Shattered Sun have been rocking Southern Texas for more than 10 years. Their national presence quickly expanded after joining Victory Records and releasing Hope Within Hatred. Shattered Sun have huge touring plans for 2015 and will shortly be heading out as a part of Mayhem Fest. By the Barricade caught up with Shattered Sun guitarist Jessie Santos to discover more about their local scene, and their plans for world domination. Check out his full interview below!
First off I’d like to congratulate you all on signing to Victory records! I’m from Corpus Christi, and it’s always amazing to see artists breakdown local barriers to pursue their dreams especially from small towns like Alice, Texas.
Jessie Santos Thank you, it’s unreal to think that we’ve come this far in our journey as musicians and can actually start to make a life out of it. We’re all very grateful to have been given this opportunity!
Shattered Sun recently toured with Testament and Exodus. What is one thing you miss most about Texas?
Jessie Santos: The one thing I missed was my bed. Everything and everyone else back home that I missed – I knew I would be back home soon. But the one thing I really wanted, especially in moments of restlessness, was my bed.
Your fan base down here in South Texas is incredible. How does it feel knowing that you have so much support back home?
Jessie Santos: It was heartwarming to say the least when describing the response we got when we came back home. All our families and friends were thrilled to have us home. Not to mention we did a couple homecoming shows which had an amazing response. A lot of people came out and had a great time!
Has there been a place on tour away from home where fan reactions surprised you in a positive or negative way?
Jessie Santos: I’d say about 95% of the shows we did – the crowd responded in a positive light and we definitely won them over. Of course there’s gonna be those crowds that won’t enjoy your music. But that comes with the territory of playing in a live setting. It’s nothing to get discouraged about – you can’t please everyone!
Shattered Sun steers clear of the stereotype that people have for metal music. Is there a particular aspect of your shows or recording style that you want fans to remember you for?
Jessie Santos: I’d have to say our live show really is our niche. The energy comes natural and we feed off the crowd and they feed off us. When the energy is there we can feel it and drives us to make our performance that more powerful.
How has the fan response been after the release of Hope Within Hatred?
Jessie Santos: When the album released I wasn’t sure what to expect. In my eyes, it’s a gamble whether fans will love it or not. But that’s my worrisome self-getting the best of me. It turned getting an excellent response and I couldn’t be happier with the feedback we’ve been getting from our fans, the media, family and friends.
Was there an inspiration for the album artwork outside of the track list or lyrical content?
Jessie Santos: Our singer Marcos, wanted something to visually represent what he’s been writing. What he saw was Times Square in a dystopian setting. Reminds me of the game Half-Life. And a man/figure (if you will) facing it in adversity and ready to take it on. To me, it looks like a cover to a sick graphic novel!
Did you ever have those people that said “You’re not gonna make it?” If yes, is there anything you’d like to tell them now?
Jessie Santos: There were (keyword WERE) people like that in my life. I have nothing to say to them. Simply weeding out people like that from one’s life is sufficient enough. It comes with reaching a goal such as a music career that makes certain people say things to discourage you, bring you down and try to convince you to take the road most traveled. But you take their words with a grain of salt and never speak to them again, if they don’t believe and support what my goals are, then why in the hell should I waste my energy on them?
Shattered Sun took the title for Loudwire’s April 2015 Release of the Month for Hope Within Hatred. How did that feel going up against artists such as 10 Years, Apocalyptica & Halestorm (Just to name a few) & coming out victorious at the end?
Jessie Santos: It felt pretty damn awesome. Not to mention Soilwork and the criminally underrated Nightrage were on that list too – it was certainly a title to be proud of and I’m still smiling back on that.
It was recently announced that Shattered Sun will be on this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem festival. What have you learned throughout your previous tours that you plan on carrying to Mayhem?
Jessie Santos: Making the best of every performance is key to a successful tour. Also being able to handle the van life. Especially that we’re gonna be driving in the summer heat we gotta dress to stand the heat. Make the best out of it y’know!
What else is on Shattered Sun’s concert calendar for this year?
Jessie Santos: We have a bit of touring to do. Mayhem Fest is in a couple weeks and shorty after were hitting the road again with Soulfly, Soilwork, and Decapitated. So our year is pretty booked! Making our mark in the United States in a live setting is our next milestone to conquer.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with By the Barricade. Thanks for always going out there and showing everybody what South Texas is made of! Is there anything else you’d like to tell the By the Barricade readers?
Jessie Santos: No problem at all! It was good doing the interview with you. I’ll see all of you guys on Mayhem Fest and thank you so much for reading and supporting us. Cheers!
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