Graphics by: Bas Spierings
California’s Bl’ast dates way back to the early 1980’s with a shit ton of history behind them. Most of the damage they did was in the mid to late 80’s behind 3 full lengths in “The Power Of Expression” (1986), “It’s In My Blood” (1987), and “Take The Manic Ride” (1989). Things came back together in 2013 when OG members Clifford Dinsmore (vocals) and Mike Neider (guitar) teamed up with Southern Lord Recordings and Foo Fighter Dave Grohl to put out a remixed and remastered version of “It’s In My Blood” and things have been rolling along since. The latest is a 2 song EP titled “For Those Who Grace The Fire” with promises of a full length to follow. When Ear Shot Media sent over the new music with an invite to interview guitarist Mike Neider I jumped at the chance and this short but sweet convo from November 2015 is the end result.
1: What's up Mike? Literally where are you right now and what would you be doing if we weren't harassing you with these questions?
Mike: Haha..... What’s up man! I'm in Aptos,CA writing this damn interview haha... No, I appreciate it. I'm supposed to meet Clifford (Dinsmore… Bl’ast frontman) at The Cliff Cafe for some of the best tofu ever and discuss the new LP coming out.
2: The person that is most responsible for Bl’ast being back with new music here in 2015?
Mike: Greg Anderson. He released “BLOOD”! We mixed it with Dave Grohl and Lou at Studio 606. Cliff and I always knew it should exist but this ignited the fire.
3: What guitar player or musicians did you look up to as a kid that made you want to play music?
Mike: Man, I grew in the best of times and was fortunate to have the 70's to roll with the guitar. Black Sabbath/Led Zep, Deep Purple, Hendrix, Plasmatics, Maiden, Devo,...... the list goes on and on. Then I saw Black Flag for the first time in Berkeley at the Barrington Hall and that was it.... that’s how you do it. No fucking around. Chuck killed it.
4: Best Bl’ast show ever?
Mike: Man, many stories and gigs I could say for different reasons. Early days to now, there is no way to pick one. The ones we would have to be carried off the stage or chased out by a mob.
5: One thing you are really good at cooking?
Mike: Chilaquiles, love Mexican food and breakfast. My wife cooks killer. Haha... Kind diet. Tofu!!!!
6: How did you find out that Dave Grohl was a big fan of Bl’ast and how did it come about that he ended up playing drums on your new songs?
Mike: We met in New York at CBGB's when we played a gig together. He was in SCREAM. He blew our minds and we've been friends ever since. That was a great gig. I shot over a guitar track (May,2014) of "For Those Who've Graced the Fire" and told him Chuck Dukowski is into it as well. He was stoked on the tune and said “Let’s do this!” He had us all in Studio 606 a week later.
7: A tidbit of information about Dave Grohl that the average man on the street may not know?
Mike: I think Dave puts it all out there man. Phenomenal. I guess it would be his heavy hardcore roots would be my guess, but I'm sure most are hip to that.
8: First punk/hardcore show you can recall going to? Who played? Where? What year?
Mike: 1978-ish, I'm never sure of what is labeled what but one of them that blew my mind was The Plasmatics in Berkeley. Now that was a show. Ramones, China White/Germs/Black Flag man, so many great shows it was endless.
9: If you had to be trapped inside a TV show for a month which one would it be and why?
Mike: Haha... Fantasy Island man! Make it last.
10: Band that isn’t around anymore that you wish still were in 2015?
Mike: Man, it goes all the way from Elvis to Plasmatics. Original line ups Led Zep and Skynard man it's a long list.
11: Three albums (past or present) that you are really feeling these days?
Mike: “No Peace”, “Hot Rocks”, “Are We Not Men”..... that’s today. (Editors note:Trash Talk?, Rolling Stones, Devo)
12: Best burrito in your hood is at…..?
Mike: You gotta understand Watsonville and Santa Cruz have the best burritos ever. Yup. Tacos Moreno today but it changes daily unfortunately.
13: Something outside of music that you do as a hobby?
Mike: Skateboarding mostly.
14: If you could go back and have a do over with anything in Bl’ast's history what would you want to change?
Mike: Good question. To have continued to put out more records after the manic ride.
15: Celebrity or public figure that really gets under your skin? What would you say to them or do if you were in an elevator alone with them?
Mike: Politicians, I would just high five their foreheads.
16: Most embarrassing moment you’ve ever had on stage while performing?
Mike: This one time we were in the middle of our set and I thought it would look rad if I went back stage and played so you hear the guitar but don’t see it. Well Cliff and Bill thought I was over it and got real bummed out and thought I was quitting or something. So they quit right after the set before I could explain. Haha.
17: If you became a pro-wrestler what would you entrance song be?
Mike: “I Wanna Be Sedated”.
18: Worst job you ever held down and what were your responsibilities?
Mike: Man, my dad scored me my first official job as a kid building a rock wall and I had to dig to find the rocks. Lesson learned.
19: Your favorite movie all time?
Mike: “Jeremiah Johnson”, “The Outlaw Josey Wales”… Haha.
20: The first new Bl’ast songs in 20 years are out now on Rise Records. What can we expect out of Bl’ast over the course of the next year?
Mike: We have a split coming out with some friends and an amazing band that we dig. Then that will be followed by a full length LP. Then tour it up!
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