to win and, you'll win."


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