by Dwight Easter

DE - What makes Bato unique to the hardcore scene? 

TJ - Chris Taylor (vocals) has his own way of delivering the lyrics into the music. We were in this VB 80’s hardcore band Fratboys, later on Squealer and he still does his vocals his way. The music is more drum driven. Zach Carson (drums) and Jordan Greenough (guitars) are both talented drummers/musicians and they both write all of the Bato riffs. Bato tend to stay away from the typical breakdowns on songs and generic hardcore patterns. 

DE - What’s the band’s process for writing material? 

TJ - There are times Zach and Jordan would have a complete riff that they bring to practice and we jam it and sometimes we add or change things here and there. Chris usually sits with the band during practice and figures out lyrics. To break the seriousness of writing new materials, we jam some nostalgic radio friendly punk tunes for laughs.

DE - What are your routines prior to stepping on stage? 

TJ - Making sure our equipment is in tune, good tuner is a must. Sometimes I ask the sound guy if I could play a band or a song on the monitors. Redhorse beer if its available. Go to the pisser. Smoke a cig. We all look at each other and kinda give the alright nod before blast off. Then there are times where its just go on stage and play.

DE - What would surprise our readers to find in your music collection? 

TJ - Speed Glue & Shinki LPs. A promotional seabird band LP from Granby Norfolk VA? Jimi Hendrix guitar hero single LP with 17 songs. 

DE - What band for you is a “do not miss this performance” currently? 

TJ - Aninoko from bay area CA. Hopefully I get to book them here in Norfolk this year for their new record Ugat tour. Thank you, Dwight, for featuring Bato and thanks to all that is a part of Hardcore Norfolk specially to Deb. Marameng salamat, RakenRol! We’d like to dedicate this to our dear friend Chase Williams.

About Dwight Easter: Digital folk artist, family man and bread merchant. Some of the best moments in my life are experiencing the power and influence of great art. I came up in the Norfolk era of the M80’s, Buttsteak, and Antic Hay.