Minority For The Masses is a 4 piece Rock/Punk band that hails from the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa, which formed in 2011. It consists of Jon Perry (Guitar/Vocals), Jake Blackwell (Guitar/Vocals), Matthew Baxter (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Jarred Baney (Drums).
Their first – Self Titled Album has been launched and consists of 13 tracks of which 8 are remixed and mastered older songs from their previous E.P’s and 5 new songs that where recorded in December 2014 by Jared Gunston.
I spoke to Jake about the band.
How did the band form?
Jake:
“Jon and I were friends from High School. We played in some bands together after high school. We started this band because we wanted a band with a lot more energy; a punk rock vibe. We were keen to start something different. We knew Matthew from Splashy Fen. He is a good guitarist too. I met up with Jarred. And that is how we began.”
What made you choose this genre then?
Jake:
“It still has a bit of a hard edge, because we enjoy the energy of it. We enjoy all kinds of music, from classic rock, to grunge, to metal…but punk is fun. There is a fair bit of lead work in the band, we try add some light and shade to the band. We just started writing and liked it. We hope others do as well.”
Is there a big punk scene in KZN?
Jake:
“What we are doing is quite different. I wouldn’t say there are many bands like us. There are a few that are similar, some heavy metal bands, some with a bit of groove to it. What we are doing is quite unique. Our stuff is different. We mix it together with a different style. There is a lot of that scar and folky stuff here. We just want to rock hard. We are on the opposite side of the spectrum.”
Rock is going through a tough time at the moment. What is your view?
Jake:
“It all comes down to what pop culture is pushing right now. 5 FM used to play rock, bands like Slipknot were even played. There was a lot more exposure for it. I think the powers that be, who ever they are, are making these decisions. There are still a lot of bands like us out here who still support it and believe in it. Live music has really gone the festival route now. But there are not many live music venues. There is a general lack of support. There are those who make an effort, but if it isn’t a festival, attendance is really poor.”
“No one makes money from CD sales anymore. Metallica makes more money touring in Europe and across the world than putting out an album. With the Internet, so many people can put music out there, but it dilutes the good music. There aren’t filter processes anymore to see what is really good, and what is produced well. It is a tricky discussion. Bands make money from touring and merchandise sales mainly.”
“Rock has always been underground, but it would be nice to see more of a revival. A lot of people love rock. Hopefully there can be more effort put into it. It comes down to exposure. If there was more support from bands and fans, it would improve.”
You have recently released a self titled album. How is the songwriting different from the 
other EPs you have written?
Jake:
“Jon and I put out the EPs before, because we didn’t have the money to release a full album. We thought we had to put out an official album, and so chose a few of the recordings from those EPs. We got them remixed and we think they came out better. We recorded with Jared Gunston, who has recorded and produced a few other bands. We recorded all the new material and we got it mixed and mastered. Being in studio was a great experience. Our music has been played on various stations.”
Tell me about the general feel and theme of the album?
Jake:
“There are songs about drinking, fun, with a rock edge feel; very AC/DC. ‘Saviour’ is about taking control of your life, and not holding back and freeing yourself. The theme is about life. ‘Beast and the gun’ is written about a battlefield, a concept song about man and war. There are a couple of different lyrical contents going on throughout the album, and many different themes.”
In 2014, the band were selected to be an opening band for the American Metal band, Affiance. Tell me about that moment?
Jake:
“We had just played Splashy Fen. It was such a highlight to play on such a huge stage. We were so lucky 
to be given that opportunity. It was a huge opportunity. We would have loved to have come up FOR the Krank’d up festival. It was great. It was definitely a memorable performance and night.”
Future plans for the band?
Jake:
“We want tour more and play at Potchefstroom, the Free State and some of the big festivals. We will probably write some new material as well, and promote the album more. We have put a lot of work into the album, and we would love to play at Ramfest too.”
FOLLOW THE BAND:
www.facebook.com/minorityforthemasses
http://www.reverbnation.com/minorityforthemasses
http://www.twitter.com/MFTMrock
http://soundcloud.com/minorityforthemasses
http://minorityforthemasses1.bandcamp.com
