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All photos: Moe Horta

In a world that is filled with the pressure to blend in with the crowd, Sick New World proves that individuality should be celebrated. The inaugural hard rock festival showcased alternative fashion, art installations, themed drinks (like Korn coffee and Deftones IPA), mosh pits galore, plus so much else. 

With a jam-packed 12-plus hour day, the much-anticipated festival highlighted all different types of musical genres such as Hardcore and Hyperpop with a large focus on late 90s and early 2000s Nu-Metal.

To help celebrate the Who, What, Why, When, and Where of the polarizing Hard Rock subgenre known as Nu-Metal, The Noise caught up with members of up-and-coming acts Scowl and Loathe as well as scene staples Hoobastank and P.O.D to discuss their experiences with the beloved genre. To see what they had to say about the past, present, and future of nu-metal, be sure to see below. 

P.O.D.

Who: Was your biggest Nu-Metal influence while developing your own sound?

SONNY SANDOVAL: There was no such thing as Nu-Metal when we formed in 1992. We were influenced by our surroundings, city, and all of the bands we loved. We were multicultural from the hood and music helped us survive. I've never been into metal but my guitar player Marcos was. We all listened to different kinds of music and when we came together, we created our own sound. We're a lifestyle band. 

What: Does Nu-Metal mean to you?

Nu-Metal is just the name that stuck. We were called many different things before that like Rap Rock and Rapcore. When we started people compared us to Body Count because we were of color and I rapped. When Rage Against The Machine came out, people were like you guys sound like them. Then Limp Bizkit came out and people compared us to them. Truthfully this was a San Diego and LA sound that we were creating when it wasn't popular. Us and Downset were doing this because it was real to us. I think Nu-Metal is what they started to call this genre because it was heavy but had other elements like hip-hop, punk, jazz, and reggae. 

When: Did you discover Nu-Metal?

I definitely believe we helped pioneer this sound when it comes to punk, reggae and hip-hop. We weren't trying to sound like anyone else but us. Obviously, there were collaborations like Aerosmith and Run-DMC, Blondie and Fab 5 Freddy, and Anthrax and Public Enemy that embraced the Rock and Rap mix. We genuinely love all of these types of music and just wanted to play them all together. Then the Judgement Night soundtrack came out and fully put Rock and Rap together. 

Where: Do you see the future of Nu-Metal / What acts are the future of the scene?

I think if genuine bands form because of their genuine love for this lifestyle, it'll sound natural. The reason why the Rap/Rock sound died is because so many bands switched their sound trying to copy music that happened to be popular at the time. They had no resume! They didn't listen to rap or punk or reggae. They weren't from the streets. They had no soul. They were just mimicking a sound that happened to be in the spotlight. It lost its edge and authenticity. And then as soon as the sound wasn't popular anymore, they jumped on whoever's tip was popping. They move on to the next thing to become famous and "make it."

Why: Is Nu Metal important today?

Music is always important! When it's genuine and real. Unfortunately, most listeners can't tell the difference. They're easily influenced by labels, marketing, radio, etc. and now social media. Real bands will always start and end. In the between time, they'll leave music behind that those of us who know better will embrace and appreciate. Some will see some success and others will record and tour [for] a while then call it quits. I hope that this young generation will understand it for what it was and take it to the next level -- not just copy it. 

LOATHE

Who: Was your biggest Nu-Metal influence while developing your own sound?

ERIK BICKERSTAFFE: There are definitely multiple Nu-Metal acts that have had some sort of inspiring effect on the sound of Loathe. Most notable would be Slipknot, Static X, Deftones, and System Of A Down. The genre has been prevalent throughout our individual upbringings.

What: Does Nu Metal mean to you?

Music that originally defied the standard idea and confines of Rock and Metal. It was and still is a spearhead in the way of creating unique self-expression through music.

When: Did you discover Nu Metal?

Very early on in my life. I was probably around 12. My cousin Jack had Slipknot’s self-titled record knocking about in his room. He showed me the song "Scissors" which in equal parts scared me and excited me. My second ever concert experience was Slipknot with my Dad. Both very pivotal moments in my life.

Where: Do you see the future of Nu-Metal / What acts are the future of the scene?

There seems to have been a resurgence of the genre recently so I assume and hope that it will continue to grow in popularity with more festivals such as Sick New World allowing bands old and new to showcase their arts! 

Why: Is Nu-Metal important today?

Similar to what I’ve already mentioned, the genre has consistently showcased progressive takes on crossover within music. Which I believe is extremely important (when done tastefully), because not only is it exciting and new sounds for our ears, but it also acts as an introduction to whole new worlds of music that any active rock/metal listener may not be privy to. Expanding the palate, so to speak. 

HOOBASTANK 

Who: Were bands in the Nu-Metal scene you knew were going to be superstars right away?

DOUG ROBB: I don’t think I’ve ever listened to any sort of music with a goal of predicting who will be commercially successful. I’m assuming that’s what is meant by “superstar.” I just listen and enjoy. If I see that the artist is gaining popularity quickly, then sure you can assume they will be big. Korn was a band like that. 

What: Was your first impression of Nu-Metal and being categorized with a lot of those bands early on? 

I have no idea. It’s not like someone came to me and said “Hey, this is Nu Metal. What are your thoughts about it?” It was just heavy music that I was into that embodied a certain energy and aesthetic that spoke to me. Never put any more thought than that into it. If we were categorized with a lot of those bands, it’s because we also embodied that energy and aesthetic. I never called ourselves Nu-Metal or any other band for that matter. 

When: Did you realize Nu Metal was more than just a fad? 

Is it? Music and styles are cyclical. We’re probably not even having this conversation 10 years ago. It has made a comeback in its popularity because that’s just how things go. There’s nostalgia involved for sure. In a few years, we’ll be talking about some other genre name that is gaining popularity. 

Where: Do you see alternative rock and Nu-Metal existing in 2023?

Of course it will always exist, it just depends on whether it’s in the mainstream or not. I think it will have a good run for the next couple of years, maybe? Heavy guitar-driven music that is. 

Why: do you think Nu-Metal is having such a large resurgence?

Nostalgia. Over saturation of pop and electronic music. [A] craving for guitar. A social and musical outlet for frustrating times. What’s old is Nu again.

SCOWL

Who: Was your biggest Nu-Metal influence while developing your own sound?

KAT MOSS & MALACHI GREENE: Scowl started as a band predominantly inspired by hardcore and punk. Any Nu-Metal that influenced us translated to our mindset as musicians: to try out new things and try weird things!

What: Does Nu Metal mean to you?

Nu-Metal means get weird and do what you want. 

When: Did you discover Nu-Metal?

It’s been around since I can remember. It was probably the biggest style of music in the world when I was a kid so it was always on the radio. Bands like Limp Bizkit and Korn would be on when I turned the radio on. 

Where: Do you see the future of Nu-Metal / What acts are the future of the scene?

I see bands like omertà, Static Dress, vein, Ho9909 and more really pushing forward with Nu-Metal influence in their music.

Why: Is Nu Metal important today?

I think the influence it’s had on music that you still see today is very important and you see it in fashion too. The fashion that went with Nu-Metal has been making a huge resurgence in its own way lately.

“What’s old is Nu again” and we’ll be counting down the days until the next Sick New World festival. Thank you to Scowl, Loathe, Hoobastank, and P.O.D. for taking the time to chat and thanks to Sick New World for having us out. Check out our photo galleries here and here and keep your eyes peeled for details on next year!