On WKNC, I started doing a local metal lunch segment on Mondays from noon-1pm. I call this segment, The Bone Cruncher, and I have been getting a lot of positive feedback on it!
I have been around local bands my entire life. I grew up with my two older brothers in bands and they would play at our house. When I was 8 years old, I was singing for them (but I was too young to be in the band, RIP me, lol). My cousin, Derrick, was in a metal band, Seventh Denial, for the longest time. My mom was the “band aunt” and we would set up their merch at shows for them. I remember them playing at Jester’s Pub and The Rock Shop. Then, Joey and Wes from Seventh Denial were in the metal band As Oceans. As I’ve said before, the first band I ever saw live was Oxygen Thieves. My parents were friends with the guitarists (Shawn and Mike Stengele). I would, later, see them again, blowing it out… at a church (that’s a great story, too!)!
As I got older, and started going to shows, I would see local NC metal bands opening up for big name bands such as Miss May I, Volumes, Obituary, We Came As Romans, and Traitors, etc. Some people wouldn’t show up to the shows early because they didn’t want to see the local acts. If people did show up early, they wouldn’t jam to these bands. These local bands bust their asses and it seems like their hard work goes unnoticed. But, I want to tell all my boys in local bands something: Your hard work is not going unnoticed. I see you, I hear you, and most of all… I believe in you.
I have been going to a handful of local shows, here, recently, and man let me tell you, these shows are not dead. Seeing all the fans singing, jamming, moshing, and dancing to local bands is something that always puts a smile on my face. The dedication and brotherhood (regardless of gender) that is within the local scene is insane! How all the bands are so close to each other and want to see one another succeed is amazing. It’s like they are one big happy family. I have always wondered what it would be like to be a part of this brotherhood. And now I have a view to a kill!
Becoming The Saw and hosting The Saw’s Butcher Shop has really helped me get involved and close with a handful of local bands. But it wasn’t until I started doing the local lunch on Mondays from noon-1pm (The Bone Cruncher) that I got closer to my local scene of metal bands.
Once doing The Bone Cruncher, I have been getting tagged in posts, direct messages, and snapchats from guys in bands thanking me for playing their tracks, and supporting local metal, overall. I want to take this time to thank the bands. I am so happy that I have this platform to play local bands and give them more exposure to more listeners and potential fans. But, I should be thanking you guys. All I do is edit the songs, talk about the bands and the songs I will be playing, and simply press “play.” You guys, on the other hand, are busting your asses to make AMAZING music. All of the song writing, band practices, paying for equipment, studio time, and opening shows are a lot more difficult and complex than my job. You guys have no idea how thankful I am to have a small role in helping you all follow your dreams.
If it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t be here. You guys are the reason that I do what I do. If it wasn’t for your hard work and dedication, I wouldn’t be on the radio. I would just be a typical college student. But you, you give me purpose and motivation. I should be thanking you guys for making great songs and I am honored to play them for the world to hear. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share your talent. To my NC local metal bands, y’all are my base, my support system, my cover. Thank you for supporting me on this journey and helping out in any way that you all can. Thank you for supporting my vision. Thank you for letting me support your vision. I do this for you, all of you.
I now want to personally thank some individuals that have been with me through it all:
East Viridian: Y’all were the first local band that I ever interviewed. Thank you for being just as excited as I was to interview you guys. Y’all were so much fun to hang out with and I hope that I can see and hang out with you all soon. A big shout out to Zac Byrd. Talking to you while tattooing a saw blade on me was something I will never forget.
R.j. Riggle & Jayson Mitchell from VALLEYS: You guys have literally been with me from the start. Thank you for supporting my vision and always being there when I need you. You two have made me very excited to be working with local bands. Thank you for being excited to work with me and giving me ideas to use as I go onward. You guys don’t know how thankful and happy it makes me that y’all have my back.
R.J. RIGGLE
JAYSON MITCHELL
Kevin La Chiana from Constellation Atlas: Bro, you are like one of my best friends. Thank you for supporting me through it all as well. Thank you for getting me in contact with all these local bands and helping me create new ideas to advertise both of my shows in The Saw’s Butcher Shop: The House of Horrors & The Bone Cruncher. Knowing that you see something huge within what I’m doing and helping me in any way through this journey has really meant a lot to me.
KEVIN LA CHIANA
Jarod Sowards from MESS: Jarod!!!!!! Thank you for being so humble and down to earth literally every time I see you. Your band kicks ass and I can’t wait to see y’all making it big. You have done so much for the local scene and your hard work is paying off. Thank you for taking me along for the ride. Anything you need, let me know. I got you 100%.
JAROD SOWARDS
Because of these guys, and all the other bands that have contacted me. You guys are the reason I do what I do. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. So, thank you for allowing me to help you guys in any way that I can. And always remember, The Saw has your back. You guys are my boys.
Your dedication and determination is not going unnoticed, I promise.
Remember that all bands (Metallica, Wage War, Whitechapel, Pantera, and Korn, etc.) all started as local bands. I am excited to see how far each and every one of you will go.
Stay Metal
THE SAW