A Little Something about This Gun For Hire

A Little Something about This Gun For Hire

Meet This Gun For Hire, a dynamic up-and-coming post hardcore collective from Vancouver aiming to take on the world at large.  Something A Little More Sinister is the name of their latest magnum opus, and it’s destined to garner the band a wicked amount of attention throughout the wilds of Canada and well beyond.  We caught up with guitarist Axel Verstraeten to find out a little something about the sonic adventures and super impassioned songs of This Gun For Hire.  Read on…

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in This Gun For Hire, and how long the band has been together,
Hey guys my name is Axel Verstraeten and I’m one of the guitarists and co-founders of the group. This Gun for Hire has been together since January 02 / 2015.

Where is the band based out of and what is your local music scene like there? Any local bands you could recommend?
We are based out of Vancouver and its surrounding areas. The music scene here has seen lots of very talented heavy bands arise over the last few decades. Strapping Young Lad is a pretty great Vancouver metal band.

Is there any overall story or concept behind the title Something A Little More Sinister?
This album doesn’t have a unidirectional story or concept with regards to the title. The songs are written about common issues people face during their day to day. It’s been a way for us as a band to find a release from the negativity in our lives. Life can feel pretty sinister sometimes, wouldn’t you say?

Select any two songs from Something A Little More Sinister and what inspired the lyrics.
To The Fallen and The Faithful was written about the victims of countless shootings and acts of fear and terror. Written for those who have the courage to stand up in the face of evil and oppression, when death is at the door and you remain steadfast, facing it down and standing tall for what is good and right. For purity, truth, and love.

Good Evening Deacon was written after our drummer Mitch Harsch was walking home from work one night. He came across a desperate individual at the end of his rope, teetering off to the wrong side of the Granville Street Bridge. After talking to this individual, pleading with him and at some points even holding on to his jacket as he tried to let go and fall to his death. The young man was finally talked back over to the right side of the ledge. The song is written for him, and anyone else struggling with the feeling that there is no hope, or that no one cares. There is always hope, and it will always get better.

Who did the artwork on Something A Little More Sinister and how much input did you have on it?
It was Kevin from Soft Surrogate. We gave him a concept and he came back with the final product

What could one expect from a live This Gun For Hire show?
A unique blend of clean post hardcore vocals mixed with the highs and lows that come with our metal influences. You’re guaranteed to hear some notable guitar riffs in every single song and our driving rhythm section surely will have you come back for more.

Any strange or scary stories from the road or at a show?
We all caught the flu on first tour and it didn’t slow us down for a second. We were bed ridden once we got home, but we strive to give our fans as close as we can get to perfection.

Has This Gun For Hire ever played in the Los Angeles/OC area?
We have not but we’re very eager to break into the American market.

If This Gun For Hire could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Pantera, because who wouldn’t want to open for a band like that?

If your music was a donut, what kind would it be and why?
A LongJohn. Because it’s better to give than it is to receive. 😉

What would you like someone to remember after hearing the music of This Gun For Hire for the first time?
A band that knows no boundaries, is confident in their abilities and isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers. We strive to find different ways to play with dynamics.

Any final words of wisdom?
You don’t live ’til you’re ready to die…

This Gun For Hire is:
Shelby Tanaka – Vocals
Tyler Burns – Guitar
Mitch Harsch – Drums / Vocals
Axel Verstraeten – Guitar
Jake Murdoch – Bass

(Interview by Ken Morton)

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