Artist Close-Up: Interview with The Biters
I have to admit when I interviewed frontman Tuk, from The Biters, I was expecting candidness and he delivered. Always forward with his thoughts and vulnerabilities, like the classic rock he embodies, Tuk wears his heart on his sleeve. His ambition is coming out of his pores, with pure drive replacing sweat. He was blunt and poignant on the roughness of this music industry, which I found helpful and refreshing for readers who want to know how to rise when you feel like you are falling.
Diandra: You all have a history of being in other bands, what was it about each other that made you all think, “This can be something!”?
Tuk: There have been several member changes in “Biters“, but it came about from ashes of a few other failed bands..I cant speak for others in the band but I keep playing because I have no workforce skills or formal education, no inheritance or well off family members. That has instilled a drive in me that for better of worse, that won’t let me rest.
Diandra: The Biters’ sound comes off very layered and detailed in composition. How do you, as creative persons, control and clear the influx of ideas to land on one distinct song?
Tuk: I usually demo out the songs in my home studio so I can play around with ideas and work on harmony arrangement and ear candy etc. I’m borderline obsessed with songwriting and production. Honestly, the last record was very minimum compared to “modern rock ” records production value.
Tuk: I usually demo out the songs in my home studio so I can play around with ideas and work on harmony arrangement and ear candy etc. I’m borderline obsessed with songwriting and production. Honestly, the last record was very minimum compared to “modern rock ” records production value.
Diandra: There are those that say rock is dead. Do you agree? How would you tell them that the Biters have revived this genre?
Tuk: At this point I think the *mainstream appeal for straight forward rock n roll is a blip on the radar compared to other genres, except for heritage acts. Rock n’ roll is like the blues now, young kids are not latching on to it. Hip hop and EDM is more appealing in the mainstream. I don’t know if we can ever go back to a more human based feeling in music. People are so used to hearing programmed drums and tuned vocals they don’t know the difference. Of course, there are exceptions and I would love guitar rock to be revived.
Tuk: At this point I think the *mainstream appeal for straight forward rock n roll is a blip on the radar compared to other genres, except for heritage acts. Rock n’ roll is like the blues now, young kids are not latching on to it. Hip hop and EDM is more appealing in the mainstream. I don’t know if we can ever go back to a more human based feeling in music. People are so used to hearing programmed drums and tuned vocals they don’t know the difference. Of course, there are exceptions and I would love guitar rock to be revived.
1975
Diandra: For many, music is a spiritual experience like, medicine for the soul. How would you say music has healed you or made you feel like the best version of yourself?
Tuk:The feeling music gives humans is an unquantifiable force that cannot be explained. MMA fighters, sports athletes, yogis etc all have moments of living completely in the now..For some unknown reason I gravitated towards playing rock n’ roll. Hitting the vortex while onstage is the greatest peace I have ever known and its addicting.
Tuk:The feeling music gives humans is an unquantifiable force that cannot be explained. MMA fighters, sports athletes, yogis etc all have moments of living completely in the now..For some unknown reason I gravitated towards playing rock n’ roll. Hitting the vortex while onstage is the greatest peace I have ever known and its addicting.
Diandra: In your performances, you give off so much energy. Are there any rituals you do to boost that mindset or dynamism?
Tuk:I have rituals I do before every show. It usually involves holotropic breathing and meditation. Then I slam a shot or two of vodka just for good measure.
Tuk:I have rituals I do before every show. It usually involves holotropic breathing and meditation. Then I slam a shot or two of vodka just for good measure.
Diandra: What do you tell yourself to keep motivated?
Tuk: To believe in myself. Not to listen the other people doubts. To not get into partying and doing drugs. I wasted years of my life getting fucked up and socializing.
Tuk: To believe in myself. Not to listen the other people doubts. To not get into partying and doing drugs. I wasted years of my life getting fucked up and socializing.
Diandra: Many musicians set career goals for themselves like, heights that they feel, when climbed, means they have made it?
Tuk:Do you have such careers dreams of comfort, and if so what are they? I don’t think I will ever be content. All the goals I have aimed for and gotten have only made me feel better temporarily , then a new object appears in my desire. I’m aways chasing “the feeling”.
Tuk:Do you have such careers dreams of comfort, and if so what are they? I don’t think I will ever be content. All the goals I have aimed for and gotten have only made me feel better temporarily , then a new object appears in my desire. I’m aways chasing “the feeling”.
Diandra: When you think of Atlanta, you think Hip Hop. Is there a large rock n’ roll scene, and does it further your drive to become both nationally and internationally known?
Tuk: Atlanta has a great underground rock n roll scene. I didn’t grow up in atlanta. I moved there when I was expelled from school. My home town is a hopeless. I’m grateful everyday that I left . A thick cloud of poison looms over that area of Georgia. It is ignorant an ignorant places where I am from, and I never felt comfortable.
The City Ain’t The Same
Diandra:For musicians, it can be a struggle both mentally and even financially to continue furthering upwards their career. What advice or motivation, would you give fellow rock n’ roll bands, in order, to avoid or shake off discouragement?
Tuk: I get this all the time and I must say… being genuine doesn’t get you far nowadays. Unfortunately in this era being a trendy fad hopping kiss a**, willing to sacrifice your honor, gets you a lot farther. Always be prepared for every opinionated idiot with a beating heart and a keyboard to criticize and talk dirt about you via the internet. If you let it get to you, it’ll eat you alive. Also, learn how to write songs. A great song is the most valuable currency in music.
I know he said that been genuine does not get your far in the music industry, but, at least, it got him far with me, in terms, of impression. I think he was one of the smartest and most human interviews I have had. There was no barrier or facade in his responses. He was about his heart, and his heart is about music. I wish the Biters all the luck in the world. They deserve it. Check Out Their Official Page Here.
