By James West
Downfall 2012 are currently starting on a tour that features Otep and Terror Universal. Casey Bowen, drummer for DF2012 recently spoke with me about the tour and the music of Downfall 2012.
For those who aren’t familiar with Downfall 2012, they currently have two EP’s out entitled Every Man for Himself: Issues 1 & 2. The general theme of these albums and the upcoming third installment feature the topic of the end of the world, corruption in government, every day struggles we all face, and many more informative topics.
Downfall 2012 lineup is: Danny Gil – Vox/Guitars; Boo Rogers – Vox/Bass; Casey Bowen – Vox/Drums
DF2012 is a unique band that incorporates punk, metal, hardcore, rap, R&B, soul, and whatever else they feel fits the music they are creating or covering. With all those different styles mixed in, each band member equally takes the helm on vocals and are even known to switch up their instruments in live shows.
They also incorporate a 6-7 minute bucket song comprised of each member playing on…you guessed it, buckets!
With those fun facts put on paper let’s move on to the discussion I had with drummer Casey Bowen.
When asked about the recent placement on the tour with Otep, Casey told me: “Well. To be honest I don’t know exactly how it all happened. But we knew a promoter in California from previous tours. 3thirteen happened to drop our names down for the tour with Otep and we connected with them and here we are.”
Casey also mentions how DF2012’s music fits in with their tour companions: “Actually I think it’s a pretty good compliment.”
Casey adds that DF2012 will also be working with HED P.E and Alien Ant Farm this year as well which he is pretty excited for. No doubt Downfall 2012 is going to have a very ambitious tour schedule this year.
Asking Casey about his experience meeting musicians that he’s a fan of, he commented: “It’s pretty humbling when you meet these guys. You know it’s not all roses out there. Sweat, blood, and tears no matter where you are. It’s really humbling and helps you keep going.”
Casey also gives us all the insight into each of his bandmates and his own tastes in music that influence the sound of Downfall 2012: “Well that’s always a fun story about us. The three of us have very different tastes in music, we kind of come from different sides of the world.
Danny for instance has a very eclectic collection from the mainstays from his childhood to rap to Metallica and classic metal. Boo has been more like punk rock and hardcore stuff. For me it’s kind of the opposite side. I grew up on Motown blues and jazz and I like classic rock too, traditional classic stuff.”
Me being a musician myself, I can understand how different tastes in music styles can overall influence how you create. So me being mainly into blues and reggae style, yet I play mainly metal when I pick up an instrument, I couldn’t resist to ask Casey how he makes his musical tastes into metal music.
“[Casey laughs at the question] You play in a band with Boo. That guy can make anything metal. I mean we covered a Britney Spears song recently and we gave it to him to make it metal.”
It’s almost infamous for those that go to a DF2012 show to know that these guys will cover any songs considered weird, pop, and even country, which always makes for a fun live experience for the audience when something they can spot right away is being played.
I wish I could fit in my entire conversation for you all to read but the burden of a writer is always knowing when to stop the article. I would like to thank Casey Bowen and Yvonne Laughlin for bringing this interview together.
For more info on the band check them out at the following links : www.downfall2012.com www.facebook.com/DF2012
Downfall 2012 will be playing at The Hood on Sunday, Feb. 15 with OTEP, Remnants of Man, Perishment, Thira and Terror Universal. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. 21 and over.
