American nu metal band MOTOGRATER was founded in 1995 by Bruce Butler aka Grater. The act was initially a tribal group that experimented with hardcore screams and sampling. They’ve become well known for their body paint look and performing with a homemade “motograter” instrument, designed with industrial cable and guitar pieces, functioning as a substitute for the traditional electric bass guitar. The band saw a lineup change occur when they reunited in 2008, after having lost vocalist Ghost aka Ivan L Moody in 2006 – who went on to join FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. Michael E. Woodruff aka Angel would replace Ghost on vocals, and the band has also recently added a regular bassist to the mix.
The Metal Den’s Randy “Rocket” Cody recently conducted an interview with Angel of MOTOGRATER for his loyal army of Den Headz worldwide.
Rocket: Where were you born and raised?
Angel: I was born in La Mirada, Ca on Nov, 22nd 1983. For the first 8 years of my life I grew up in Southern California. Before I turned 9, my father and I moved to Alamosa, Co. After that it was pretty much a back and forth between the two states every couple of years. I labeled myself a Calirodian *laughs*
Rocket: Do you come from a big family?
Angel: I am an only child but I have a lot of family on all sides (my mother, father and step-mother).
Rocket: You go by the nickname Angel. Are you a religious person?
Angel: At one time I was. But not so much anymore.
Rocket: What first drew you to heavy metal music?
Angel: My musical influence always dates back to one person, Billy Idol.
Rocket: Who are a few of your biggest vocal influences?
Angel: Billy Idol, Corey Taylor, Jonathan Davis, Dave Williams R.I.P., Layne Staley R.I.P., Phil Anselmo, man the list goes on.
Rocket: Do you remember your first rock show?
Angel: Ha! Yeah it was actually July 15, 2000 at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, CO but I can’t say who it was so if anyone wants to know your just gonna have to look that day up.
Rocket: How did you first join up with Motograter?
Angel: Christin “Starr” Roslund. She knew people from the band were starting a side project called “Curiosity Killed The Cop”. She tells them about me, I started talking to Nuke on the phone, got a plane ticket out to California to audition and that was that.
Rocket: You guys are currently on the Halos and Horns tour. How’s that been going?
Angel: The tour has been great. The fans are coming out and that’s all I could ask for.
Rocket: Motograter is writing a new album, correct? What can fans expect with the new stuff?
Angel: That’s hard to say. We have some really heavy stuff but at the same time we have the lighter side of things too. The only thing I can really say to expect is for it to be real. We aren’t trying to sound a certain way or like anybody else. We are playing and making what feels right. It’s crazy how this has come together… real organic.
Rocket: Will the new album be out in 2010?
Angel: We would like for it to be out early 2010, but you can’t rush these things. It’s art and if you were to rush an artist such as a painter then you might end up missing out on some of the best things that they have to offer that particular piece.
Rocket: You guys are still searching for a new label home, right? Who are some of the record companies at the top of your list?
Angel: Well, that is kinda in the air right now.
Rocket: What is your opinion of how ‘free downloading’ has drastically affected record sales in the 21st century?
Angel: It’s crazy! Albums that would normally go platinum are struggling to go gold.
I could name 5 albums released this year that if “Free Downloading” didn’t exist would be platinum.
Rocket: What is your favorite Motograter song to perform live and why?
Angel: Suffocate because for the majority of the fans, that is where they make their opinions on me. Not the new stuff. They want to hear how the old stuff sounds.
Rocket: I like to have fun with this next one. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you while performing on the stage?
Angel: Oh, man! So we are in the middle of the set in New Orleans and Nuke is just starting his solo. This is where I take a drink, help waterfall the guys a drink, clear my throat, ect. Anyways I walk back to the Motograter and off to the side of the stage I blow this huge snot rocket. Well when I turned to walk away from it I see that it never really left me in fact it is bungee jumping from my nose. I started laughing so hard that I had a hard time catching my breath for the upcoming lyrics. I grabbed the damn thing wiped it on my pants and finished the set.
Rocket: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to a kid starting out in his or her first band and looking to embark on the rock n roll dream?
Angel: Take every second seriously. I’m not saying don’t have fun cause you will. I am just saying to give it everything you got. Whatever it takes!
Rocket: Of all the metal albums released in the past couple years, which ones are your personal favorites?
Angel: All Hope Is Gone – Slipknot
Chinese Democracy – Guns N’ Roses
and Emmure – Felony
Rocket: Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Angel: If I am still alive. The same place I am now. Making music, touring and loving every minute of it.
Rocket: Thanks very much for rocking this out with me. Best of luck with your music. Go ahead and give special thanks to any of your friends, family and supporters.
Angel: Everyone in the 303 and 805 thank you so much for your love and support.
Anyone who is reading this right now thank you for your time.
http://www.myspace.com/motograter
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