Heavy Frequency: When and where was She Killed Poetry formed? What hometown does She Killed Poetry claim? Provide a little She Killed Poetry history.

Scott Van Slyke: She Killed Poetry formed on January 1, 2005 in Fort Worth Texas. We - Derek, Scott and Chad - decided that we wanted to expand into a heavier sound. All of our previous bands played shows together, and we decided to team up to form our own project. We wrote material for the next four to five months. Later on, Joe and Carlos joined the group and we started to write music that we really felt comfortable with. The results ended in where we are today.

HF: How did you come up with the band name? Is there a story behind it?

Van Slyke: No comment. Just kidding. Actually our friend Kirk presented the name to us and we all connected with it. It means different things to each member in the band. I hope people read the lyrics and relate to it as they do the band name. We all have our stories about the band name and how it connects with us.

HF: How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard you before? Under what genres do She Killed Poetry fall?

Van Slyke: We would describe our music as metal and hardcore with twists of melody and hooks. We also experiment with odd time changes and grind parts. You would really have to listen to decide for yourself. But overall, it is a full-frontal assault of metal.

HF: What makes She Killed Poetry different or stand out compared to other bands in your area?

Van Slyke: First off, there are a lot of great unsigned artists in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, many of which deserve a lot of respect and attention. But, we think we put our energy and soul into each performance. We know that making good music is foremost and important, but you have to transfer your heart into it, and we think that people see we do just that. We feel that is what separates us from the rest.

HF: How is your family/friend support for the band, and your recent label and recording success?

Van Slyke: Our families and friends are behind us 100 percent. They understand this is our dream and we have all wanted this for so long. They have made donations and contributions to get where we are today. It feels great to know that all they want from us is success. Our friends seem to come to every show and represent what She Killed Poetry is all about - the music.

HF: What band goals does She Killed Poetry have? What goals as individual musicians do you have?

Van Slyke: The goal is to spread our music to as many ears as possible through touring and album sales. Of course being on Ozzfest and other huge national tours is something we are shooting for, as well. We would love for our music to be heard at a level of that caliber. Another goal is for people to appreciate the music as much as we all do in this band. The goal of each person is obviously to keep expanding and become better as musicians each day. We all have the same goals and I think if we stay in that mind frame, anything is possible.

HF: What type of message do you want to convey through your music?

Van Slyke: We would say positive things, like overcoming a difficult situation in life and things of that sort. Most of Chad’s lyrics dwell in that avenue and we all understand hard times. We all have to face new days and overcome.

HF: When and where did She Killed Poetry form? How did you come together?

Van Slyke: We all came from different bands in the local scene and we were always friends. Our current bands all kind of ended at the same time and we connected like that. We all knew the music we wanted to write and it was just a matter of getting together and working really hard to create good music.

HF: How did you come across Imagine It Records? What did it take to get in the door?

Van Slyke: First off, we signed a management deal with Dead Horse management. Justin from Dead Horse took us under his wing and really helped push the band. He gave us opportunity and exposure by booking national shows for us and expanding our exposure. He then felt the band was ready to take the next step. He introduced us to Imagine It Records and soon a showcase was formed. The label came and watched us and seemed very impressed. About a month later, Imagine It came and offered us a contract.

HF: What advice can you offer to new or young bands entering the music community that are seeking label support?

Van Slyke: You have to practice, practice and practice. Go to shows and support the bands as much as possible. Also, try to make friends wherever you go. The more people that know you, the more people that come to your shows. We would also recommend spending a lot of money on a good sounding recording. The music is the most important part, but people like to hear good quality sound. I would also say connecting to each member of the band as a friend too. It really helps when everyone in the band are friends. Last but not least, play as many shows as possible. Once you have taken those steps, make a promo pack for the band and start sending them to labels.

HF: Did you do a lot of footwork to get the contract? Did you go to them or did they come to you?

Van Slyke: We were a band about a year and a half when we signed with Dead Horse Management. After that, Dead Horse introduced She Killed Poetry to Imagine It Records. We have all paid dues for a long time in our previous bands, so I guess you could say there was quite a lot of footwork.

HF: What kind of label is Imagine It, exactly?

Van Slyke: Imagine It Records is an indie label that specializes in metal, hardcore and grindcore. Herb is the founder of the label and runs it.

HF: What were you looking for in a label? What were your expectations of Imagine It before joining the roster?

Van Slyke: We were looking for a label that would focus on getting us the exposure that we need. We were also looking for distribution. Imagine It provides all those services for us. Imagine It also has a great roster of bands from Paria (Blackmarket Activities/Imagine It) to Thumbscrew. We were all fans of those bands before we joined the label. Everything just felt right. Imagine It will soon be making a huge name for itself.

HF: How do you foresee that joining the label will change the dynamic of the band?

Van Slyke: We do not think it will affect the music dynamically. We think it will only create great things for the band. The dynamic of the band has always been the same and will stay the same. That is to create music we feel passionate about. Hopefully everyone will soon feel the same way when the album hits stores August 22.

HF: Who are some of your label mates? Have you had much direct interaction with the others on the label? Anything planned for the future?

Van Slyke: The current roster includes Paria, Thumbscrew, The Autumn Project, Analog, Back When and The Binding. We have always known Thumbscrew from playing shows and they are a brutal band. Anyone who is into grind or hardcore should check those guys out. She Killed Poetry has a tour planned with Dryline (Zero Sum Recordings) and future tours to follow. We are going to be touring for about the next year straight. We want to be heard.

HF: With recent label signing, should fans expect any major changes with She Killed Poetry in the future? Will the music take a different direction?

Van Slyke: Our music will always remain the same. We feed on intensity and have moments of melody and sorrow. We do not see why signing a deal would change that. Imagine It signed us for who we are today.

HF: What struggles has She Killed Poetry experienced as a band? What obstacles do you foresee She Killed Poetry having to overcome?

Van Slyke: She Killed Poetry has always struggled financially. It is hard to keep a job and tour and do what we love. We all have our own bills and issues but you cant forget about the music. Obstacles will always come your way. You just have to suck it up and deal with things to overcome and always remember the band comes first.

HF: Does She Killed Poetry have any tour plans for the near future?

Van Slyke: YES. We have a 15-day tour coming up with Dryline (Zero Sum Recordings) from September 8 through 22. The tour will hit all of Texas and the central part of the U.S. We will be on the road every month expanding across the whole U.S. in the months to follow. We are just preparing to get this album in stores and tour as much as we can. Our debut full-length album, Shut Out the Silence, will hit stores nationwide August 22. We hope a lot of people who enjoy metal and hardcore will pick up the album. You will be glad you did. We have a lot of new faces to reach. Let the journey begin.