Guitarist & Founding Member Gerald Thomas Talks HOURGLASS' Discography Re-issue, New Material & Future Plans (The Witzard Interview)
HOURGLASS were a Buffalo, New York-rooted Hardcore Punk/Emo band that was only active from about 1994 or '95 'til 1997. They recently re-formed and re-issued their near-complete discography on Immigrant Sun Records, plus, have signed with HellMinded Records to release some forthcoming new material. HOURGLASS's core line-up includes Michael "Mike" Zebrowski, Gerald Thomas, William "Billy" Wachowiak, and Marcus Nati and for this re-formation, added newest member Aaron "BEERWÜLF" Ratajczak. Some of the more seasoned Hardcore die-hards/regular readers ehre may recognize BEERWÜLF's name from his involvement with Bleed for Me, The Bonesaw Romance, Every Time I Die, Face The Panic, Goodbye Cruel World, Kid Gorgeous, Killshot, Lockjaw, Orations, P*ssing Match, Rhinoceros, and/or The Telltale Signs. We had a chance to speak with guitarist Gerald Thomas on the heels of Discography and prior to the impending release of HOURGLASS' new full-length on HellMinded Records. If you're in or around Buffalo this weekend, check out HOURGLASS' Immigrant Sun Discography LP release show on Saturday 7/23 outside at Duende. Discography is now available on streaming services with blue/white, yellow/white, and green/white swirl vinyl variants still available directly from Immigrant Sun Records.
I. Who's part of the current iteration of HOURGLASS and what is each member's role within the band?
Gerald Thomas: The current iteration consists of Gerald Thomas - guitar, Michael Zebrowski - vocals, Billy Wachowiak - drums, Marcus Nati – guitar, and Aaron Ratajczak – bass.
II. When was HOURGLASS initially active and what made you part ways?
Thomas: We were initially active from 1995-97. We broke up after our one and only tour in 1997 due to my moving out-of-state.
III. What made you guys decide to re-form HOURGLASS and when did all of this start to take shape?
Thomas: Michael & I had talked about it for quite some time. We tried to circle the wagons about five years ago, but couldn't get it together. This time around was all started due to Sean [Mallinson]/Immigrant Sun [Records] wanting to do a special release for the 25th anniversary of the label. The rest has pretty much snowballed from there.
IV. How did HOURGLASS link up with Immigrant Sun Records and what are you guys prepping to release together?
Thomas: We hooked up with Sean & Pat [Knight] shortly after we started playing out-of-town. We played a show in Ithaca, [New York] and hung out at their apartment after. Pretty much, the rest was history. We are about to release a discography LP, which will feature our demo, 7-inch on Immigrant Sun, and split 12-inch songs from our New Day Rising split on Moo Cow Records. All of the songs have been re-mastered by Justin Ryan in Nashville. We're all really happy with the results.
V. Where were the majority of the recordings contained within HOURGLASS Discography initially released?
Thomas: Our four-song demo was released in 1995. The 7-inch in 1996 and the 12-inch came out after the band, actually, broke up; might not have been until early 1998.
VI. What can you tell us about the various packages and multiple variants for Discography now available at Immigrant Sun Records' MerchNow page?
Thomas: There are three different vinyl variants available. Each with coinciding [matching]-colored cover. There were test pressings, but [they] have unfortunately sold out already. In addition, there are new T-shirts, a poster featuring pictures from one of the last Chokehold shows in Buffalo, NY, as well as hand-made record holders, which are branded with the HOURGLASS logo.
VII. How did you go about selecting what to include within Discography?
Thomas: We didn't have a very deep catalog. Many of our demo songs were re-recorded for the subsequent releases. My goal was to present the songs the best way we could in 2022. I feel like we've achieved that. Not only through the re-master, but, also, the packaging that comes along with it. Immigrant Sun has always been known for their unique, hand-made, artistic layouts. I feel like this is no exception. Sean is putting [together] an incredible package for everyone.
VIII. Have you ever thought about re-recording and re-releasing any of your old recordings with your current line-up?
Thomas: We discussed it when we first reformed last year. I would never say never, but, at this point, we've written as many songs as we originally had in the 90's. So, I'd like people to, also, give the new stuff a chance once it's available.
IX. What can you tell us about the origins of "Crowds, Crowd, Crowds" (Demonstration,) First Demo & HOURGLASS 7-inch from your Bandcamp page?
Thomas: "Crowds, [Crowd, Crowds (Demonstration)"] is a demo of a new song that we've been working on. It will be on our upcoming new full-length on HellMinded Records. The first demo features our former singer, J. Dorn, who, also, sang for Next to Nothing, the band myself, Marcus, and Billy were in prior to HOURGLASS. The 7-inch songs are the first two songs off the Immigrant Sun 7-inch that my friend, Matt Winnicki, digitally transferred for me.
X. In addition to your Discography re-issue collection with Immigrant Sun Records, you guys also recently signed with HellMinded Records. What does HOURGLASS plan to issue with the label?
Thomas: We have a brand new full-length coming out with Joe [Kuzemka] and HellMinded. The mix is almost complete and will be sent for pressing shortly. We're really at the pressing plant's mercy at that point. Hoping to release a few songs digitally during the wait period.
XI. Who would you personally recommend our readers and listeners check out hailing from the Buffalo area?
Thomas: Science Man, They Live, P*ssing Match, Exhibition, Final Declaration, P.S. You're Dead, Juggernaut... There is no shortage or great Hardcore & Hardcore-adjacent bands in Buffalo right now.
XII. What's planned next for HOURGLASS?
Thomas: We're working on some new songs currently. Not sure what will happen with them yet. Maybe, a cassette demo? Planning a few shows around The Northeast into the fall. We're spread across three states and all have other life responsibilities. We’ll try to do as much as we can and as time allows.
