We recently connected with The Virulent and have shared our conversation below.
The Virulent, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
As a band we found purpose on and off the stage. from the moment we start working on new music, to recording in the studio, to playing on stage. seeing fans thrash around or watch in awe as we give them the best time and performance available. Music is an experience, and we like that to be our purpose. To provide the best experience when you are listening to us on you speakers or headphones to when you see us on stage.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
We are The Virulent. A “progressive thrash metal” band, as we are commonly referred to from Houston, Texas. We are in the business of playing fast and loud to melt faces. We are a unit that started a long time ago as an Idea from teenager looking to chase a sound he heard in his head, and it has evolved into a life unto its own. for around 12 to 13 years the band has been a safe space for it members to be their best and make solid friendship, that to this day still stand even if they are no longer in the band. The Virulent has also had a presence in Houston that is recognizable with many locals and welcoming to newcomers. We have one album ( Sentenced to Death), one EP (Imperium), and a recently released single, ( Through the Vastness). Each on showing a progression of where we were at one point to where our sound is now. Go give them a listen, they will not disappoint!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Dedication, Knowledge, and drive. As an artist or as artist, You have to have at least two of those. For the band dedication is never giving up when the going gets tough and staying on the ball. when being in a band things get hard, Some artist have moments when they get discouraged or feel they lost their grove. You can’t give up, if you want it, you got to stay on it and go get it, You have to have the drive, without the drive you have no dedication. Knowledge comes in when you need to your particular craft. Like a boxer you can’t just expect to jump into a ring and throw hands with Canelo Alvarez and think you can win. you have to learn technique, form, and get in shape to perform and create to the best of your abilities.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
To grow not just as an artist, but as a person on must be willing to improve in the areas they are lacking in. Your strength will always be there, but when you focus on those little things to improve upon, the strength will be stronger. You wanna shred on guitar? You have to know every technique that will get you there. Its not just about playing fast, but playing fast with knowledge and skill. Or even when writing music, you have to listen to music outside of your comfort zone. many people stick to one genre that they enjoy, but your ear needs colors to extend its palette and help the musician paint the soundscape they are looking to make. If I just listen to metal that’s all I will have in my head, but if i focus my ears to listen to Jazz, Corridos Tumbados, Salsa, Japanese Jazz Fusion, the sounds in your head will be expansive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevirulent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevirulentofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thevirulent
- Other: linktr.ee/thevirulent
Image Credits
Israel Mendoza
