Rebellious and authentic spirit, Ballkick from the United Kingdom channels their experiences through their sings and messages. To immerse ourselves in their world of this old school hardcore band, we had a conversation of fifteen questions with the band's lead singer, Kuba. Here's what we found out.
1. "Cancel Cop Culture" is a powerful track on your upcoming EP. Can you share the inspiration behind this song and its message?
Personally it’s my favorite track on our ep, musical and lyrically. You see, these days, we always talk about hardcore, things we see, and we want to leave our comments on some events, CCC is about this dude from hardcore scene, actually it’s about a few of them dudes, who can’t handle reality and their mentality is always to call the cops. You talk shit, you got smack, you don’t have friends, facebook isn’t your friend, your parents don’t love you, you panic, you call the cops to save you ass and in the end, cops don’t care, people around you don’t care, you become two things, pussy who talk to much and fucking snitch, this hardcore these days in some places.
2. In your lyrics, you tackle various societal issues. Who primarily writes the lyrics for Ballkick, and how do you decide on the themes?
Like I said above, lyrics are my concern as a vocalist, I have something to say and I want to say it, some of the subjects are very sensitive to some people but we are not trying to be cool, we have things to say and we want to say it, so I said some things people don’t like. Fuck it. It’s life innit.
3. Could you elaborate on your creative process when composing music? How do you channel your emotions and experiences into your hardcore sound?
You see things that make you angry, pissed off, you talk to friends about this and then, I wanna say it and this is the same with our music. We are happy but also angry people, all the emotions we have you can read through our music. We are hardcore band with a very punk lyrical foundation and full of metallic and angry riffs.
4. Ballkick draws influences from bands like Kickback, 25 ta Life, and Madball. How do these influences shape your music, and what unique elements do you bring to the genre?
Music you listen to make you write music you want to listen to, I think 90s hardcore scene from NYC shaped us as a band, Bulldoze, 25 Ta Life, Madball, also some European bands like Kickback or Schizma.
5. Hardcore music often reflects a sense of rebellion and resistance. How does Ballkick's music align with this ethos?
We are a very rebellious band. Hardcore made us do it. Years of listening to hardcore music, being around people and bands.
6. As a band, do you actively engage with your local community? Are there any initiatives or events where you've used your music to make a positive impact?
We do. We play shows, we go to the shows, we support bands and events. Being a father with a full time job, it’s hard to attend every show but I do try my best to be at the shows, see my friends, have a beer or two, talk to people. I'm always open to new bands, love watching them play and evolve. Support them by buying their merch and records. It’s natural. Most people do this …
7. What role does the hardcore scene play in shaping your identity as musicians? How do you connect with other bands and fans within the scene?
Like I said before, we are a part of the scene and we support our community, we support bands and venues. There’s no competition in hardcore, we are not trying to be another Agnostic Front. We had fun, meeting new and old people, new bands, visiting places and venues. It’s all good.
8. Ballkick's EP, "History Makers", is the latest release. Can you tell us about the recording process and any memorable moments during its creation?
It was released last year on Upstate Records. It was fun to work and record this banger, we always have fun writing and recounting our music, we have right and very creative people in the band.
9. Are there any specific venues or cities where you feel most at home when performing live? What makes those places special for Ballkick?
Every place we played at feels like home. It is always fun to play at new places - cities / venues with bands we are friends with or bands we listen to.
10. How do you balance the raw energy of your live performances with the precision required in the studio?
We practice. We play shows. We a joy our instruments so we jam.
11. The cover art for "History Makers" was done by Craig Holloway. What symbolism or themes does it convey, and how does it relate to your music?
Indeed, it was Craig and I’m sure we will work with him on another record as well. He’s a great artist and an amazing dude. Artwork symbolizes us as a band, it’s a Ballkick style. We wanted this to be brutal as our music and lyrics but also comical and entertaining. We love good hilarious humor and fantasy.
12. In your opinion, what makes a great hardcore show, what elements contribute to an unforgettable live experience for both the band and the audience?
Energy the most and being yourself. If you feel what you do, people will pick up.
13. Are there any festivals or major events where fans can catch Ballkick live this year? Any exciting tour plans?
We are working on some projects, shows and some mini tours around the summer. If you will watch our social media, you will see confirmed events soon.
14. Hardcore culture often emphasizes authenticity and DIY ethics. How do you stay true to these principles while navigating the music industry?
We are the DIY. We do things we have fun with. The band. Record label. Tour agency, management, it’s all us. And it’s fun.
15. Finally, what's the ultimate message you want listeners to take away from Ballkick's music?
Listen to the lyrics and all the meanings behind. Enjoy our music, it’s fun, you can dance to, you can mosh to, stage dive, sing the songs with us. Join the fun. Salute.
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One could say that the typical attitude of the hardcore scene plays a crucial role in their identity as musicians. The active and festive brotherhood within their community, along with their frankness that brings a unique sense to their loyal mentality, is conveyed at each of their performances, regardless of the location, whether people like it or not. Ballkick is undoubtedly one of the bands that perpetuates the old school hardcore tradition while remaining just as relevant. It will be interesting to watch the future of the UK band, and a new sound would be welcome.
