Live-Metal.Net - Interviews: Re:Ignition

January 19, 2007

Familiar to some from his days in the Bay Area groove metal act Skinlab, Steev Esquivel has traded his bass for a guitar and handed his vocal duties to the dynamic Dave Moore in his new outfit, Re:Ignition (also featuring Skinlab guitarist Steve “Snake” Green on bass). The band’s debut, Empty Heart, Loaded Gun, showcases a more accessible, melodic hard rock sound than that of Skinlab and quickly emerged as one of the critical favorites of late 2006. Between Re:Ignition’s spot on the New Revolution Tour (also featuring Invitro, Indorphine and Psychostick) and Skinlab regrouping to produce new music in 2007, Esquivel has plenty on his plate. He took time out of his busy schedule to check in with Greg Maki of Live-Metal.net for an email interview.

Live-Metal: What caused the end of Skinlab?

Steev Esquivel: Skinlab never ended, we just decided to take a step back and try other musical avenues. Towards the end, things started getting weird with the company and it started to take its toll on the band and our personal lives. A lot of our hard work was going unnoticed. It got to the point where we just said, ‘Fuk it, we’re killing ourselves out here. If no one gives a shit, then what the hell are we doing out here?’ So we decided to leave the tour with Dope and call it a day. A few weeks later, we got a call from Adam Grayer @ Jagermeister offering us 7 shows with Slayer. It was like, ‘Holy shit, Slayer? Fuck yeah, we're down.’ I called the company and they weren’t willing to support us. We were pretty bummed. Our biggest tour ever and they weren’t willing to support us. We definitely felt abandoned, but the Jager crew and all the bands were super supportive and made it happen for us!!

Did you know immediately what you were going to do next?

Yeah, after the Slayer tour I had made up my mind that I was gonna try something else with different musicians. Go a total different direction. I was on the phone at the front of the Skinlab RV setting shit up with Mark. Came home for 2 weeks and started up immediately.

How did you and Snake find the other band members?

We actually had another bassist in the beginning. Snake came out to our first show w/ Prong and was totally into it. He really liked what we were going for. So we let him know that we were holding auditions and he came down alongside 5-6 other dudes and tried out. We all knew he was the guy, but had him try out anyways, haha.

Why did you decide not to handle the vocals yourself?

At first, I considered it. We’ve been trying to get Dave down to the studio for like 5 months before he finally committed to the project. Otherwise, I probably would have. Dave’s got everything covered though. We’re real lucky to have such a killer singer.

How does not being the front man change your approach to the music and shows?

In Skinlab, I had my bass parts, vocals parts and trying to entertain a crowd all at once. This is much less stressful. I just strap on my guitar and rock out in my own little world.

In Skinlab, you played bass and Snake played guitar. Why did you switch instruments for Re:Ignition?

I’ve always wanted to play guitar. Snake has been totally supportive. It’s been close to 3 years, so we’re both itchin’ to get back to The Lab! If anything, it’s made us both better musicians. Nowadays, I put on my bass and start slammin’ out some sik shit that I would have never thought of a few years ago.

Who are the band’s biggest influences?

Collectively there are only a handful of bands well agree on—Seemless, Mastodon, Neurosis, Clutch, Soil, Brand New Sin, Deftones. Individually, I’m the new rock/metal guy, Seemless to Lamb Of God; Dave’s the Isis/Clutch stoner rock dude; Tim’s the Skinny Puppy/Hanzel und Gretyl freak; Mark’s the ’80’s Krokus/Alice Cooper kid; and Snake is the inspiring producer who loves Pantera/Randy Roads.

Was it important for you to set Re:Ignition apart musically from Skinlab?

Well, since we’re a little softer, we decided to tune lower down to A, which is a half step lower than Skinlab. Something had to be more heavier, since we’re selling out a bit, haha.

What is the meaning behind the name Re:Ignition?

No meaning, just a cool sounding name that wasn’t taken. We used to be called Def Ignition, but that was to Def Jam-ish.

Is there a message people should take away from your music?

I think the music is pretty digestible. Dave’s lyrics are very uplifting. He definitely has a message. I learn more and more about him every listen. He’s touching on different subjects that we’ve all been through.

Empty Heart, Loaded Gun has received rave reviews from many outlets (including Live-Metal.net). What does that mean to you?

It means a lot. We’re very fortunate to receive the reviews that we’ve been getting. We’re kinda waiting for a bad one, ya know? It’s really hard to believe that everyone is really digging the record as much as they are. The people that turned their back on us in the beginning are starting to come back around, because it’s not what they thought it was gonna be.

What can fans expect from the New Revolution tour?

Well, all the bands are fukin’ awesome. Invitro are pummeling from start to finish. The singer has some groovy moves and crazy vocals. Indorphine are just flat out amazing!! They really bring the fun back to music. I think this tour will open a lot of eyes and ears. Each band is bringing something different. It’s gonna be killer!!

Have you ever had anything embarrassing, a Spinal Tap moment, happen while on stage or on tour?

Yes, at the Bay Area show of the S.O.D reunion, I was tearin’ shit up, doing my thing on stage, when I slipped backwards and knocked over Scott Ian's Randall stacks. It’s fukin’ embarrassing. Scott was cool, but his tech was about to kill my tech. Haha, good times. Sorry, Scotty!

What did you learn from your time in Skinlab that you are able to apply to Re:Ignition and benefit from?

What not to do!!! We’re pretty gunshy and are very alert when it comes to business. Things have been going great. We’ve all learned a lot from working together.

What is the best part about doing this for a living?

I don’t do this for a living. I do it because I love music. If I’m not making it, I'm listening to it or watching it.

The worst part?

Not many … I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, meet tons of people. There’s not much to cry about. I’ve been pretty lucky.