13 STEPS

13 Steps, whose idea was it and how did it started?

- 12 years ago, in 2000, I formed this band with some friends for hardcore music that i wantted to try.

Why was the band called 13 Steps?

- In fact, i'm one of huge fan of the PANTERA and im kind of affected with the vocal PHIL. So first time, i picked the name from the song which is titled "13STEPS TO NOWHERE"
and i didnt know that we can maintain this band that long at that time. haha.

How would you describe 13 Steps' music style?

- Our music is HARDCORE. True hardcore which is no need any lables like oldschool or newschool.
At present, our music is little bit heavier than the early 13STEPS, however we still make REAL HARDCORE and play them.

What kind of music you set out to play in the beginning? was it Hardcore from the start?

- Yes, as i told you, we organized this band for hardcore music from the beggining.
before then, i coverd some heavymetal songs like SKID ROW or PANTERA in some kind of school band. It was awful! ha!

Is there a goal you wanna pursue as a band?

- In my oppinion, our goal is what we maintain this band as long.
when im quite old, i wanna be yelling on the stage, like AGNOSTIC FRONT or SICK OF IT ALL who did it already.

How's the Hardcore scene in Korea? And where do you see it will be heading in years to come?

- Hardcore scene in korea started in late 90's from the couple of bands, but now there are 20-30 bands on the stage or they're practicing in the basement.
it means this scene is getting biggeer. and our scene is small yet but we gonna get more bigger and i believe we'll have fun in this scene.

Any particular experience that made a big impact on you guys?

- For me, i remind Japan tour in 2010 and pentaportrock festival in 2011.
First, Japan tour was really tight like 9 performance in 10 days in many cities of Japan. Although my voice was really bad since third show, it was so good chance that i can experience Japan hardcore scene.
And pentaport is the one of the biggest rock festival in korea, and its not common thing that we played very same day with KORN and the same stage. haha!

Are you guys under any major label?

- No, we are under an indie lable. several years ago, one of the major lable of Japan contracted with us, but as you know, cause of the current recession, the foreign artist department of that lable was slimming down, and well, we lost that chance.

So, now, we are under the GMC RECORDS in Korea, and in Japan, STRAIGHT-UP RECORDS.

Can we expect a 13 Steps show here in the Philippines?

- Sure. we really wanna play in there. we can play anytime in there if some conditions are fit.

How can we find you on the World Wide Web?

- myspace.com/13steps and search 13STEPS on FACEBOOK

What do you wanna say to our readers and who do you wanna greet?

- "AN-NYOUNG" for everyone who read thin interview. it means HI in korean.

Thanks for the interview brothers and goodluck.

- Thank you Cyril.