The french band Pitfloor have answered a lot of  questions from me.

They play hardcore in a good way. This interview have been answered in november 2023.

Please tell me a little history of Pitfloor, how you met and why you did start to

play together and when ?

-Pitfloor is a project that began a few years ago, following the release of our last

album with our previous band, Danforth. I felt the need to create something

different, outside of the hardcore scene. In the summer of 2021, I shared this

idea with Tit, the drummer of Danforth, and expressed my desire for artistic

freedom. Later, we met Sebastian, the bassist, and Ben, the guitarist, who

joined the adventure. Officially, the band came to life with the release of our

first demo, 'Karma One,' in September 2022.

Have it been the same members all the time, or have it been many lineup

changes? Earlier bands

-The current members are indeed the founding members of the band. As I

mentioned earlier, drummer Tit and I formed a hardcore band, Danforth, with

which we played for over 15 years, went on numerous tours, and had the

opportunity to perform throughout Europe. Danforth had a relatively large fan

base among hardcore enthusiasts. Bassist Seb comes from the French metal

band Doppelanger, which also garnered interest from fans of the genre. Today,

we all come together for this new project with solid experience, a clear vision of

what we want to achieve, and, most importantly, we move forward in a serene

and friendly atmosphere, which is highly appreciated.

Pitfloor s is the name, where did it came from and you wasn´t afraid that

some other group would be named so?

-I wanted to find a band name that didn't already exist. The idea was to be able

to type the band's name into Google and directly find the pages related to the

band, so we needed to come up with a name. The name 'Pitfloor' emerged from

this thought process. While it can be translated into English as 'bottom of the

stage' or 'the foundations of the floor,' it's not commonly used in that manner.

The inspiration for this term came from hardcore concerts, where the 'pit' is the

space in front of the stage where fans dance with specific figures and

movements associated with this musical genre. Just as we talk about a

'Dancefloor' for dance parties, the idea was to create the concept of 'Pitfloor'

to evoke this dance space in the hardcore context

Your song 380 war is that song about any particular war?

-This song can be about all the ongoing wars on Earth, but it is true that it was

written in the context of the war in Ukraine. As Europeans, we are shocked, just

as we are shocked by the other wars happening on Earth, but here it is taking

place thousands of kilometers away. The last time a war took place on the

European continent was during World War II. We are shocked that today, in

2023, some rulers dream of returning to borders, even if it means crushing

thousands of innocents under the treads of tanks. For your information, 380 is

the dialing code for Ukraine.

Is it important to give out the record as physical releases do you think? Would

it feel like you have released a record if you only release it digital?

-Fundamentally, music must exist in some form today. The majority of music

distribution happens through streaming, which is a good thing as it provides

artists with an opportunity to easily share their music. However, we are oldschool,

and we strive to release physical versions for every album recording.

Vinyl is our ideal, but due to being self-produced, it comes with a significant

cost, which is why we can't release vinyl for every album. We did release our

first demo, 'Karma One,' on vinyl, and it's a beautiful item. For our upcoming

work, we're planning a CD release and maybe even a cassette release.

Personally, I love physical objects because they add another dimension to the

music. It's a different way to consume music. As a child, I used to spend hours

gazing at the album cover artwork of the metal bands my older brother listened

to. It's a nostalgic memory for me.

Do you play any covers when you play live? If you do, which then?

-Currently, we don't do any cover songs, but we like the idea of reimagining one

or two classic tracks by interpreting them in our own way. It's always enjoyable

for the audience to hear songs they love, especially when they're performed in

a different style.

Please tell me a little about what your songs are about?

Virus

This iconic track places our planet Earth at the center of the story, considering

it as a living entity in its own right. We liken the ecological disaster to a disease

spreading across the surface of its mantle. The lyrics present two perspectives:

the first and the last verses are spoken from the Earth's own point of view, with

the Earth expressing itself. The other verses reflect my distress at humanity's

stance on our planet. I have been deeply ecologically minded since my early

childhood, and it is a part of the toolkit of the humanist I strive to be every day.

