OPPRESSION like to describe themselves as alternative or new age rock, but it’s a little bit more complicated than that. Their sound is a unique cross between post-metal, hard-core, and industrial. They’re hoping their original music will be enough to carry the message home and already have plans for later rounds in the festival. In that case, you won’t want to miss their Emergenza debut at the Espy on the 22nd this month. Before the show, they answer a few of our questions.

WHY THE NAME OPPRESSION?
The name OPPRESSION came from a consensus of all of us, not only what the world is like, but how we write and feel and what we express.

YOU SAY THE BAND WAS ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED IN THE LATE 90'S. WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR SOUND TO BE TIED TO THAT ERA?
Our music is definitely not 90's. It’s more today’s new age rock.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAJOR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
Our influences are anything and everything. As long as it rocks and sounds good, most of us will agree we love it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE KEY ASPECT OF YOUR SOUND?
The key aspect of our sound is the driving riffs and pumping rhythm section with subtle highlights and catchy tunes.

WHAT CULT BAND WOULD YOU LOVE TO PLAY ALONGSIDE OF?
We would love to play with the FOO fighters.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN EMERGENZA?
We decided to Join Emergenza to try something different.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE?
I wouldn’t suggest the festival thing is even on our minds to be honest. We play because we love to play.

YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR QUITE A WHILE. DO YOU THINK THAT WILL GIVE YOU AN ADVANTAGE OVER SOME OF THE YOUNGER BANDS?
Doesn’t matter- older bands, newer bands, or what- there’s definitely no advantage... but I will say... bring it on!!!

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO PROMOTE FOR YOUR GIG AT THE EPSY?
We are promoting using social media and other forms.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GAIN FROM THE EMERGENZA EXPERIENCE?
A lot of our band members have played some pretty big gigs, and Emergenza is another way for us to show what we can do. I’d suggest the first few rounds will be mild, but obviously getting to some of the major ones, we can really stand out.