Kyle “Gumby” Gunther from Battlecross.
Battlecross has made inroads in recent years with their hard work ethics and promoting their brand of Blue Collar Thrash Metal onto the music world. With the release of their latest album Rise To Power, they have shown how overcoming the rigors of the road alongside writing material that shows a gradual evolution of the band’s sound over the years.
During their last album cycle for War of Will, they learned quickly about the realities of touring and getting financial support behind it. They became one of the many artists tackling crowdfunding to get out on the 2013 Rockstar Mayhem Festival Tour and the realities surrounding it.
On the new album, the band has set new goals so they can take the next step up. “The goal for this one is to buy groceries. That is the goal for this one,” said frontman Kyle “Gumby” Gunther.
“We’re not doing that [crowdfunding] any more. We did that when we had to do that. It sucks that bands had to do that. It sucks that bands do that just to do it. We did it because we had to do it. We wouldn’t have been able to do Mayhem [without it].”
“Crowdfunding is great if you do it for a reason but if you do it to do it, I think you’re an asshole. On this album, we’re just trying to cement Battlecross. It’s album three. This is the one that should be taken well and everyone should be like ‘alright they didn’t go pussy and they’re bringing thrash,’ “ he added.
Tony Asta of Battlecross.
Gunther gave business tips for all aspiring musicians who are either in similar situations or simply looking to get their bands going.
“We are a one out of a million – I’ll say that. We had to pay out pocket for a lot of shit. If Hiran [Deraniyagala] didn’t have perfect credit and a college degree, the goal to put up all of his assets up for Battlecross to make it, you’re not going to make it. Go to college, get a real job and then hopefully one day you won’t kill yourself.”
“It’s not easy. You’ve got to do because you love it. Period. You’re not going to make any money off of it. It’s going to be trying on you and your family and all of your relationships. If it’s who you are, you’re going to be fine.”
“So all of these people who’re like ‘oh I’m gonna make it! I’m gonna have girls suck my dick and make so much money and travel all over the world. It’s going to be awesome!’ Oh well…half of that’s true.”
“I don’t want to sound like I’m being a killjoy to new bands. I am jaded by the way from the road.”
Hiran Deraniyagala of Battlecross. Photo Credit: Meg Loyal Photography
Despite the hiccups along the way, Gunther has received some praise from other musicians, especially when it came to finding tours.
“It’s also really cool when Matt [Byrne] from Hatebreed was like ‘hey we’re gonna hook you guys up for a tour…but you already have a tour! You’re always touring.’ So that’s actually a really big compliment for me from the Hatebreed dudes.”