Having a blast
Man Made Blast are ready to bring the rock to WEFT Sessions tonight. The show will begin at 10 p.m. and can be heard on WEFT 90.1 FM, or streaming online at http://weft.org/stream.
The band, which includes some members of Wasteoid Workforce, is made up of Josh Winters (guitar, drums, train whistle), Aaron Blythe (guitar, drums, backing vocals), Erich Hehn (bass, vocals), and Michael Hogan (guitar, electrical drums). Josh and Aaron were kind enough to answer some questions by email, and the results are below. They went with a third-person voice for the responses, which is very metal.
Smile Politely: Can you give a little history of Man Made Blast?
Man Made Blast: Yes, they can. They (Aaron & Josh) had always talked about working on a side project. However both Aaron and Josh were always involved with other things. Aaron with "the confines", with whom Josh did some demo recording, and Josh with his career as an art student at the Art Institute of Chicago, and later as an English teacher in South Korea. Finally in January of this year, both seemed to have no music projects on their agenda. They agreed to make a six song EP and to finish it by summer. So here we are.
SP: What brings you to Champaign-Urbana?
MMB: The utter lack of any decent rock music, and Metallica said so.
SP: Will you go with your standard lineup for the program?
MMB: The answer's yes. Well, it's got to be.
SP: Have you played for a radio show before? Any complications or advantages that you expect?
MMB: Some members have with other projects. We expect no complications other than nicotine withdrawal.
SP: How does the songwriting process work for you?
MMB: Aaron and Josh write all the music. The lyrics were co-written with Erich. On some songs, Aaron plays drums and other songs Josh plays drums. There's a couple ways we write music. One is to jam and record a sketch, then go back and listen to the sketch for anything that stands out as an interesting riff or part, and then take those parts/riffs and rework them a bit until they seem to fit together. The other way is much more mapped out. We like to make diagrams of a song before its been played, particularly when there is improvisation. We'll make a song map, decide what goes in each part, and then work it till it bleeds yummy sweet sounds.
SP: How would you describe your sound for someone who's never heard your music before?
MMB: Gritty, improvised, non-linear, solid, riff-oriented, rhythm-based, rock.
SP: Was there a moment when you realized that you wanted to be a musician? How did that come about?
MMB: For Aaron, he was 8. It was the moment he saw the cover of The Eagles' Greatest Hits, you know the one with the painted eagle's skull on it (pictured at right)? For Josh, it was when his dad gave him an old acoustic guitar at the age of 13.
SP: What's a singer or band that you've been compared to that you don't think is representative at all, and why not?
MMB: The White Stripes. It makes no sense. Our sound is much more layered and much less repetitive than the Whites' music.
SP: What is the greatest album of all time? Why?
MMB: Aaron: Master of Puppets, because it combines great drumming and great riffs to create the ultimate mega-force album. Josh: The Stooges' Funhouse. First punk album ever.
SP: What was your favorite band when you were in junior high?
MMB: Josh: metallica. Aaron: metallica
SP: What do you do for a living?
MMB: Aaron: carpenter. Josh: thrift store donation coordinator.
SP: What do you like to do in your spare time?
MMB: Aaron: work on music. grill. Josh: build websites.
SP: Would you like to say anything else that wasn't covered in these questions?
62 comments
Jim Kelly
The “utter lack of any decent rock music” bit has raised expectations of what I will find on their myspace page. I’m expecting better than decent rock music! Join me?
Yeah, that was certainly an interesting assertion.
josh winters
@Jim Kelly hope your expectations were fulfilled.
mmb
josh Winters
@Mike Ingram
just stirring $hi+. you know how it goes with us rock n’ rollers…always looking for trouble. however, it’s no assertion. rather, a simple statement of fact. the utter lack of decent rock MUSIC in this area is fairly obvious to anybody with at least one partially functioning ear. there are plenty of decent bands around, but their MUSIC is wanna-be at best. “oh, they have an organ…and they play it on every song” how novel. if you haven’t got the peanuts to admit it, thats fine, mike. try turning your amp up above 3 sometime. wonderful things happen.
josh
mmb
Wow.
Jim Kelly
Newsletter?
josh winters
@Jim Kelly
not sure what yer talkin about…u mean does man made blast have a newsletter?
@sethfein
wow indeed! are you the music section editor, or editor in chief of this fine e-publication?
Jordan
i would like to second seth’s “wow.“ there is so much great MUSIC in this town.
i’m confused. what were u “wowing” sethfein?
