Originally from Puerto Rico, KDC are coming over on tour this August for the first time ever. They have just announced their appearances at Ieperfest 2015 and Fluff Fest, so it’s a perfect occasion to introduce their highly energetic work to all of you intense, highly energetic hardcore enthusiasts. A hugely entertaining blend of thumping hardcore and metallic complexity displayed on these guys’ 2013 debut full length album “The Veracity of Solitude” made them one of the most exciting bands to watch. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.
Known from their relentless touring, KDC are showing no signs of slowing down. The band is hitting European roads this Summer, starting July 22nd. Details of the trek will be posted very soon.
Hey boyz, what’s up? ! How are you? How’s KDC doing?
We’re doing ok. Just got done with 120 shows in 2014.
Can you tell us how long the band has been around, and who is in the lineup? Let’s learn more about your background.
KDC has been a band since 2005. Juan and I started this project in our late teens. We just never took it “seriously” until 2011/2012. It’s been through a few line-up changes. The current line up includes Aaron King, Nate Patterson, Juan Lebron and I (Casper).
What were some of the local bands you got excited about when you first started going to shows? Tell us more about your rookie days.
A lot of local bands influenced us. I can’t speak for the rest of the guys in KDC, but the band that most influenced me to start a project of my own was TROPIEZO; a band that originated in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. There aren’t any hardcore bands in Yauco, PR…… so when TROPIEZO made their way to our side of the island I managed to see them. Quick songs and sarcastic banter just clicked with me, at the time. It was perfect.
What does KDC stand for?
Like I said, this band was never meant to be taken seriously. We called ourselves Konfesiones de Changuiro. The name has no absolute reasoning behind it. Fuck our name.
Cool. Why did you move to the States? How tough was that decision?
Initially, I moved to the states to tour with other bands as a bass player, merch guy, tech or whatever. I just wanted to tour. Juan moved here about 4 months after I did. As time passed I noticed that all the bands I joined were kind of settling down. I still had the urge to do things so Juan and I ended up gathering some locals with touring experience and taking off with KDC.
Were your friends and family supportive?
Absolutely. Puerto Rico has always backed us hard. They saw us grow up. They still support us. They respect who we’ve become as people and as a band. We’ve got nothing but love for the island.
In a bunch of amazing reviews of your latest LP “The Veracity of Solitude” you were applauded for delivering one of the most interesting blends of metallic hardcore and powerful, even experimental jams. How did you manage to develop this particular sound and how conscious was that process?
I never go in knowing how things are going to pan out. To me, that takes the fun out of the process. In fact, I have very little to do with the writing process. That’s all Juan and Aaron. But I can definitely confirm that KDC has always been a “trial and error” band. We’ve fucked up enough times to know what’s best for us. And that goes for writing and recording. We bitch, we moan, we argue and as an end product we have “The Veracity of Solitude”…which we’re all very happy with. Big thanks to Josh Clarke, Andy Nelson and Alan Douches for wanting to work with us.
How do you feel your music has progressed in the time from the very beginning?
When you’re with band for so long it ends up maturing alongside you. The difference between this band and every other band I’ve ever played in is the fact that everything’s been a huge learning process. The music genuinely admits it. It hasn’t been a forced evolution. We’ve hated a lot of it and we’ve loved a lot of it. It’s as genuine as it gets.
Who are some of your all-time favorite artists that you feel have had an impact on your sound?
WOW. There are way too many to mention off the top of my head. I guess that depends on the era that you want me to talk about. This band was being formed around the “youth crew revival” days. So we took a lot of melody from huge bands around that time. Obviously, moving to Buffalo, NY in 2011 and unconsciously incorporating elements from Cleveland hardcore and NYHC were not out of the question. We also had Aaron King (our drummer) bring a lot of his late 90’s/early 2000’s influence on this last record. So yeah, we’re all over the map. Honorable mentions: TURMOIL, ZAO, GAZA, LEWD ACTS, CHAMPION, CARRY ON, TROPIEZO.
Ok buddies, let’s talk about the ultimate expression of hardcore, which would be playing live shows! You went a lengthy trek with HOLLOW EARTH and a bunch of solid bands this past December. How do you remember that touring adventure?
Tours generally suck for us. But being paired up with bands like HOLLOW EARTH and AXIS make it all worthwhile. Great dudes and amazing live music. From what I understand, HOLLOW EARTH might be over in Europe around the same time we will. Hopefully we’ll get to meet up with them and goof off.
Photo by Wells Photographe.
Ok, so what about your upcoming touring plans. Can we verify the rumors about your European trek?
Yes sir!! We’ll be making our way to Europe this summer and taking part in a few festivals. We’ll be on Ieper Fest, Fluff Fest, Punk Fest and a few other shows/festivals with awesome line-ups. It’s all getting squared as we speak thanks to FLIX agency. We still have a lot of work to do before that. The Veracity of Solitude will also be getting re-released in Europe before that. We couldn’t be more excited.
What are your plans for the future of KDC?
I have no idea. As time progresses, life gets a stronger hold on all of us. It’s really hard for all of us to meet up as a band and do things. Most of work a lot. I’m always out of town doing work. We’re just making the best of it while we can.
Thanks for your time guys! Is there anything you want to say to our readers?
YES!!! Come check us out on our Euro trek from July 22nd to August 15th. Our routing will be up soon. Stay put!
