Interview – Smash Decadence: A Local Spotlight
I caught Smash Decadence opening for the band Messer and they caught my ear. So I approached Leadman Pat Reid Brown for a moment of his time. Here is a collaborative answer from the whole band and Pat.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): What made you get together and form Smash Decadence?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence): Andrew and James (guitar and drums) are brothers, and Joey, (bassist at the time) was a friend of theirs. They liked to jam and do open mics, House of Rock eventually gave them a show. I met them at an open mic about a week before the first show, and tried out to be their singer. We’ve been playing off and on ever since.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): What have been some interesting and memorable moments in performing?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence): a very specific memory that comes to mind is trying to record for the first time together, in my ex girlfriends garage (labelled the “Sin Den” by a crude metal sign with a devil face on it). We had the shittiest equipment imaginable, like broomsticks for mic stands and a $50 pawn shop recording interface.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): How did the name, Smash Decadence come about — What were other names in the running?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence): The name comes from Andrew, (who more or less manages us too). He is very inspired by Slash and saw slash wearing a shirt that said “Decadence” in a gear video. He added on “Smash” for character.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): Who are all your band mates and what instrument do they play?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence):
The band consists of:
Pat Reid Brown- vocals
Andrew Venegas- guitar
James Venegas- drums
Andrew Castillo- bass
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): What would you say is the all time definite influence for the band?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence): Our influences are varied, but we all love classic rock and psychedelic rock. Wolfmother, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath being big inspirations.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): How has Corpus Christi been as far as welcoming, Smash Decadence into the ring of local and live music?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence): Corpus has been great, particularly the House Of Rock. It’s no Austin but its our home field and we’re proud to play shows here.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): Can you tell New Transcendence what you would like to accomplish with Smash Decadence in the future?
Pat Reid Brown (Smash Decadence): We would love to eventually record an album, and continue to be able to play, rock out, and have a good time.
While this band is new and still budding, and with the ‘classic rock‘ counter culture influence hitting strong right now, with bands like, Greta Van Fleet, Blacktop Mojo, and Black Coffee I thought this band has potential and I wanted to share what I found with the masses.
