One X Choice

1. Tell me about the formation of One x Choice, what were the initial motivations behind the bands inception?

ROB: We wanted to start a traditional straight edge band. We had veteran edge players and felt there was a need to pass these ideals on to the new kids. At the time, it seemed that there was a lot of negativity being associated with straight edge and we decided to try to change it.

2. How do you all know each other and do you all get along well when on tour?
VIC: Well I met Rob about 10 yrs ago when he played in Built To Last and I was in Collision. I didn't see him for years then we somehow ended up doing One Choice. Adam is my brother and Wes and Matt have been long-time friends for years. There is a high level of humour and you gotta have some thick skin to walk into our practice space!

3. Your album is quite simply a stunning testament to youth crew, congrats, what were the most important messages for you to get across?
VIC: The most important messages for us to get across were obviously drunk driving and stats for hard drug use and straight up facts not just insinuations. To let people know this is why we are straight edge and that it is just that serious ROB: I’ve had more than a few friends killed by drunk drivers, overdose and commit suicide and for me, the message is very important.

4. So did you write a dream list of all the guys you wanted guesting on the album and then managed to sort it out? How did that all go and working with all those people that have had such an influence on Edge culture, I mean man its incredible! (Karl & Scott from Earth Crisis, Toby from H20, Greg from Trial, Andrew from Strife, and Mike from Outspoken)
ROB: Yes. Like I mentioned before, there was a lot of negativity in the scene and we wanted to show kids that you can ‘grow up’, be successful and maintain your straight edge values. These guys have made incredible contributions to the straight edge scene and we are honoured to have them involved with this record. They were all great to work with and if any of you haven’t heard of any of those bands, I urge you to go get them! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them again for all their hard work.

5. From those people Andrew owns a skate shop right? Toby is a skater and well known in the 80’s for it (he told me about his appearance in thrasher I think it was when I interviewed him) and hardcore is synonymous with skateboarding and that culture kind of running along the same path, I understand one of you was an pro-skater and runs a shop is that right? How’s that all going?
Rob: Yeah, Andrew has a shop called ‘Tradition’ in Westlake Village, Ca. and Toby still skates in LA. I was a pro skater for a company called Zorlac in the late eighties and early ninety’s and now own a skateboard distribution/manufacturing company called Syndrome in San Diego. I still skate every day, (when I’m not hurt).

6. How does being in a band and involved with the hardcore scene compare to the pro-skating one?
Rob: Well, with skating, I was touring non-stop for years and years all over the world. When you met a skater, you always had a common bond and with hardcore, it’s the same way.

7. Which would you prefer a hug from a bear? You, an empty room and a facehugger from the Alien films, to be charged down by a Rhino or to find out you were adopted, an illegal immigrant and then deported to the Middle East where there is no hardcore scene?
:-)
VIC: Ill keep it simple and take the "Bear Hug". Although Rob doesn’t like hugs period!

8. When did you first learn about the Edge? Was it something you connected with straight away?
VIC: I was 16 and ended up at A Chorus of Disapproval show and that blew my mind. I had long ass hair, a goatee and doc martens and was still accepted for who I was. And I was already drug free so it went hand in hand. Needless to say I cut my hair, bought the Judge record and a Youth of Today hoodie and never looked back!

9. Tell me why it’s had such a profound impact on your life and why you feel the necessity to spread the word through your music?
VIC: the impact was and is still huge. I feel it is very necessary to use the "music" to get it across to those who want to listen. Its not about "preaching" it, its about letting it be heard with such an impact that it speaks for itself. Which is very profound...

10. If they’re such a thing as the movement getting too big? Do you think with continued exposure and people portraying it in a positive light it will influence people to question their own lives?
VIC: this movement can never be "too big". As long as it gets pushed with positive aggressive energy. People will always question their own lives when hardcore straight edge values are upon them but the real question is, are they gonna follow through or continue living a lie for their friends and family? Or make that positive change to embrace those around them

11. We’ve already seen a WWC wrestler X up with straight edge emblazoned across his chest, is that a good thing to have famous positive role models? especially when it comes to influencing the youth of today?
VIC: I think the CM punk character is great. I mean whether he is a good guy or bad guy he is the "Rebel" because he is drug free. I'd rather my daughter idolize that over some of the other bullshit names and characters.

12. How did you find the experience of recording the album and tell me how Seventh Dagger became involved?
VIC: the experience of recording "Forever War" was great. It was fun and serious and always a good time to work with Paul Miner again. Seventh Dagger just kind of fell into place after a few brief discussions. We were both looking for the same things and wanted an all "EDGE" label to back us for such a serious release. Danny at Seventh Dagger has been great with production and support. We thank him for being there!

13. So what does the year 2010 bring for you all and what are your aspirations as a band?
VIC: well 2010 will hopefully have us playing lots of shows and a few tours. We are on a Chain of Strength tribute 2x7” that will be coming out on 1124 Records any day now. We do ‘True Till Death’! There are a ton of great bands involved! (Reign Supreme, Mind Set, Ambitions...). Then, be on the lookout for a split One Choice/Saving Grace, (New Zealand), release on Seventh Dagger, which will feature a surprise cover song from one of the most influential vegan edge band ever! In the fall will be another split with our brothers in Wolf City from Reno and then we plan to record our second full length at the end of the year. Our aspirations are to put out as many records as we can and play as many shows as we can.

14. Any plans to head over the European shores anytime soon?
VIC: Our goal us to get to Europe ASAP! Just point us is the direction. I hear kids are very appreciative there and we’d like nothing more to spread our message over seas.

15. If there is one thing you want people to take away from your music what would you want them to leave with?
VIC: I would want them to leave with the same knowledge we learned and put into Forever War. That these stats are real and it could happen to anyone. It doesn't matter how old you are. You can accomplish anything with an open and alert mind.

16. Any final words of wisdom or rumours so want to start?
VIC: um, sure, refer to my answer for the last question and remember, Hardcore is a state of mind, not a fuckin image or tough guy status. Be yourself, fight for those who cannot fight and protect this hardcore community we hold so dear. It’s all we have! Fuck starting rumours. Live Drug Free

Thanks Phil