In a New Jersey garage in 2007, LeATHERMOUTH was formed by friends of My Chemical Romance rhythm guitarist Frank Iero. The group had laid down crude recordings of three tracks, and those tracks were played for Iero one night in a member's car soon after My Chemical Romance had concluded a tour. Iero deeply wished to participate. However, a friend of the group had already offered their vocal services. Had the vocalist proved suitable, Iero planned to possibly sign the group to his own label Skeleton Crew. My Chemical Romance toured for several more months, and following this, Iero seeked an update regarding LeATHERMOUTH's progress. The vocalist hadn't worked out, and didn't pen any lyrics. In response, Iero requested a week to pen lyrics, and following this, wished to enter a practice studio. This was how Iero became the vocalist of LeATHERMOUTH, whose lineup features; both Rob Hughes and Ed Auletta handling guitars, John McGuire occupying bass, and James Dewees behind the drumkit.
In 2008's summer,
LeATHERMOUTH performed inaugural concerts alongside Warship, both groups supporting
Reggie And The Full Effect. During the October of that year, the outfit inked a record contract with Epitaph Records. On January 27th, 2009, debut full length "
XO" was issued. Additionally, a music video was filmed in support of the track "
Bodysnatchers 4 Ever". To unearth information regarding the formation of
LeATHERMOUTH, as well as the tale behind inaugural album "
XO", guitarist
Rob Hughes was interviewed via email.
UG: How did LeATHERMOUTH initially group together, and what were the reasons behind the group's formation?
Rob Hughes: LeATHERMOUTH was originally a side project, formed just for fun. Finding a vocalist was difficult, but once Frank heard what LeATHERMOUTH had written, he held a vision for the group, and asked if he could become LeATHERMOUTH's vocalist.
Which groups and musicians form LeATHERMOUTH's genetic makeup, and in what respect?
If Motorhead, The Bronx, and Black Flag gave birth to a child, it would be the beast that is LeATHERMOUTH.
"In terms of writing, 'XO' was actually the easiest record I've ever taken part in."
For us, having grown up performing as part of local groups, Epitaph was one of those labels that we could only dream would issue an album of ours. Epitaph is willing to take chances with their acts, and believes in their artists.
As musicians and individuals, what do you feel each respective member of LeATHERMOUTH brings to the group?
As musicians, they're all extremely professional. Day in and day out, they each perform with such passion, and it becomes an inspiration to everyone involved. As individuals, they're some of the greatest people I've ever known.
How did LeATHERMOUTH's debut album 'XO' come into existence, from initial ideas to fully developed tracks?
In terms of writing, 'XO' was actually the easiest record I've ever taken part in. We formed ideas, and demoed those ideas. Frank subsequently listened, and wrote lyrics. The rest is history.
Frank has said that LeATHERMOUTH is where he can "vomit out all the aggression that has built up inside". In performing and being part of LeATHERMOUTH, what feelings and emotions do you channel into your performance?
LeATHERMOUTH is a release, definitely. I'm so happy that the group is happening, so to speak. During our performances however, I don't forget where those tracks came from. When we venture onto the stage, we certainly channel all of ourselves into the performance, and not everything inside of us is pretty.
Punk rock has been touted as LeATHERMOUTH's musical style, so in what ways is 'XO' raw and confrontational?
LeATHERMOUTH has an extremely raw, dirty sound. The group is just honest - I'm not sure if we're confrontational, but we just let our feelings be known.
Within LeATHERMOUTH's music, what elements of the members' other groups can you identify?
The only element I can identify is merely the drive that we all have.
Frank has said that LeATHERMOUTH is where he can "vent about all the bullshit" he sees "going on in the world" which makes him "ill". What "bullshit" does 'XO''s lyrical content deal with?
Much corruption and evil is prevalent in the world, but most just choose to deny this. Discussing such topics makes people uncomfortable, though ignoring these issues doesn't make them go away.
"LeATHERMOUTH has an extremely raw, dirty sound."
We never stop channelling time into LeATHERMOUTH, and that's the miracle of technology. No matter how far away any of us are, we always email, text and send one another new ideas.
What are LeATHERMOUTH's touring plans? In performing, how does the group unleash its aggressive feelings?
We'll be around. Keep your eyes open.
At the moment, what can you reveal about new material in the works? Upon future recordings, which musical direction can you see the group venturing towards?
Future material will be more intense. When the tracks which feature upon 'XO' were initially written, they were instrumental. Frank molded his ideas to fit to the material. On future recordings however, the process will work vice versa. I'm blown away by Frank's voice, and what he can achieve. When I write material nowadays, I write that material with Frank in mind.
In years to come, how would you like to build LeATHERMOUTH as an ongoing concern? Where do you see the group going?
I want LeATHERMOUTH to last as long as it can; I picture us growing old, fat, drinking beer and eating pizza in Frank's basement, as well as writing records. We're musicians, and this is what we were born to do.
Interview by Robert Gray
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2009
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