We recently had the chance to connect with Hyder Dammad and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Hyder, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What battle are you avoiding?
I am avoiding confronting those who look down upon Slacker and wish us no good yet smile in my face in the hallways.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My band Slacker is 4 piece band, formerly 5 piece band from Houston Texas. We are in limbo currently, as we just found new members, and must watch the mini Houston scene we created spite us, although, we’re on a redemption, with our newest installment, Slacker Fest 2, live from the muddy banks, which includes huge Houston bands such as 9/11 only worse and decomposed, as well as slug bleed, Alabama’s trailer park slam band, who we have the pleasure of bringing to Houston for this mega show. As of right now, slacker consists of Hyder Dammad, Rory Smith, Pax and Quinn, we occasionally have a synth player named Gregory as well. We are expanding and releasing new music to make up for lost time, as the bands 1 year birthday was October 16th. New music and new merchandise as well as a new sound accompanied by crazy shows are in store for Slacker in the near future.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest memory of power through the band Slacker was the realization that we could influence people in a positive way, and create an environment where everybody feels like somebody. This idea of an empty room full of people first took flight at a house show Slacker performed at some time last year. It was originally a house party full of all kinds of people, most people who wouldn’t care we exist, but the music and movement created a community and a sense of urgency as well as a cry out that we too exist, and so does everyone in this room.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As the first installment of Slacker Fest concluded, and the original members of Slacker, Jonas, Cris and Daniel all went to college, things seemed grim. Rory, the bassist sort of went on his own and created a new band, as well did all our friends. We gave these new bands shows with Slacker and put them in Slacker fest, yet to our dismay, as Slacker disbanded, respect for it did as well. These bands that we preemptively created, the flowers of Slacker and what it all meant, were turning on us, and said Slacker was dead and will never be revived. Yet they will see, as with the new members, Quinn and Pax, we are on a roll and bringing back our name.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
A strong influence in my music is my belief that life is prodigal, that longevity is an excuse for the absence of each day, the product of a wasted life. Music influences this belief, for me myself, Hyder Dammad, and the rest of Slacker, heavier albums like Lagrimas’ Life of Destruction, to the melancholy of I killed Arbor Day by Panuccis Pizza and the classic sound of Deftones, a sound that makes teenage life and the pursuit of happiness and meaning, well, meaningful. Therefore that strong belief without a doubt is that people only wish to extend their time on this planet to try and fill a gap that they never could understand all along, and that its never to early to take risks.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Slacker right now is in limbo, and demands its existence. Resurface is indubitable, as I, and my band mates all want to be remembered for something along the lines of our music when it’s eventually all gone. It isn’t fair, as I watch celebrities who do no more then we, therefore I know with dedication, something is to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slacker_htx?igsh=MWtjM3U5ZmNiZGhjbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/slackerbandhtx?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=23a557da-0663-4bea-a78a-3544cb2768eb
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCa_wx8S_-33kXJHLq2JmFzA?si=aQibKIAjCW6oNo1y
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/TLrzBCJPfFaUwbbM1I
- Other: https://tr.ee/UnZJxJpB1Y
