Damon Mocahbee
Guitarist - Pulse 8
www.uwillpulse8.com
www.myspace.com/pulse8

Who are some of your early musical influences and who have you been listening to lately?
My early influences were J from White Zombie, Scott Ian from Anthrax Tommy Victor from Prong and James Hetfield. Now I listen to Rich Ward from Stuck Mojo, Wayne from Static-x, and of course Dimebag. His style of playing will never be duplicated!

Pulse8 was formed in June of 2000.
What do you attribute to the longevity of the band? I think we have been together so long because I refuse to let it die. We have changed just about every member spot possible since then. Four bass players, three drummers, 1 guitar player and 1 singer later, here we are. Also, being able to say what’s on your mind and people not over reacting about it. And the biggest thing is putting up with each others shit on bad days.

You recently released a new cd that was recorded by Jeff Higgins out at Audioasis studios.
How has the reception to the cd been so far?
The reaction has been really great. It took us a long time to get it finished so alot of our fans were anxious to listen to it. I think it lives up to the hype that surrounded its release. Most people say they like the direction we are going and love the artwork that came along with the cd. All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the response that we have gotten.

What would you say has been greatest moment so far for Pulse8?
I would have to say that opening for Mushroomhead at The Madison Theater.

What if anything would you most like to change about the band?
It is so hard trying to get 5 guys on the same page. My wish for the band would be to have everyone on the same page at all times. We have our moments where we all think alike, but most of the time, it’s a clusterfuck that gets very annoying.

Who are some of your favorite local Cincinnati bands/musicians?
The bands we play with on a regular basis are my favorites. That’s one reason why we play with them so much. Good tunes and cool guys. Neutral Shock, American Hardcore, The Screaming Kings, Detached, Zero1Zero, One Finger Grip, Another Tragedy. I know I am leaving some bands out and I am sorry. Drawing a blank right now on some other ones that I like.

Do you think the Cincinnati metal scene is stronger or worse than it was 5 years ago?
I think it is stronger than it was 5 years ago but not as strong as it was maybe 10 years ago. Liquid, Firstborn, Full Circle, Simple, Grimlock, Psychomancy, Lethal, Naked Truth. The scene was pretty damn happening then.

What would be the perfect record label for Pulse8 to be on and why?
I think the perfect label for us would be the label that believed in us the most. To me that is everything. It could be a small label but if they are focusing all their efforts on us, then something bigger will come of it. I don’t want to sign to a huge label and just be a tax right off. Too much time and effort went into this band and I don’t want to waste away sitting on a shelf in some big wigs warehouse.

Is building a large local following important for a band trying to make it to the national level?
I think building a large following in your area can't hurt you. I don’t know if it’s a must but I know I like playing in front of 100 people more than I do 10.

Any last words you would like to share?
Yeah there is, the Straw Factory cd is still in my cd player in my bedroom. I fall asleep to it at least 4 nights a week and I have had that cd for months now. Great job in it!!! Proud as hell of the musicianship that went into that cd. Sean and the guys did a great job on it. Oh Yeah, one more thing. COME SEE US OPEN FOR POWERMAN 5000 ON SEPTEMBER 20TH AT THE MAD HATTER IN COVINGTON KENTUCKY!!!!!!

Thanks for the interview, Damon-Pulse8