Josh Scogin burst onto the hardcore scene more than a decade ago as the frontman for Norma Jean. He left that band to form The Chariot, which dissolved last year after a decade-long run. Scogin's latest project, '68, melds his hardcore heritage with a dash of roots rock and a heavy dose of intensity. The band, which also includes drummer Michael McClellan, released the EP "Midnight" last year. Over the summer, the duo released "In Humor and Sadness" on the punk/hardcore label The Good Fight. Scogin brings '68 to Anchorage for a pair of shows to showcase the band's frenetic attack.
Play: You strive for a big sound in a two-person band. How do you try to accomplish that?
Josh Scogin: I use the same amount of equipment as a five-piece band. So, although it is just me playing guitar, I usually have two full stacks and bass producing sound. It is all in how I set my pedals up.
Play: What attracted you to hardcore music?
Scogin: The passion.
Play: After a long, successful run with Chariot, what influenced you to start a project like '68?
Scogin: '68 is more precise to who I am as a person now. I loved everything we did in The Chariot but once it was over I literally said to myself, "What music would I create right now if I had a clean slate with no preconceived notions?" ....'68 is the answer to that question.
Play: What's behind the track naming (Track One: R, Track Two: e, etc.) on your recently released album "In Humor and Sadness?"
Scogin: It is part of a bigger picture but ultimately I just enjoy doing anything that flies in the face of formulaic Top-40 pop music. They always make the choruses the title of the song as well. ... This is a "clever" trick to sell more records -- it is all just part of the formula, it has very little to do with art. I'm here to paint a picture, not to turn human beings into dollar signs.
Play: You've been in bands that have been described as being from both the metalcore and mathcore genres. Can you explain the differences for people unfamiliar?
Scogin: I don't know what either of those mean. I don't want to be a part of any genre. "Mathcore" sounds like it is defining something very precise, very mathematically, scientifically pre-planned out ... which doesn't define any band I've ever been a part of.
Play: What bands or types of music do you listen to that might surprise people?
Scogin: I am typically listening to the classics. Dylan, Cash, Leadbelly, Guthrie, etc.
Play: What brings you to Alaska? Have you toured to the state with previous bands?
Scogin: I've never been to Alaska before. I want to see as much of this world as I can.
68
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Chilkoot Charlie's
Tickets: $10 in advance at brownpapertickets.com
Openers: Turquoise Boy and Dr. Bigknuckle
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Anchorage Community Works
Tickets: $20 in advance at brownpapertickets.com
Openers: The Harlequin State and The Concussions