past interviews

ETM: Since we last chatted, how have you been? How's your family doing? 

R: My family and I are doing well despite the circumstances.  It has been one hell of a crazy ride for sure. 

ETM: 2020 really kicked everyone's plans out the window. How has this whole pandemic affected your everyday life?

R: Everyday life is quite different from what it once was. We had to adapt quickly to keep up!

ETM: You currently run and manage Texas Metal Concerts, a website or calendar of upcoming metal concerts happening around the state. What made you want to steer in that direction?

R: My previous endeavor always had concert dates so I thought a site just dedicated to Texas concerts was a natural progression. 

ETM: You ran Realms of Metal before this, and made a great name for yourselves, not just for the Houston area, but the whole state. I think many bands and promoters knew who you were. Have you stayed in touch with a lot of people from the good old days?

R: Thank you.  We have kept in touch with quite a few people. 

ETM: I remember setting up shows at Cardi's back in what, 2004? Things were so different back then. How would you say things have changed in the Houston metal scene, and what venues are around that are booking metal shows these days?

R: The scene has changed as the crowd has gotten younger. Very refreshing to see "new blood".  Venues in Houston: BFE Rock Club,  White Swan Live, Warehouse Live, Concert Pub North as well as Concert Pub Galleria are the typical haunts for Metal these days. Once touring comes back full swing the bigger venues will reopen as well. House of Blues, Bayou Music Center

ETM: How do you see things going in the Texas metal scene in the next year or two? Do you think there will be a sense of normalcy one day?

R: I see things trying to get back to some sense of normalcy in the next couple of years. Once the pandemic gets a bit more under control I hope to see the music industry thrive again. I think we are in the process of learning a "new normal". More safety guidelines will become the new norm.

ETM: Asides Texas Metal Concerts, do you have other plans for yourselves? Will we see the return of Realms of Metal one day?

R: We have a few ideas we are tinkering with at the moment.  We are just waiting for the new normal to settle in first.  Realms of Metal could possibly come back , only time will tell...

ETM: I've been trying to revive ETM to it's glory days (if you can call it that). It has really been difficult, but I'm hoping to slowly reach my goal. I'm so glad to see you so very active still, and hope we can work together to help support our metal scene. Do you have any suggestions?

R: It's cool to see ETM comeback. I'm down to help wherever I can. Just let me know.   Thanks a lot for reaching out.  All the best to you and ETM.