HardLore: Stories from Tour – Episode Featuring Leah Massey (Pest Control)
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of HardLore: Stories from Tour, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders welcome Leah Massey, the dynamic vocalist of the burgeoning UK hardcore band Pest Control. The episode delves deep into Leah's journey within the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes, offering listeners an intimate look into the chaotic and exhilarating life of touring in these vibrant music genres.

Early Inspirations and Entry into Hardcore

Leah Massey opens up about her initial inspirations and how she found her footing within the hardcore scene. Contrary to many female musicians who cite seeing other women as their primary inspiration, Leah shares a unique perspective:

"I was inspired watching guys do it... As soon as I got comfortable in hardcore, I was quite confident in taking up my space within the scenes." (00:08)

Leah emphasizes her confidence in booking shows and being involved in various aspects of the scene, highlighting her proactive approach to carving out a space for herself in a predominantly male-dominated environment.

Band Evolution and Achievements

Pest Control has rapidly ascended the ranks of the UK hardcore scene, with notable achievements that Leah is immensely proud of. A significant highlight discussed in the episode is their feature on the cover of Kerrang magazine:

"It's just like the contrast of our day-to-day life in the band and being on Kerrang is interesting. But yeah, love it. Really happy that it happened." (04:21)

This milestone not only marks a major accomplishment for the band but also underscores their growing influence and recognition within the larger music community.

Leah also touches upon the challenges of getting the perfect shot for the Kerrang feature, sharing a humorous yet frustrating experience with the magazine's handling of their photo:

"They somehow got a version of the photo that wasn't high quality. So I was stressing out because I was like, the photo was not the right one." (05:23)

Touring Experiences: UK vs. Mainland Europe

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Leah's touring experiences. She reflects on the differences between touring within the UK and mainland Europe, offering insights into the evolving hardcore scene:

"The demographic of people who go to shows in Leeds is so different now... more people who are non-male and younger." (21:16)

Leah contrasts this with earlier days when she was among the younger attendees herself, highlighting the scene's shift towards a more inclusive and youthful audience. She also discusses the logistical challenges of touring, such as coordinating schedules and dealing with time zone differences.

When comparing the UK's limited culinary options during tours to the diverse offerings in mainland Europe, Leah expresses a preference for the latter:

"I prefer the UK just because give me, like, a Tesco in Stoke." (86:11)

However, she acknowledges the unique experiences and memories that come with touring in diverse locations, even if it sometimes means settling for less ideal food options like jambon sandwiches in Spain.

Musical Influences and Creative Process

Leah delves into the musical influences that shape Pest Control's sound. She cites bands like Crumb Suckers, Title Fight, Basement, and Testament as pivotal in their musical development:

"Title Fight and Basement... Outbreak made that kind of click for you?" (14:07)

She elaborates on how their demo was a collaborative effort, with Joe Williams contributing an extensive collection of riffs and Ben Adrama fine-tuning song structures. This collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of their creative process, enabling them to blend elements of punk, hardcore, and thrash seamlessly.

Leah also highlights the addition of a second guitarist, Joe Williams, bringing more depth and complexity to their music:

"We've got second guitar, which is Joe Williams, who plays in Big Cheese as well. It brought more of that hardcore side." (45:01)

This strategic move enhances their live performances, adding layers that increase the band's overall "moshability" and stage presence.

Personal Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Leah shares several personal stories that offer a glimpse into the life of touring musicians:

1. Winning a Thousand Pounds at Bingo:

   "I was sitting with my mom and grandma, and I played bingo for the first time. I didn't even mark the numbers, and suddenly, I won a thousand pounds in cash!" (68:13)

   This unexpected win not only provided a financial boost but also became a memorable story that highlights the unpredictability of life on the road.

2. Ghostly Encounters:

   "I live near a big abbey from Henry VII and there are lots of ghost stories around. Once, a fork I placed in the middle of the room mysteriously appeared under the bed." (99:09)

   Leah recounts a chilling experience that deepened her belief in the supernatural, adding an eerie layer to her personal narrative.

3. Early Band Days and Challenges: Leah discusses her journey through various bands before settling into Pest Control, including Cheap Surgery and Implement. She reflects on the evolution of her musical style and the challenges of being a female vocalist in a male-dominated scene.

Future Plans and Upcoming Tours

Looking ahead, Pest Control is gearing up for an extensive tour with the renowned hardcore band Harm's Way. Leah expresses excitement and apprehension about venturing into the US, balancing the prospects of international exposure with the challenges of long-distance touring.

"We have a busy year coming up... I'm going to take it as it comes." (95:25)

Leah also touches upon their plans for future releases, emphasizing a balanced approach to creativity without succumbing to burnout:

"Next year is looking quite busy... making sure that it's still something without burning out." (55:00)

Final Thoughts and Advice

In her closing remarks, Leah stresses the importance of supporting local music scenes, especially in the UK. She advocates for attending local shows and fostering community support to ensure the growth and sustainability of the hardcore scene.

"Anyone in the UK who only goes to shows that American bands come over and play... support your scene and you see it working." (117:42)

Leah's passionate appeal serves as a rallying cry for fans and musicians alike to invest in and nurture their local music communities.

Conclusion

This episode of HardLore: Stories from Tour offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Leah Massey's journey with Pest Control. From her early inspirations and the band's rapid rise within the UK hardcore scene to personal stories that humanize the often tumultuous life of touring musicians, Leah provides a multifaceted narrative that resonates with both hardcore enthusiasts and general music fans. Her insights into the evolving dynamics of the scene, coupled with anecdotes that range from humorous to haunting, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of hardcore music and the lives of those who create it.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I was inspired watching guys do it... As soon as I got comfortable in hardcore, I was quite confident in taking up my space within the scenes." – Leah Massey (00:08)

2. "It's just like the contrast of our day-to-day life in the band and being on Kerrang is interesting. But yeah, love it. Really happy that it happened." – Leah Massey (04:21)

3. "The demographic of people who go to shows in Leeds is so different now... more people who are non-male and younger." – Leah Massey (21:16)

4. "I was sitting with my mom and grandma, and I played bingo for the first time. I didn't even mark the numbers, and suddenly, I won a thousand pounds in cash!" – Leah Massey (68:13)

5. "Anyone in the UK who only goes to shows that American bands come over and play... support your scene and you see it working." – Leah Massey (117:42)

Listen to the full episode to immerse yourself in Leah Massey's captivating stories and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in the hardcore music scene.