I am neither. I write about food mostly, and I am one of many editors. I have neither the skills, or the inclination to be an Editor-in-Chief or a music editor.
My “Wow” was simply in reference to your “statement of FACT” that there are only “decent bands” making less-than “decent” music.
So, yes. Wow. You should listen to this band immediately:
New Ruins
Cassie
Wow guys, way to endear yourselves to your peers. It’s a mystery to me what people think they will gain by acting like asses.
@sethfein
gotcha. have you had reviewed B-won? great samgyeopsal…‘cept they don’t serve the romaine lettuce w/ it…and the soju prices are out of control!
concerning new ruins: meh. they got a nice drum sound on their recording, guitar sounds stale and over effected. vocals are mildly interesting. thanks though for the recommend. keep em’ coming
It just keeps getting better.
@ cassie
what now? please explain what your comment is in reference to
@Mike Ingram
what’s your opinion of man made blast ?
Well, I booked you on WEFT Sessions, so I’d guess I saw something worthwhile there. Though this string of comments isn’t really warming me to the group much more.
John
MMB… “Decent at best.“
@Mike Ingram
i didnt see you at WEFT. er…maybe i did, were you posing as a guy named steve who “got his first hit of acid from jimi hendrix”?
good to know. i’d like to meet you and shake your hand. and thank you personally for getting us on the air. what i’m getting at is, what made you book us? did u listen to the myspace, and like the music, or were we just a filler because the other band cancelled, or both, or neither…?
@John
we’re always at our best, so that makes us “decent”
yay!
WHY?
I am so sick of pompus, arrogant “wanna-be” rock gods. Get a clue; go on keep mocking and degrading, but realize you are not only insulting all the hard working musicians in this town, but the large group of music appreciators who make it a point to support those “decent-at-best” musicians.
Your article and comments just scream “We lack self confindence in ourselves and our music so we are going to mock all the other musicians in town”.
Oh Boo Hoo for your poor ears.
P.S. if you don’t like what is going on musically in this town either a) work really hard to change things (don’t just come in here and deride all the hard work of others) or b) GO THE F*#@ AWAY
John Hoeffleur
Hey, alright, new heels! This is great news for me because I’m turning face at LM6. Just remember to kayfabe, noobs.
“Hey, alright, new heels! This is great news for me because I’m turning face at LM6.“
This is possibly the most hilarious comment in the history of SP comments. Tops even the Bulls Balls thread.
Bubba
Dis here’s cwazy, y’all!!!!!
john
rock on dude. so I listened to your music and it seems to support your idea that there are no decent rock bands in town.
rawk on rawk rawk. yea-ah! hoo-ah. whoah. ho-yeah.
frodo, don’t wear the ring.
@WHY?
seems to me this town needs some “pompus, arrogant “wanna-be” rock gods” to give it a jump start.
just having a bit of fun.
@john
thanks for listening first, then commenting.
john
no problemo. don’t mind me, i’ve got ‘pinions.
Hayden Cler
The only thing I have to say is that somewhere along the line the idea of supporting local music has been lost in this long chain of comments. Not every band is for everyone but it doesn’t make them a bad band. And hell….at least they are playing out and doing what they love. Root for the home team guys!!! Bickering is for children.
Since clarification is needed, my comment was in reference to your statement about the utter lack of decent music and the implication that your presence would change that. It is incredibly arrogant, not to mention rude, and is one reason that I have no desire to actually listen to your music.
@Hayden Cler
nothing’s been lost here. there are many home teams, and just like any other scene there is both comradery and competition amongst bands. no?
@Cassie
you should listen to our music so you have a clue what the hell you’re talking about. at least “john” listened before he commented. i recommend “Mountain”
whats your favorite (local) band at the moment?
Brooke
Now, you know I couldn’t come see you guys at WEFT, but I have had the pleasure of getting my own private show in Josh’s basement while tinkering w/ ideas to your guys’ website that I’m working on. I love the sound. It’s raw. It’s edgy. It is something different…and I like that. It’s shit I could listen to when needing inspiration to work, honestly. I’m not saying that because I’m a tad bias since my fiance plays with you guys. Trust me, if I hated it, I’d straight up tell him. But people need to give you a chance before reading too much into any “pompous” or “arrogant” comments. People take others way too seriously, but that’s maybe because I know you guys and that’s your humor? Who knows. But people, keep your damn panties on before you start with the hatorade.
snottypurpleface
As I sit here and think about what people will think about what I’m writing as I write it, let me just say this is nice… I like this. This actually feels kinda like democracy… thanks, guys. Are Stood Up still playin’?
