IE: What's up Russ? Some out there may look at Huge as a new band but you have been kicking the name and idea of Huge around for quite a while. Back in a '99 Underdog  interview you and I did you brought up the name Huge but it wasn't until about a year and a half ago until you got your debut 4 song EP out to the public. What was going on with Huge between '99 when the band seemed to be in its infancy stages up until the time you recorded the EP?

Russ: Drugs and alcohol happened. The band never got off the ground or did a show until I got sober...used to be we would schedule a practice...meet up at a bar and never even make it out of the bar...we would end up drinking until the bar closed and get hammered. So when that nonsense stopped things started happening...and now we have put out an EP that I am very proud of.

IE: You guys have not really been going out on tours or full weekends outside of your area. Would you say it is safe to assume that you will keep Huge as a fun project that doesn’t get too serious in the future?

Russ: Yes, for sure...we just want to play shows...not worried about getting paid a lot...just want to play quality shows with bands we like...but the music is still 100% energy.

IE: The band features 3 Underdog members including your brother Dean on drums and you now sing instead of playing bass which you did in Underdog. For folks out there who have not heard Huge yet can you describe your sound?

Russ: I've tried too many times...all the songs are kinda different from each other...except for one thing, that I can’t sing! haha. It's kinda like dirty rock...other people have compared it to Rose Tattoo, Skrewdriver WITHOUT the racist lyrics! ...Motorhead... I didn't try for any particular sound...what came out is just a product of my influences I guess...support the band and buy our 4 song EP...search I-Tunes for, HUGE EP or email me at: sauce138@optonline.net

IE: Just with the people involved in the band it would seem that Huge would be an easy sell to any fan of Underdog’s material. What’s your take?

Russ: Surprisingly I don’t think it's anything like Underdog...although most Underdog fans seem to really like it, especially the older ones...I think any Underdog fan with an open mind will like Huge...one thing to remember is that most of those Underdog songs were written 30 years ago!...hard to believe...

IE: How many songs does Huge have in the tank now and how many shows would you guess the band has played up until this point?

Russ: The EP has our first four songs written and we have a nine song set list as of now...we have thrown in some or our favorite covers and played as many as 13 song sets live.

IE: Huge has not played out a ton but you seem to get on some pretty good bills when you do play including ones with DI, Murphys Law, your band Underdog and Agnostic Front. What is the more typical reaction from both older and younger people in the crowd when you guys come out playing more of a rock n roll influenced sound versus a more traditional hardcore/punk style?

Russ: The older crowd seems more open to it...they chill up front and just rock out and have a good time...the music is still hard... it's just not real fast and I think the young hardcore kids are very used to the "new" faster hardcore, so I think this throws them off a little...especially if they have known us from Underdog, never heard us and come to see us live...they get a little caught off guard...

CLICK PHOTO BELOW TO LISTEN TO "SUN ON MY BACK" OFF OF HUGE'S DEBUT 4 SONG EP

PHOTO BY: JOSEPH CAREY

IE: When you are on stage do you feel like something is missing by not having a bass to wear and how would you rate your vocal skills so far with Huge?

Russ: I do miss having my bass. I love my old Rickenbacker and it is kinda like a prop if you can use it correctly and not look like a dork...my vocal skills on a scale from 1-10???  I'd give myself a 3.

IE: Your involvement in the NYHC scene spans decades and you are obviously still attached and associated with the hardcore and punk scenes. Are there aspects of the current day scene that you think have improved on the old school way of doing things? The internet is the first thing that comes to mind.

Russ: The internet...Hmmm...It is good and bad...I really hate how people can hide behind a keyboard and talk shit to the whole world without ever having to back up what they say...so much crap and lies are put out there...on the other hand it has made hardcore world wide, which is cool...it is easier to promote a show and get the word out but I think the shows were just as well attended in the old days. There are definitely more "crews" and gangs in hardcore nowadays which I don't really think has any part in a music scene...some dopey loser can join a gang and all of a sudden they are "cool" within the hardcore scene...pretty lame. The digital down load was a great thing to include with the Huge EP.

IE: Have you come across any newer bands that have caught your attention?

Russ: Well my favorite new band (they aren't that new anymore) is The Brought Low, in the 90's they had a band called Sweet Diesel. A young hardcore band that caught my attention is Living Laser and then there is a young Jersey hardcore band called Face the Facts. Gotta love The Loud Ones from RI too!

IE: What are some things about hardcore days gone by that you wish you could have back even if they were for just a short period of time?

Russ: The first thing that comes to mind is I'd bring back my friends that have passed, like Carl, Frenchie, Fee, Ira, Dale, just to name a few...may they rest easy. The infancy of hardcore in the early 80's as it was just evolving from punk was a magical time for me. It would be amazing to relive that at all. Avenue A and Tompkins Square Park was a wonderland in the early 80's when we as teens had a small tight knit crew that hung out and partied there.

IE: You will be forever linked to Underdog so it's hard not to ask an Underdog question. What is the current status of Underdog and when is the last time the band played out live? Can you see Underdog continuing to play shows from time to time or do you think there will be finally a time to put it to rest forever? (Note: Keep in mind this interview took place in mid-February)

Russ: Underdog actually has three upcoming shows after not playing any in 2014...and we cannot wait to rock those songs. As I see it I will play as long as people want to hear the music...shit I'll play in 20 years with a fuckin' walker if the people want us!

IE: What other things besides music occupy your time these days? I know you have a kid now. Are you still skating? What's up with your family’s business Dons Pizza King and the Jersey shore area these days?

Russ: My family comes first, my wife Juliana and my kids Marlo and Rosie looking forward to skateboarding with my kids for years to come...Don's is still going strong after over 47 years in business. Instagram @donspizzaking and also on Facebook. My town of Belmar is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy but much progress has been made.