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Get to know So Cal Metallers Contortion through the words of founding member/singer/guitarist, Brian Stone, below:
What are the origins of Contortion?
This band has changed so many times, that it’s hard to recall all the original details. We proclaim that it all began in 2013, and with one EP that sparked our interest in pushing further and harder.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Contortion?
We do all we can to make our performance an actual show. We strive to be entertaining, not merely a group of dudes playing songs and head-banging. It’s intense, powerful, and enticing.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
It was the exact thing that sparked the need to record the EP. 🙂 In fact, I was the only member not agreeing to get into it full force… and now I’m the last remaining member of the lineup that started this. Lol
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Our latest album “The Common Thread” is now avaliable on all streaming platforms. There are also a number of cool music vids that accompany a collection of songs. 🙂 We also have just begun writing new music!! Nothing settled or recorded, but we are aiming to still tour on The Common Thread through 2025.
Regarding a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel Contortion would be best suited to open for?
Good question! I would postulate Machine Head would potentially be the best band for us to open for. I feel that audience would really feel what we are working on.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Oh man… we’ve performed with so many great bands. I don’t want to exclude anyone, but a few immediately come to mind: Sangre (California) Graviter (New Castle UK) Swarmed (London UK) Carved Memories (Costa Rica)
What frustrates you about the music business?
Con artists and people who take money from artists with promises they never keep and don’t intend to. These are a drain on the music industry, and I truly hope they get some kind of karmic kick in the teeth.
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say “I want to do that”?
I was always destined to be a musician. At a young age, I used to put on concerts in my bedroom. Setting up pots and pans for drums, and jamming on a tennis racket as a guitar rocking along to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. It was simply in my heart to be this way for as long as I can recall.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I recently saw Opeth in Los Angeles. It was a stellar gig. All seats, which was weird for a metal show… but they killed it.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
The disparity between the ultra-rich and everyone else. It’s criminal. If I had time, I’d break down the math, but there is enough info in the world and at our fingertips…. people can find the reason it boils my blood pretty swiftly.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Probably Shpongle. It’s suuuuper trippy electronic music. But one of my all-time favorite artists and influences.
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
Yoga. I practice every morning. I think more people should. It’s the best way to begin the day, ready for life and whatever I need to accomplish physically and mentally.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
I haven’t heard too many new releases that I’m enthralled with, to be honest. I recently have branded out to more albums by artists I enjoy… Hedflux, is a solid one that is a true craftsman in what he does.
How was 2024 for you?
We accomplished a lot this year. Releasing “The Common Thread,” a short stint in the US, then 6 weeks in Europe. It’s been a hell of a ride, so far. Now, we are in rest mode and preparing for 2025. Writing new music too.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Absolutely. IG is the most prominent for us, but we are on most platforms:
I am including our website here for your reference.
All our links to Spotify, IG, FB, etc are on the website, but are listed here as well:
IG: @Contortionofficial
FB: @Contortiontheband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VObHl9AXyyg2taHRhX170?si=W5tVMyhnTUWTdWfU5djIHA
