We spoke with the female-fronted singer Katbreed from the Montreal band, No Hope X Mankind, about the evolution, their Beatdown Hardcore scene, the importance of musical collaborations, and a host of other topics which you will enjoy reading in this discussion.
1. Can you tell us the story behind the name of your band, No Hope X Mankind?
It’s been a long time since I've written a song for NHXM. I was 23 when I started having the idea of having a band, and I never had faith in humanity. So I found that No Hope x Mankind was a good name for the idea I have of society; that’s where the inspiration came from originally.
2. Would you say there's been an evolution in the sound of your band since it was formed a few years ago?
It's sure that there’s been an evolution because, with time, you always get better, I think. You know where you made a mistake, and now you know how to avoid making this mistake again. As for the recording, I do record my vocals in my room, so I found a better way to do them than I was before at the beginning!
3. Is the Hardcore Beatdown scene in the metropole town of Montreal's alive and well, and how many bands like yours?
I would tell you the beatdown scene in MTL doesn’t really exist like the hardcore scene. It’s more worldwide. The Beatdown music scene started more in Germany than the UK. I would say in the UK it is alive and well the same as in Germany!
4. How has the Hardcore community in Quebec supported you throughout your journey so far?
I would say that’s more some band in Montreal that really supported us, like CiDB; they’re great homies of us. Jays booked our first show in Montreal on November 26, 2023, at Le Bar Beaubien and have supported us since day one, so a huge shout out to Jays from CiDB, but we are fully supported by the Ontario Hardcore scene! We are more in their scene than the MTL one! You have to go where people really like and support your music!
5. Your record "Building the Violence" has been declared one of the heaviest beatdowns in the world; is this the kind of impact you were aiming for?
I'm very grateful that my EP has been declared one of the heaviest Beatdowns in the world. I would not have thought it would have been that far. But I was hoping to make an impact in the beatdown scene with a female-fronted beatdown band. I wanted to show the world that even if you’re a woman, you can do Beatdowns.
6. How would you describe your technical approach to creating a sound as heavy as this one?
The approach, even when I came up with the idea for "Gunn A Clou," always starts with a beat in my head. The focus is on the grove and the beat down elements of the song first, then we develop dynamics and direction as the song takes shape.
7. How important are lyrics in your music, and how does the songwriting process unfold within the band, as seen in your most recent single, "The Outsiders"?
For the lyrics, I would say I’m the only one who’s writing for the band. I have already written three books full of lyrics; we have enough materials for a while. Haha, like I said, I’ve been writing for NHXM since I was 23 years old, and now I am 31. I think it depends on the mood I have for writing lyrics. Like "Gunn A Clou" is more in a funny way, same as 2x4, then shoot for treason or "The Outsiders"; it’s more, I would say, in a more serious way about the crew or betrayal.
8. How did your friendship with the Mexican band Enemy 906 develop to the point of recording the title track of your album "Building the Violence"?
We started talking together, and I asked him if he would be down to do a feature on one of my songs. I made him listen to some, and he chose that one. He did a ficking great job on the spot I gave him seriously. It’s not an easy part to sing . He recorded his part, and he sent it to me! But I’m remastering all the EP, and it’s sounding way more heavy now. I hope you guys will like it!! Because, it sounds dope as fuck.
9. And speaking of guest vocals on this record, how important is the hardcore "Stay United" aspect to your values?
It’s a very important aspect for me. I think it’s very important that bands stay united together and collab together like I did on my EP "Building the Violence" and the two other singles out with Jack, an ex-vocalist of Kraanium, and Chris from Detestment. I'm trying to brand Beatdown United with another band, and I'm doing a feature on one of their songs. It's very important for us.
10. Do you have any new singles coming out soon, or is an album the next step for your band on Total Deathcore?
We already did the new cover album for our next EP. We even have the name for it. So, I would say that we are aiming to compose some new material soon.
11. You're going to play with Point Blank from New York in Montreal in August; are there any other gigs not to be missed?
We have a gig coming July 26 at 705 Heavyfest in Lindsay, Ontario, with some great bands such as Cruelintent, Pound of Flesh, the Fractured, Out of Spit, Death Club, Crimson Asphalt, and more! But after August 2nd, there’s no gig book yet.
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It is unfortunate for us to note that the Hardcore Beatdown scene is not very developed in their hometown, unlike the punk and hardcore scene of this beautiful province. Fortunately, in their case, "Beatdown United" exists with great importance, values and is developing across the globe for NHXM. We really enjoyed and appreciate this discussion with Katebreed. We will eagerly await the release of the next album from her band No Hope X Mankind and other releases from Montrealers in the future. Since this female-fronted band has a heavy musical charge to deliver to our faces. It hits hard!