Hayden Cler
lol when i play im not competing with anyone. im doing it for the fans.
Jim Kelly
Brooke, you’re right, it is different and I’d even go so far as to say the “scene” could use a decent hardrock band (but I reckon Mark Baldwin has that covered if Archives OTF are still happening, but I and others will continue to question the ornery motives behind some of the band’s posts here.
I’m also miffed that MMB’s ornery ‘tude just ain’t funny, at all. In fact it’s sort of stilted and, um, unfunny… I fret cuz there was a goldmine here just waitin’ for the right brand of snark and rapier wit. Alas…
@ Jim Kelly
you’re right, the scene could use a decent hardrock band, or 73. my motives are clear. stir the pot. get some press. have a conversation about the band. drive traffic to the website, and so on.
new scene, new band…i better shank somebody quick.
thedude
all I know is I went out tonight and saw proof that there’s plenty of rock in champaign. and it wasn’t man made blast. I listened to the myspace, and you guys need thom back :D
@thedude
plenty of rock, indeed…it all leaves you with blue balls. we’ll turn you into a squirter my friend. thanks for listening. we never had tommy ;(
Brooke
@Jim Kelly
True, they might come across unfunny to some. But, it’s them doing their thing to actually get people to read an article. I mean, c’mon…obviously they weaved an intricate web of snarky comments (which I find funny only b/c I do know them personally and they aren’t like that at ALL for real) which people have most definitely fallen for. People have read the article. People have responded. Negatively? Some. And that’s too bad. I haven’t been living in Champaign for too long, but you know? I have seen some shows around here and I haven’t been overly impressed with the music scene. True, it’s better than where I previously lived, but still. I’m not too picky on my music (although country music and Beyonce make me want to slit my own throat), so I give pretty much anyone a chance. But being a rock fan, it’s good to see someone bring something a little new-ish sounding. But think of their comments much like a tabloid ploy. They said stuff that jerked someone’s (or many people’s) balls, and they’ve gotten a response. So those that have commented with their negativity have most definitely given them attention. Sometimes it is kind of fun to “stir the pot” so MMB has said.
john
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDthMGtZKa4
Todd
Oh, no. Fat lady ain’t sung and Fonzie dosn’t like the water. This thread shall live. Thanks for giving these guys a forum. So what if they’re a little assholeish and insulted your precious scene. That attitude of “CU is so great” is what keeps shit sucking here.
Todd-
Forced to agree with you to a point, but I can’t say that “shit sucks” here totally. Just look at September alone: three music festivals in three weeks? All with nationally known artists? Plus, if you need something with more balls, MetalFest is August?
So, no. Shit doesn’t “suck.“ But it could certainly be a lot more than what it is. Agreed.
But yes, it would be nice if we had bands with more swagger, more attitude. Give me Steve Ucherek circa 2002. Now.
funny = this article is the # 2 most popular
unfunny = sethfein (“i write about food mostly”) comments to recommend his favorite band but can’t or won’t respond to my comment about good korean cuisine.
unfunnier = i ask Mike Ingram what he thinks about our band and he power trips to mention “I booked you on WEFT Sessions” just making sure i know he’s holding the keys. how about a little review?
@sethfein 3 in 3 weeks?! sign us up! now.
you got a link to this “Steve Ucherek circa 2002”? i’d like to have a listen.
B-won? win or lose?
snottypurpleface
Rapier wit? Man… since when is there any sort of intellectual prerequisite to metal… let alone any rock n roll?... And hell, if we are speaking metal here, I personally prefer it more at the pace of “rape your wit” than rapier… I mean, I’m not trying to sleep with them… nor do I think they want to sleep with me. This is impulse! I feel like this here Man Made Blast is doing just fine exploring that…
And I don’t know about the average muso, but for me, I think competition is not only interesting for the spectator, it is natural and unavoidable… if you do manage to play just for the fans; kudos indeed - don’t get me wrong, that’s wicked… but we are still animals scrounging for what’s what…
Pete
MMB:
On your advice, I listened to Mountain. Hints of Sonic Youth to start with a bit of Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins and more than one note of Nirvana after the 2.30 mark. Drums. Then some weird, though not off-putting, pauses and jumps. Then in the sixth minute it gets a little YYZy. (Though that is emphatically not a bad thing.)
