Singer Jake Bannon runs the popular record label Deathwish Inc. He’s also played on dozens of other bands’ albums over the years. Guitarist Kurt Ballou is a highly sought-after producer and owner of GodCity Studios in Massachusetts. “If we’re going on tour, we’ll schedule a couple days before the tour to run through the songs,” says Newton.Īnd if being in one of the best-known heavy bands on the planet weren’t enough, each member of Converge is involved in some other project that, on its own, could be considered a full-time gig. It’s an interesting fact about an act known for its tight and ferocious live show. For one, Newton says, Converge plays so frequently and has been in the game so long that, for the most part, everyone stays dialed in without having to schedule lengthy stretches of rehearsals prior to a big show. There are, however, advantages to being such a long-running but still creatively fresh band. Right now we’re handling it, but it’s definitely more work than it was in the past.” “That stuff has become more work than it used to be. “It’s stressful, because the band has grown a lot over the last few years, which blows my mind,” says Newton. It’s just that as they’ve gotten older, Converge has become a much bigger beast. Newton is careful to point out that he and his bandmates love what they do. When we go on tour, I’m the one advancing all the shows. Things other bands have a manager or tour manager or travel agent for, we still do. “The band has grown a lot,” says Newton, “but we still do everything ourselves. It’s a lot of work, even for hyperactive, young punk kids - and Newton and his bandmates aren’t exactly kids anymore, which complicates things for a band that is on the road half the year. The band is on tour nearly nonstop, playing its manic amalgam of metal and hardcore all over Europe and the United States. Converge has been going strong for 25 years, garnering more attention with each of its eight full-lengths and numerous other releases. Of course, the real reason that Newton and his band are coming to Denver this month is to perform. Just seeing them together will be enough.” It’s like seeing Morrissey and Johnny Marr again. I think there’s going to be something amazing about seeing Doyle, Jerry and Danzig on stage again. And I saw them when Danzig did shows with Doyle. I felt like I was twelve years old again. “They nailed the whole vibe they were amazing. “I saw them when they did the reunion shows with Michael Graves singing,” says Newton.

But having all the original members back together is clearly a dream come true. I won’t believe it until I see it, until they’re on stage.”Īs a fan, Newton never turned his back on the band, even through all the infighting among members and questionable lineup changes.

That’s just something I never thought I’d see. “I have to say, I’m pretty excited to see the Misfits,” says Newton, a self-professed lifelong fan of the original horror-punk outfit, which will be fronted at Riot Fest, for the first time in decades, by Glenn Danzig. He’s a big fan of the Smiths and doesn’t hesitate to say that he’ll fly halfway around the world to see the band play together again, no matter where or when that might happen.Īnd it just so happens that his other favorite band, the Misfits, is playing on the same day as his band at this year’s Riot Fest, the fourth iteration of the annual end-of-summer festival at the National Western Complex. It’s easy to forget sometimes that the people who play music are also usually big fans of other bands.Ĭonverge bassist Nate Newton isn’t afraid to wear his adoration on his sleeve.

Nate newton musician