The Untitled Interview #186 - Hopscotch Edition: Starring Greg Fox (Guardian Alien)

As y’all know, I had a rather enjoyable time down in Raleigh last year for my first ever Hopscotch, and it was so very good that I just had to go back again this year! The lineup looks frighteningly good, which means that yours truly will be making some seriously difficult decisions about how to spend her time. And of course, I had to get in touch with some folks that I was super excited about getting a chance to see in this installment of the festival. If you’ll be down for Hopscotch this year, make sure you keep these bands on your radar. And now, friends, let's get into it with this year's INTERVIEWSCOTCH!

Greg Fox and his Guardian Alien cohorts might be one of the busiest bands over Hopscotch weekend. Already slated for six events, the keeper of the beat for the mystical metal makers might be even busier by the time the weekend gets going. The former Liturgy drummer seems even more maniacal, if possible, behind his kit with Guardian Alien, and the accompanying assemblage of sheer noise takes this band beyond the boundaries of black metal. Psychedelic space oddity freakout jam metal? Maybe, just maybe. Not to be missed? Absolutely. Below, Fox talks fests, and toothpaste.

Fuzzy Logic: How are you getting to Hopscotch: plane, train, or automobile?
Greg Fox: We travel via the Venus Transit. That's the name of my van.

FL: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
GF: Toothpaste. But that's cool because everyone else always has some, and that way I get to keep trying different kinds of toothpaste. Last tour I tried salt toothpaste.

FL: How many shows/parties will you be playing?
GF: At least 6.... Guardian is playing three times, I am playing solo twice, and I'm playing with Man Forever...that's as it currently stands...who knows...

FL: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
GF: Chris Corsano, Bill Orcutt, Co la, Colin Stetson, Dan Deacon, Deerhoof, Laurel Halo, Hubble, Dope Body, Oneida, Roomrunner, Yo La Tengo, White Hills, SUNN O))), THE ROOTS.

FL: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Raleigh?
GF: Calling up my friend Bart and going to eat at the Mongolian bbq place.

FL: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
GF: Ninja Turtles live at Radio City Music Hall. Maybe it wasn't a festival, but it was right then and there at age 5 or whatever that I decided, "This is it. I'm gonna grow up and be a Ninja Turtle too."

FL: Favorite thing about festivals?
GF: Seeing all my friends, making new friends, food, and DA MUSIC.

Guardian Alien - See the World Given to a One Love Entity from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.