Amidst the vibrant Dutch hardcore scene, Born Infected stands out with a resolute commitment to the core values of hardcore music. As they prepare for new adventures and their upcoming second EP, Born Infected is ready to take their message to the global stage with this interview of Ken.
1. What inspired you to start Born Infected and what are your main influences?
Born Infected was actually started without me but by Patrick, Pascal, Stan and Ronald. These guys played in a band before called "Past Our Means" (actually with our current merchandiser Ronny on vocals). They wanted to start a band that would bring back the oldschool values of hardcore back into the mix. Giving back to the community and standing up for those who can't.
Musically I think you can find a lot in there. The biggest influences are bands like Terror, Hatebreed, Merauder and bands like Risk it, First Blood. For me, stage presence and lyrically Martijn of No Turning Back is a big influence, straight to the point lyrically and on stage it's always my job to hype the crowd up to act beyond reason.
2. How do you balance your musical style with your message and your activism?
I think harcore (and punk in general) is a rebellious style of music with a certain sense of morality to do what's right. In that case I personally think it's obvious to write lyrics about the wrongdoings in the world or stuff that aggravates you. Be mad, that way you'll make a clear statement in your activism. Hardcore to me is an angry kind of music, what better way to convey a message then to scream it in someones face.
3. What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a hardcore band in the Netherlands?
The dutch scene is booming! Just looking at the other bands you have attached to this zine (Swim or Drown, Rise Above, Lies!, Tigerknife, Menacer) you'll see that there is an abundance of people thinking the same way and wanting to organise shows to give bands a stage.
So being part of that scene is a reward in itself already plus being able to play a decent amount of shows in the year (not only in the Netherlands) is a big plus as well. To me there are no real downsides to being in the hardcore scene in the Netherlands, although let's be honest, a bit of movement for the first bands would be cool as well (look at Germany guys).
4. How do you collaborate with other musicians and artists in the hardcore scene?
We always try to look into collaborating with musicians in the hardcore scene, and maybe a bit past its borders. On our record we worked together with RJ from legendary hardcore act "Strike First” from the Netherlands as well as Kevin from the thrashmetal band Insanity Alert.
We always try to do something unexpected with guestfeatures or art collaborations (our recordcover was made by Roel Smit, known for his links to the punk scene in the Netherlands). Expect something similar for our new upcoming record!
5. What are some of the goals and projects that you have for the future of Born Infected?
Right now we are looking into recording our second EP, with the whole process attached to it (art, recording, guestvocals etc.) We were supposed to record this in February 2023 but due to our drummer's back injury we had to postpone this. After recording it and releasing it we offcourse want to promote the living hell out of it haha! Next to that we're always looking into gaining new experiences with the band, be it new show locations, new festivals to play, new countries to visit, whatever comes on our path, we're open to it!
6. How do you choose the organizations and charities that you support and how do you raise awareness and funds for them?
We choose them because they're close to our heart. Hardcore Help Foundation as an example, we all know Rico has deep ties to the European hardcore scene and to be able to be a part of helping his projects was an honor for us personally. So when we think about supporting a charity, we always look into our own values and choose a charity that links with those values we hold as a band.
7. How important is Animal Rights for you and how do you express your compassion for animals through your music?
For me personally, being vegetarian as well, it's a major charity to support. The fact that animals are systematically abused to profit people to me is more than wrong. That's why I was very hyped to see the other guys had the same values as well (although they're not vegetarian like me). That's why we chose Animal Rights as a charity to donate to when releasing our first EP, you can even see it in our album art (the fat chickend for meat consumption, the shark with no fin because of the soup etc.).
8. How do you cope with the negative aspects of the world and the society that you want to change?
Lyrics! I hope that becomes apparent when we release the second EP as well. My lyrics focus on wrongdoings in the world, be it environmentally, between groups of people or hate towards minorities. Our last written song “You cannot break me” (unreleased yet), actually is a show of support to Lhbtqia+ people around the world. We know times are tough right now, but be sure, how much they try, they will never break your spirit!
9. What are some of the values and principles that guide your personal and professional life?
I guess the hardcore mentality in it's total is a big influence to our personal and professional life. Especially for me as a teacher. I always try to influence the kids in my class with the values attached to hardcore. Openmindedness, supporting your friends in tough times and a big DIY mentality are some of the things I think of I really try to work into my own lessons.
10. How do you deal with criticism and feedback from your fans and the media?
This used to be something I really had to get used to! Being my first band in which I am a singer (I used to play drums in Reverse The Flow and currently also play drums in a melodic hardcore band called Howlett). I used to think people not liking your lyrics of vocal style was a dislike of me personally, but since then gained a thicker skin against it and figured out “I cannot please everyone”.
Since making that switch I really noticed a relaxter attitude in my own stage presence and a growth in vocalstyles as well. Now just to get used to compliments, that's a whole different beast haha.
11. How do you keep your passion and motivation for making music alive and fresh?
We all actually help eachother with doing that! When you notice someone is less motivated in a certain period we always try to come up with new riffs, lyrics, vocalstyles or maybe sick drum parts to keep the fire going. Mix that with always being open to visiting new locations to play shows and play with new and exciting bands, the fire will always be burning in the Born Infected camp!
12. How do you balance your time and energy between your band and your other commitments and interests?
That's actually pretty managable! Working as a teacher leaves the evenings free to commit to the band (planning and promo wise as well as playing shows). So for me personally there is not really an issue. Planning weekenders can be a bit of a struggle though, with no room for days off as a teacher. Luckily we got a lot of holidays so we can work around that.
13. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of being signed to a label like Engineer Records?
To be fair, I only see benefits in signing to Engineer Records. David has his heart on the right spot and absolutely wants to promote his bands to the absolute fullest! For a starting band is was also very nice to be able to work something out financially to get our music on physical media as well as on streaming services. David brought a lot of know-how to the table of which we can all benefit. Wouldn't have it any other way!
14. How do you measure your success and impact as a band and as individuals?
I really find it hard to measure succes. We don't really have the attitude to become the next big band in the hardcore scene. We just want to spread our music, play some sick shows, maybe some fests and meet some cool friends along the way. We do however see that we get asked to play some bigger shows now (hopefully some more when we got the new EP out) so that might be a sign of success and impact.
15. What are some of the lessons and skills that you have learned from being part of Born Infected?
Some skills I learned along the way is how to put up a proper show, stagepresence-wise and booking-wise. On stage I used to be that singer that stood there silently, looked menacing and tried to be an all around badass. I quickly figured out that's not me haha! Nowadays i just try to enjoy the shows and move around a bit more, it doesn't all have to be so serious on stage (my moshcalls are actually very serious though!).
Bookingwise I learned a lot from my partner Amber (she runs Awkward bookings together with a friend, Tamara) and Patrick (guitarplayer from my band). I never thought there would be so much involved in putting up a show, until I found out haha. Lessons learned for life though!
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Join Born Infected as they forge ahead with raw energy and authentic hardcore spirit. Their upcoming EP promises to be a powerful statement in the scene. Follow their journey, support their activism, and be part of the movement that's more than music—it's a call to action for a better world.
