Published: Absolute Underground #51 April/May 2013
Interviewee: Levi Meyers (Vocals)
AU: As far as I can find XUL is the name of a programming language or maybe a mayan word, I'm clearly missing something. What's behind the name?
LM: Well to be honest, the first time we ever came across the name was in the Behemoth song “XUL”. We mulled around a couple other names, but after researching that XUL in Sumerian, meant “evil”, we thought it fit the type of music we were writing. We get the Ghostbusters thing: “There is no Dana, only Xul!” a lot. People used to chant it at our super early shows, but it kind of died out.
AU: How many years of jamming did it take before you started to record anything?
LM: We recorded an EP in 2010. We recorded it in Wallace's basement, so the quality wasn't great, but it got our music out there. It took us around a year to write some new songs and record Malignance. I'm not even sure where our EP went, it's probably out there somewhere.
AU: Have you guys ever felt the need to move to Vancouver or a larger city to get more notice or are you happy with what you are accomplishing in Vernon?
LM: We've been discussing a move to Vancouver next year, but a lot can change in a year. We'll have to see how things go. We are happy with what we have accomplished while living in Vernon, but I think a bigger city could help us play more shows to larger/ newer crowds. It is nice to be the out of town band in some situations, but it'll have to happen eventually. Regardless, our plan is to tour as much as possible.
AU: Your influences are clear, what have you guys done in order to stand alone apart from other bands that are already established?
LM: We're all pretty critical of each other. If something sounds blatantly similar to another band, we'll change it. There is a line between an influence, and a template, and I think we've done a good job of not falling into another band's template. Sometimes it can be frustrating when you write something you think is unique, but then when you present it to the group, someone says “ That's a -bandname- riff!” Then follows a moment of cussing said band because you've been listening to them for the past month and somehow it seeped into your subconscious!
AU: You haven't played too many shows yet, is there a show or a venue that has been a clear favorite so far?
LM: I really like the Pawnshop in Edmonton. It has a pretty awesome stage and a lot of crowd space. The sound was sick and there was a decent turn out. There was actually like an even ratio there. I should also mention Armstrong Metal Fest. We are playing there this year for the fifth time. July 19th and 20th. Two days of camping, beer and metal... is there anything better? If you haven't been there, it's something you have to experience for yourself.
AU: I'll assume that maybe opening up for Absu in April could takeover as your favorite show, how much excitement do you all have for that show?
LM: It's pretty fuckin' amazing. We can't believe we are actually going to be sharing the stage with a band as legendary as ABSU!! I'm gonna try not to make a fool of myself around them. It's hard to not fan boy it up around such wicked bands, but I find the ultimate advice is this: when they aren't Absu, they're just regular dudes...you know?
AU: What's your food and liquor of choice when you're on the road?
LM: Pilsner and Wendy's! Marlow makes some homemade apple juice and cranberry juice that we never hit the road without. One shot of that cranberry juice can cure a hangover. Oh, and beef jerky.
AU: Do you guys want to get some beers before the Absu show?
LM: Always. You buyin? (kidding)
AU: Wicked, titties and pilsner
Michael F. Carnage
http://www.xulmetal.bandcamp.com/
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