Balek

This track aims to illustrate our right to be different by blending metal culture

with urban culture. We have a passion for various musical genres, including

punk, hardcore, heavy metal, rap, and more. During my adolescence, I grew up

near a housing project in the suburbs, where most of my friends listened to hiphop

or funk music. I was one of the few who was a metal fan, but it didn't

prevent me from fitting in with them. Inevitably, the dress codes and cultural

norms I had access to were more influenced by hip-hop culture than metal

culture. This is why New York hardcore music resonated with me. The trigger

that defined the music I would love to this day was the original soundtrack of

the movie 'Judgement Night.

Magnetic Attraction

This song was created to bridge the gap between our previous band, Danforth,

and our new project, Pitfloor. Danforth was a politically engaged, incisive, and

positively aggressive project. For me, Pitfloor represents a brighter project

where I reserve the right to address themes such as spirituality, ecology, love,

and all the issues that deeply resonate with me and elevate consciousness. In

the music video, the song's meaning is illustrated through a battle between

negative and positive forces. If you haven't seen it yet, I'll let you discover it for

yourself.

Is it important to get out your opinions in your music, or do you only sing

about “trivial things”? Which is your most political song or shouldn´t you put

politics into music?

-The music we create is protest-oriented. We express our disagreements with

society and explore alternatives that we believe are more positive. However, it's

not strictly politics. We do not align ourselves with any political party, although

our values are closer to progressivism than populism. We address sociological

and social issues without subscribing to a particular political ideology. That

said, we don't judge artists who engage politically in their music. Everyone is

free to pursue their path if they find balance and purpose in it.

The song "Colors" could be seen as politically and socially charged, as it

addresses the plight of immigrants who risk their lives crossing the

Mediterranean to seek a better future in Europe. The subject matter is universal

and has been a political focal point for several years.

Do you think that your lyrics can have effect on other people who listens to

them…any example on it? Have you changed anyones mind?

-Pitfloor is a relatively young band, and to be honest, I'm not sure if our lyrics

have influenced anyone. However, with my previous band, I have a few

examples of people who were impacted by my song lyrics. I remember

receiving messages from individuals who were touched by the words in my

songs. I don't want to come across as conceited, but it appears that some of

my lyrics may have helped people feel better during challenging times.

Receiving such messages is always heartwarming, and it encourages us in our

journey to strive for improvement.

How is it to play this sort of music in France and which type of bands are you

having concerts with? Which is the most peculiar band you have been playing

together with?

-Metal is quite popular in France. Pitfloor aims to be a bit more crossover than

Danforth was, making it likely to appeal to a broader audience. Currently, we've

been receiving very positive feedback from our live performances. Recently, we

had the opportunity to play with a band that shares similar values and a similar

musical style called Kamizol.k. In fact, we hope to invite them to Paris to

headline the release party for "Zombies."

Do you have any footballteam that you support? (I support Arsenal and a

Swedish team which is called GAIS)….have you ever done a song as a

tributesong to any team or something similar?

-We're not big fans of football in the group. However, there's a small place in my

heart for PSG, "Paris is magical!"

How would you describe your music in three words for people that haven´t

heard you? Say it in three words?

-Our music has been done a thousand times, and we have no pretension to

reinvent the genre. Recently, I spoke with a friend who organizes a metal

festival in France, and he said, "Pitfloor is fresh! It's not a musical revolution,

but there's something that makes you unique, different." Personally, I don't

know, but I really appreciated the compliment. As for the three words, I'd prefer

to let you define them... ;)

I like beer and also make beer.. If Pitfloor would do a beer , what would it be

named and which sort of beer would it be? Or maybe you´re straightedge?;-)

-If Pitfloor were to be a beer, we'd probably be a sunny one, more like a blonde

or even a white beer. We're big beer enthusiasts in the band. Personally, I'm

fortunate to live near a brewer who makes fantastic beers with a wide range of

flavors. We're not straightedge, as you might imagine, even though I respect

that movement, as I was part of it during my late teens...

