An Interview with Bazerk
Embarking on a sonic journey that brazenly combines alternative rock, metal, and myriad other influences, Los Angeles-based Bazerk has blazed a distinctive trail in the music industry. Bestowed with over 3 million plays on Soundcloud and a hefty dose of critical acclaim, the group has confronted stereotypes, defied boundaries, and electrified stages, cultivating a fervent fanbase. Chart-toppers and legendary performances aside, Bazerk is not merely a musical act; it is an immersive, interactive experience for its listeners. With their mantra that their music “has balls on it” and a revolutionary approach reminiscent of Rage Against The Machine with a fresh twist, Bazerk plunges into a conversation with us, revealing the inspirations, struggles, and relentless drive behind their multifaceted musical journey.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
We’re from South Central Los Angeles and self-contained to write and produce our own music and video production team. We’ve worked with everyone from Prince, to George Clinton and we are well known for killing live shows. Our fans love our face-to-face interaction when they are part of the shows. We make it personal, they get to come on stage and sing, stage dive, mosh, one big wild party which we love to do make to people. Having fun is what Bazerk is about.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
What got me to start doing music was two things, I had a strict overbearing pastor as a dad and was raised in an abusive dysfunctional family. I took my paper route money at age 13 and ran away to Los Angeles to change my life, live off the streets, and hustle, one day a friend of mine asked me to go to a concert that I had never been to in my whole life. The lights were turned off I heard a voice that sounded like GOD a man was dressed in a space outfit with rainbow-colored hair and said “Good evening folks this is George Dr. Funkenstein Clinton,” after I saw that I was hooked. I wanted to do music forever, so i then i started my band Bazerk, and I incorporated rock, metal, funk, hip hop, and reggae in my sound.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Showing big labels there is a huge market for this kind of music because corporate companies don’t get the vision until I show them the fans and the shows.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
We just did a remake of the Limp Bizkit song Break Stuff.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
My inspiration is getting up every day knowing that I am alive and blessed to be able to live out my dreams to make music and touch somebody who is going through the same shit as me, trying to be somebody. I listened to Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Prince, 311, Linkin Park, Busta Rhymes, Redman, and Mobb Deep, just to name a few.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
I was born with a metronome meter inside my head, constantly hearing beats and melodies inside my head. I couldn’t sit still, I could hear sounds. I write to a beat … words just come to me, and I never overthink it. Then, I call the guitar player, I sing the bass line to the bass player, then the drum goes over the beat, and then we record it, that’s just one way it happens.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
Have you heard today’s music? Where is the music with some balls on it? Where is the grit, the dirt, the hurt, the anger, all gone? That’s what made me write our new album… Bazerk is here to change that. We have hardcore, in-your-face nu-metal music that is not safe, we get angry and upset.
What are your plans for 2023?
We have plans to release our new album video and tour.
Have any shoutouts?
Shoutout to the universe, who is always listening.
Navigating through the intricate tapestry of Bazerk’s history, influences, and musical exploits provides a vivid insight into the relentless spirit of a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. Bridging raw emotion with audacious sounds, Bazerk has constructed a unique space where authenticity and rebellion coalesce into an unapologetic declaration of their artistry. Keep your eyes and ears poised, for Bazerk promises an unyielding, enthralling ride through their bold and unabashed world. Tune in to their music on Spotify or wherever you stream music.