An Interview with Torino Death Ride
We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Chris Verdak, bassist and co-songwriter for Torino Death Ride. With a rich background deeply rooted in the vibrant DIY indie and underground rock scenes, Chris shares insights into his musical journey, inspirations, creative process, and upcoming projects. Here’s what he had to say about his experiences, challenges, and exciting plans for the future.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Chris Verdak, bassist and co-song writer for Torino Death Ride. I’ve been playing bass and been in bands for most of my life. I started my first band when I was 14 or 15.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
The explosion of amazing 80’s and 90’s punk, indie rock, posthardcore, shoegaze, etc. bands. I call it the golden era of indie rock and weird/amazing underground rock. Bands like Sonic Youth, Unwound, Polvo, Fugazi, My Bloody Valentine, June of 44, Sleepytime Trio, Shiner, Jawbox, Converge, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, Youth of Today, Drive Like Jehu, Sweep the Leg Johnny, Joy Division (though they were before my time). I started playing bass and guitar when I was 13. The other side of this was (and still is) the amazing DIY punk, hardcore, post-hardcore, and indie rock scenes that made me feel welcome and included. Going to shows and being part of this community was and still is incredible. A great thing about DIY and underground music is that it’s personal. You can talk to the bands and become friends.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Finding time to do the business side of music with job and family obligations. It’s a labor of love. Playing and writing music and sharing it with people are why I do this, and I realize the business side of music is completely essential to that.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
Our new video for our song “Struggle Bus”. I think it’s one of our best songs and the video really conveys the song well! The video was done by our friend Will Webb (lodusdog9 on socials) who’s super talented.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Wow! Let me try to make this short. Young Widows, Spectres (UK noise rock band), A Frames, early Wire, Pavement, Rid of Me, A Place to Bury Strangers, Bed Maker, USA Nails, Die Feen to name a few.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
Either my guitarist Ben or I come up with a song or a few parts and we bring it to the rest of the band. Then we all hash it out and improvise parts over what Ben or I bring in. So songwriting is really a group effort where it’s the sum of the parts vs people bringing in complete songs. We try out all kinds of arrangements and numbers until something gels.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
We’re recording an album right now and are almost done. We’re excited about our new songs, they’re a bit more influenced by bands like Hoover, Fugazi, and June 44. Meaning they are more rhythmic and groove-oriented. Although there are some more straight ahead rockers too a la classic Sonic Youth or even Bad Brains.
What are your plans for 2025?
We’re releasing our new album in late summer (at this point), putting out some videos to support the album, and planning short tours up north (PA & NYC) and down south (NC & SC). Plus we’re writing some new songs too.
Have any shoutouts?
Thanks to our awesome recording engineer Joe Korzen (aka Bum Leg Records) and our friends Mostly Dead (our label mates), Vulcanite, Supreme Commander, Walk the Plank, Dirt Eater, Love Roses, Die Feen, Blazoner, and Betty Grey to name a few.
Thanks again to Chris Verdak for sharing his insights into Torino Reb’s music, influences, and upcoming projects. With a commitment to authenticity and deep roots in the DIY scene, Torino Death Ride continues to deliver music that resonates with listeners seeking both connection and innovation. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming music and shows in the area.