And how is it to live in France now? Racists, the cost of living, and is people

going to Sweden nowadays to buy things or isn´t it so much cheaper here

anymore?

-I spent my entire life in the capital, Paris, which I love from the bottom of my

heart. However, in 2015, following the Bataclan attacks, my wife and I decided

to move to the southwest to raise our children. I don't regret that decision at all

because life there is peaceful and more affordable. Like all of Europe, we're

dealing with inflation, and everything is becoming more expensive. Living in the

province, as I do, requires the use of a car, and electric cars are extremely

costly to purchase. Additionally, the price of gasoline is approaching two euros

per liter. The issue lies in the fact that everything is getting more expensive,

except for wages. More and more people are finding themselves in precarious

situations. I don't want to complain because my wife and I are just about

making ends meet. However, I'm aware that an increasing number of people are

facing extremely concerning situations, and distress has never been higher

than it is today. Unfortunately, I fear that the situation won't improve. Regarding

your question about whether people go to Sweden to buy cheaper products,

I'm not sure. Is Sweden more welcoming and accessible than France? More and

more, like everywhere in Europe, we're seeing an increase in racism,

communalism, and a decrease in tolerance towards others. When you step back

and look at the big picture, you realize that many things are not going well on

the planet. That's why it's essential for me to seek refuge within my family, with

my children and friends, to preserve these spheres where love prevails.

Which is your own favoritesong among your own songs? And which song is

the people choice?

-Currently, I really enjoy the song "Virus," even though the audience is just

starting to discover it. I hope they'll like it as much as I do when we perform it

at our concerts. It appears that "Color" and "Trigger" are also well-received. I

could provide more insights on this topic in a few months once our second

album has been embraced by the public.

What´s the biggest difference when you plays live nowadays if you compare

when you first started to play in a band?

-My early concerts left me with memories of stage fright and shyness. Today,

and for many years now, the stage is where I feel extremely comfortable,

perhaps even one of the places where I feel the best. I dance as I please, and I

speak freely, knowing that the audience is there to see us, and their judgment is

different from what we would face in other social settings.

And have you opinion about punk changed through the years? What do punk

mean to you, only a musicstyle or a lifestyle?

-No, our opinion of punk hasn't changed; we've always loved and respected it.

The punk movement is closely related to the Hardcore movement, from which I

come, and our drummer Tit comes from the punk movement. Punk isn't just a

musical style; it's a way of life tied to a philosophy and a form of advocacy. In

general, punk has always been a bit more politically engaged than Hardcore.

You do your song in both English and french?

-I sing in both French and English, and I enjoy alternating between the two.

English is nice for shouting, while I like to sing in French to provide lyrics with

more depth and subtlety.

Which language is best to sing in, French ot English?

-I prefer to sing in French, as it's my native language.

What´s your biggest livegig you have done this far? The biggest band you

have played with? And which is the best gig you ever have done? Are you only

playing in France?

-With our previous band, we had the opportunity to perform at Hellfest, which

was amazing, as well as at various festivals across Europe. We've also opened

for bands like Hatebreed, Parkway Drive, Agnostic Front, Madball, Rise Of The

Northstars, and many more.

What do you know about Sweden? What is typical Swedish?

-We don't know much about Sweden... In our imagination, Sweden is an idyllic

country where everyone is kind and welcoming, even though the sun doesn't

show its face much for six months a year. Is that accurate? ;)

Have you ever been here? Any good bands from Sweden that you like?

-As for myself, I've never set foot in Sweden, and I don't think the other

members of the band have been to Sweden either. When we were young, the

drummer and I were fans of the bands from Burning Heart Records. I'm a big

fan of the band Breach. One of my favorite albums is No Fuel Left for the

Pilgrims of DAD. (But they comes from Denmark)

Your audience when you play live, which type of people comes, age?

