Downset formed in early 80’s in the thriving L.A. hardcore scene. They have survived to this day and are about to embark on the next stage in their career as one of the most positive and talented bands ever to break into a national market. They have formed a style that many have called their own, but the fans of Downset know that bands such as Rage Against The Machine and P.O.D. are direct descendants of

Downset’s influence, telling stories of mankind and the horrors that it has created, where as most bands leave you hanging with the conflict and negativity, Downset puts the record straight with their positive and direct lyrics from front man Rey Oropez. Along with Brian Schwager on guitars, Chris Lee is on drums and Rico Villasenor holds down the low end on bass. We caught up with Chris Lee and dropped some questions on him about the upcoming release of Universal and the trials and tribulations of one of the greatest hardcore bands to ever take the stage.

I, like many, have been a long time fan of Downset. I was lucky enough to see them play on two separate occasions many years back.  Can I ever expect to see you guys over here on the east coast again?
Chris: YES! We love touring the East coast, we did several dates there in 2001 to help raise money for the victims and families of the 9/11/01 tragedies and spent most of 2002 and this year with work on the new album, Universal, and solidifying our lineup. Now we’re stronger and tighter than ever! We have our first show as the new lineup here in L.A. on August 2nd. I can’t wait!

Downset has always seemed to be an underdog of a band that keeps having set backs thrown in their faces just as they start to move forward.  How has that affected the band?
Chris:It has been detrimental to us in the past, but I think aside from the Mercury/Universal issues, it has been more of US being the issue than anything around us. I think lack of solidarity in the past may have contributed to the problems that plagued us. As we have now become more solid than ever, I feel that we will rise above where we belong. This band has proven itself time and time again, and will continue to do so. I personally have been involved with this entity for over 13 years and have watched the stakes go up and the game face get meaner!
 
There have been some line up changes over the past few years. Can you give us the low down on all that?
Chris: Well, like I mentioned before, solidarity has always been a problem in the past, and the CYP run was probably the band at a low internally. Original members were coming and going including myself, and the needed solidarity and locked on tightness of the band internally and musically wasn’t there. We took most of 2002 off to re-group as ALL original members for 2 performances and all realized that some just didn’t want it anymore, so... Rey, Ares, and myself found ourselves without Roy and James and looked to Rico to see if he was down to write the next album with us. Me and Ares already played with him in Drunk With Power together, so we have a real good chemistry. Rey is on fire vocally and the band is at it’s best in all aspects. James left on good terms. We still speak and wish him the best.
So, Rey, Ares, Rico, and myself have sealed the leaks and broke the mold! Now, watch the fuck out!
 
Rey has always poured a lot of emotion into his lyrics and performance. Has the current political goings on effected his writing at all?
Chris: We’ll have to wait and see huh?! (laughing) Nice try, bro!

Downset has released 3 full lengths.  The eternal classic Downset , the strong and powerful, Do We Speak A Dead Language?  and Check Your People.  So what’s next? Also in your writing process is it a band effort or does everybody kinda do their own thing and bring it in?
Chris: No! We usually start with a hook and go from there. I’ll lay a simple beat or Ares will play a riff and we’ll start to structure. We try to do as much of the writing together as possible to ensure we’re all on the same page. With the first 3 albums, we worked with Roy Z to write and record, but with this new album we took a new approach and did it all ourselves, writing, arranging, producing, etc.! So with this new album, you’ll hear what the ‘band’ sounds like! We took a more balls out approach to this album. It’s more in your face than any Downset release to date! We hope to have the album complete and ready for release by the year’s end! 11 new blistering cuts!

Are you stilled inked to Epitaph? Has that been a good experience?
Chris: No! and No! (laughing) Epitaph are good at what they’re good at but Downset is not that. We haven’t been linked to them since 2001. We are not on any labels at the moment!
 
On the back of the one CD, Rey was wearing a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey. Is he a fan and if so what does he think of the current lineup of players?
Chris: I’m not too sure if Rey is a fan or not of the Penguins. I don’t follow the Penguins too much but I know you guys got Lemieux, and Kovalev, thats enough to know you mean bizz! I’m an L.A. Kings fan myself! I enjoy hockey, as does Ares. Not sure if Rico does or not.

Is there a band that really stands out in your head, but just haven’t received the amount of exposure and press you think they deserve?
Chris: Skindred. Yeah, they’re my friends and all, but I think they got a tight package and it’s something new none the less. I’m a big fan of blending deep reggae, roots, ska, etc. with rock, punk, from back in the days of Operation Ivy and some Clash. While we’re at it,  Downset.
 
Anything you would like to add, or something you think we should all know about you or Downset?
Chris: We’re stronger than ever with the current lineup and with this new album. We want all of our fans worldwide to know that we miss them and will be back to see them very very soon. We want to show the globe what it’s really about! This music, this theatre, this life, get involved!
  
Well that’s about it.  Feel free to add or take anything away you feel necessary.  We don’t have any limitations, so feel free to say whatever you like.
Chris: Thank you to all the fans that have and continue to support us throughout the years. THANK YOU! We’ll be making the new album as well as other merchandise available online very soon through our website: www.downset.net Look for us playing a show near you soon!
 
Thanks again, It is truly an honor!
It was a pleasure, thank you and your magazine for giving us the opportunity to reach more people and help us spread our brand of music. Downset 2003!