The Tak3down spent some time to tell us about what they do and how they write music. Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Keith: We kinda just wanted to take down the barriers of our old styles of writing music and music in general and create something new. So we liked the name The Tak3down!
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
Keith: I’ve always thought it would be cool to play instruments like drums and guitar, so I bugged my parents to get a cheap guitar and practice amp. From there it branched out to playing guitar, drums, and songwriting/vocals.
Jon: The early years were all dreaming for me, I used to watch that Nirvana Live Tonight Sold Out DVD and just hold a badminton racquet and pretend to play guitars to it or pick up two random objects what resembled sticks and pretend to drum to it. Finally, when I was 14, I started to drum for real at this jamming studio and when I was 16, I saved up money to buy this Yamaha bass and learned all the Metallica Black album tablature and System of a Down Toxicity album tablature.
How would you describe your sound?
Keith: If I had to, I would describe us as Industrial/Punk/Pop.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Keith: So many artists have influenced me over the years. I grew up listening to 80s hair metal, classic rock, and pop. And then it all changed when I first heard Nirvana because that’s what really made me want to start playing guitar and writing songs obsessively.
Jon: I think a lot of bands have influenced my sound. Let me list some albums what really influenced my sound, and I played and still play these cassettes, CDs, vinyl, or however we listen to music now nonstop. Nirvana – In Utero, Metallica – Master of Puppets, Fugazi – Repeater, Anti-Flag – Underground Network, Alice in Chains – Dirt, System of a Down – Toxicity, Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Jay Z – The Black Album, AFI – The Art of Drowning, Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape, Sepultura – Chaos AD, Green Day – Dookie, Kanye West – Graduation, Rancid – And Out Come the Wolves, Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth, Radiohead – Kid A, Outkast – Aquemini, The Bouncing Souls – How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Dr Dre – The Chronic.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Keith: Today’s Western by Outline in Color
Jon: Flowers by Miley Cyrus
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Keith: I usually just go off of my Spotify suggestions/new releases or recommendations from friends for new music. Either that or catch some good openers at shows.
Jon: I love reading zines, so I discover a lot of new artists by reading their album reviews, or interviews, write ups, etc. Also get a chance to see a lot of great opening acts and lastly just by word of mouth.
Who is your dream producer?
Keith: Idk if I have a dream producer, but I think it’d be cool to work/collab with a DJ like Skrillex/Diplo, or Davey Havok/Justin Bieber. They have all done revolutionary things for music and they have such incredible ideas and knowledge to offer I’m sure.
Jon: I would love to work with Butch Vig or Dr Dre. I love their sound. I think everything their hands touch turns gold. For Butch Vig some of the albums what sticks out to me was Nirvana – Nevermind, Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream, AFI – Sing the Sorrow, Garbage – Bleed Like Me, Against Me – New Wave and Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light. And as far as for Dr Dre, his work what sticks out is his own album Dr Dre – The Chronic, Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle, Eminem – Encore, Raekwon – Only Build For Cuban Linx Pt II, Mary J Blige – No More Drama
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Jon: So many great ones to list but here are some off my head I would love to colab with, Davey Havok from AFI, Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters, Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails, Miley Cyrus, Serj Tankian from System of a Down, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Max Cavalera from Soulfly, Shirley Manson from Garbage.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Keith: Everyone loves music and it’s such a great outlet from the regular day to day bs. Besides it’s just a lot of fun to listen to, create, and share
Jon: I think it’s amazing how people listen to lyrics of music and the writer may write them regarding something going on in the writer’s life, but the listener relates the lyrics to something in their life. But the most beautiful thing is how music brings everyone together and creates a safe space. At a music show I can meet a lawyer, a train conductor, a teacher, doctor, electrician, etc. On top of careers, you meet different cultures, ethnicities, etc. I love that so much.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Keith: The songwriting process is kinda like a massive, terrifying, disaster that somehow comes together perfectly just in time lmao. But it’s also extremely fun and rewarding to have a creative outlet and spend time with friends working hard toward your goal.
Jon: It’s a beautiful and difficult process at the same time. Sometimes the end product is totally different from the start. I think that’s beautiful. Things are slightly easier today because now if I had an idea, I would map it out on a DAW software with the drum idea, music idea, vocal idea and send it to Keith through email or just play it for him off my computer. But back in the days I would have to play it out live with my bass, do some awkward singing, etc. and present the idea what sounds good in my head, but in person maybe not so much.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Keith: I try to connect with the audience by letting loose and going all out with Jon on stage. People can’t be afraid to rock out and have fun when I’m looking 10x as crazy as them!
Jon: For our live shows I get in my own headspace and start dancing like a crazy man, this how I let loose and create a safe space for the audience. I stay to talk to everyone at our shows before and after our set. Social media has made it easier to connect, I respond to every single message what the audience sends to me.
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0l9bbrDC5cFOgzcdcqAn1x?si=zuXYNsLcROmuiDLjhuEUjg
Bandcamp – https://thetak3down.bandcamp.com/
Instagram – www.instagram.com/thetak3downofficial
Youtube link for album single Before Midnight – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnzUZHpF5L0
What’s next for you?
Keith: I’m not sure what’s next for me. I like to take things as they come and see what happens…punks don’t have day planners!
Jon: I always have random ideas in my head, so I am sure we will be working on some new music soon, right now the plan and focus is to promote this EP.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Keith: The Tak3down does have some upcoming ideas/songs/covers/shows in the works so stay tuned.
Jon: Thank you to all of you who took the time to listen to our music, and helping us promote our music, Keith and I have been doing this for some time now, and you all out there are the MVPs, thank you and stay safe and see you all soon. Please reach out anytime.
BIO:
The Tak3down is a 2-piece industrial punk project from the deserts of Phoenix Arizona, led by Keith Wallace and Jon Kabir. Their new release Shapeshifters is out now and it’s so damm loud. The 6 song EP contains thought provoking lyrics with heavy gritty breakdowns, melodic chorus’s what makes you dance, electronic lead anthems and a gothic moody sound. The single Before Midnight has a heavy sickly melodic drone chorus with Keith’s haunting voice and lyrics. If you are a fan of AFI or Ministry this new release is for you.