-It's quite diverse, although the audience tends to be on the younger side,

around 15 to 25 years old.

What´s the best of playing live?

-For Pitfloor, the best live performance was last summer at Furiosfest. The

reception was fabulous, and the audience was very receptive to our music. It

was pure joy.

Please tell me a funny thing which have happened during a livegig with your

band?

-A few months ago, we were supposed to headline a concert, but we asked the

organizer to let us play second to last so that we could enjoy the evening. All

the bands that played before us experienced delays, and when we finally took

the stage, the organizer was running 30 minutes behind schedule. After three

songs, he came to me and asked us to hurry up. By the fourth song, he told us

to get off the stage. To make matters worse, the band that played after us was

able to perform their 40-minute set. I know it's not funny, and at the time, we

were very angry. However, looking back, we can laugh about being kicked off

the stage after just four songs, which resulted in the shortest set in metal

hardcore history… ;)

Is there any good bands in France today? New and young bands which is

good?

-There are plenty of great bands in France, including Gojira, hehe. I invite you to

listen to Kamizol-k; they play hardcore metal, and Streamliner plays incisive

rock.

Which is the record that you always must have in the tourbus?

-I enjoy discovering new bands, so I always set off with a variety of albums…

Do you buy much records, or is it only Spotify and those type of things to

listen to music? Is there any good record shop in your hometown?

-I've reduced my vinyl purchases lately. Since my teenage years, I've loved vinyl

records and collected them, even owning some rare and valuable pieces. In my

daily life, I listen to music on iTunes, but from time to time, I like to put a vinyl

record on the turntable and rediscover old classics. It's a pleasure I indulge in

on the weekends. Unfortunately, in my town, there isn't a specialized record

store for metal, punk, and hardcore. Recently, a vinyl shop opened, but it has a

wider variety of music.

Which was your first record, the latest you bought and the most expensive

you have bought?

-At the age of seven, my older brother, a heavy metal fan, gave me the cassette

of "Stay Hungry" by Twisted Sister... Recently, the vinyl records I've purchased

are the colored double vinyl reissues of "Deliverance" and "Blind" by Corrosion

Of Conformity. I think the most expensive piece I've ever bought was a Kate

Bush bootleg, as I've been a fan since my early childhood.

Do you care about reviews? Which is the most peculiar you ever had, with

this band or any other band you have been to?

-I don't pay much attention to malicious criticism. When criticism is

constructive, I'm happy to listen, but for the rest, I don't care.

If you could choose five bands from the past and the history and nowadays

and both dead and living bands to have a concert together with your band.

Which five have you been chosen?

-I would choose the Beastie Boys, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Slayer,

and Body Count.

And if you been paid for do a cover-record with four songs,which four songs

have you done then?

-"Sabotage" by Beastie Boys, "Punishment" by Biohazard, "Running Up That

Hill" by Kate Bush, and "Sleeping My Day Away" by D.A.D. are all fantastic

songs.

Futureplans for the band? And for yourself?

-We are working on Pitfloor's first album with all our hearts, aiming to progress

and deliver the best album we can to our listeners. We hope to release it by the

end of 2024. In the meantime, we have concerts and a few festivals planned for

this summer. As for me, I'm starting to work on writing future music videos for

Pitfloor. Additionally, I'm working on an animated short film while continuing my

work at my audiovisual production studio, MyFlower.tv

Wisdomword?

-From the song "VIRUS": "... Prioritize life in all its forms, respect it, and love it

effortlessly..."

« … Privilégier la vie sous toutes ses formes, la respecter et de l'aimer sans

effort… »

Anything more to add to the interview?

-Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to talk about our baby,

Pitfloor. We sincerely hope that our new album 'Zombies' will be appreciated by

your reeders. And please, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We will always be

available to connect with those who enjoy listening to us.

Peace.

Sly / Pitfloor.