All in all, entirely listenable. Given your general attitude, I was certain it would inaccessible and completely dense. But it was pretty good.
I’d pay to see you play. Though not as much as I’d pay to see Elsinore, Headlights, New Ruins, Common Loon, etc. But still.
Seriously, though. There is entirely too much Sonic Youth in those four songs for you to be “experimental.“ And I didn’t see your “jazz” anywhere.
thedude
@mmb
What I meant was there’s already plenty of good rock to go around. I also meant to say grats on discovering bar chords.
Oh for fuck’s sake. I didn’t see the need to comment further because I honestly don’t care that much. If this is the way you want to do things, that’s fine. I don’t particularly enjoy the is-it-serious-or-isn’t-it shit you’re trying to talk. I mentioned WEFT Sessions as a qualifier for me thinking you must be doing something right and you’ve managed to turn it into another stupid-ass attempt at keeping this thread going. Kudos on your #2 spot. Keep on keeping on and #1 will be yours in no time. Here’s me helping you along.
mmb.
Sorry about not answering your query about B-Won. My wife was having surgery. How’s that for an excuse? Good enough?
As for B-Won, best place in town for Korean. HANDS DOWN. In fact, we went there to celebrate the fact that my wife’s pathology came back benign.
Sorry for that.
@pete
thanks for listening. and for the mini-review. i actually went and listened to the bits you were talking about. but i don’t know what “YYZy” is. a band, er…? yeah, i guess is was thinking more free-jazz because of the improv “conversation” parts on mountain, but i may have to re-genre the ol’ myspace.
i wouldn’t expect you to pay to see us play. let alone pay as much as you would for those other more established acts.we’re actually playing the cubby bear on july 14 if you’re up for a train trip to chicago.
i always saw sonic youth as an experimental-rock band, maybe thats just their later stuff…i dont know their material very well.
@ thedude
must…play…barchord…so…appropriate…
@Mike Ingram
/serious/ your apathy is typical.
/not serious/ i like your music.
/really not serious/ i don’t like you. you’re an ass ;.P
@sethfein
if i’d known your wife was having surgery i would’ve written a little diddy to cheer you up, and asked all my christian buddies down at the thrift store to say a prayer for her. seems like a perfectly fine excuse to me. no need to apologize…er…was that sarcasm?
i did a couple contracts in R.O.K. and i must agree B-won = most authentic korean in town. period.
in fact i think i still will write that song…
I’d like to hear that ditty… write it!
Hayden Cler
i don’t know seth…the bulgogi at oorijib is pretty damn fantastic lol
Oh no, someone is taking a shot at my music!! Someone console me!!!
john
manmadeblast = number one with a bullet.
i tell you what, i challenge you to a rock off. i will get together my crue of rock legends and we will rock the shit out of you. we will totally rule. we’re called falcon. we kick ass. book it dude. no kidding.
oh and, screw fonzie, check this out one time tonight.
Maybe a Lazer Wolf reunion would be appropriate.
mmb: lols @ Lazer Wolf. then thinks of wesley willis.
@sethfein
i’m on it. it’ll have to be a side project though, not sure the other guys will stand for me writing stuff w/o them.
@Mike Ingram
it’s not you…it’s me…really…we should still be friends though.
@john
see you at the crossroads.
you don’t have a fiddle player do you?
if you do we’re sooo fucked.
i mean…yeah...we got a fiddle player…course we do.
john
this is getting addictive.
actually we just changed our name to falcon uk. our fiddle player left the band and sued us over our name, so now we’re falcon uk. so what with the fiddle player gone, we’re a bit less rock than we were, like, a half hour ago.
pete
MMB
YYZ is a song by Rush. It does the sort of back and forth, almost call-and-response sort of thing I heard on Mountain.
It’s really good.
Brandon
I’m diggin it, its different. I’ll be honest, I’ve lost touch with the CU local scene a bit. At least for original music. Over here in Decatur It’s pretty much dead, a bunch of guys in thier 40’s and 50’s playing classic rock covers. Hell its nice to hear new rock that isn’t another damn Nickelback wanna be. Each song seems to have its individual flavor, Keeps the ears attentive.
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Thanks for the article, Ben. I was not familiar with this band until now and even though I won’t be able to attend the show on Friday they are now on my radar. A *good* jam band is hard to find, and these folks appear to fill…