Hacksaw Interview
5/15/2020
FOR TEN YEARS Headsplit Records has been releasing some of the most disgusting metal bands on cassette tape, promoting sickening shows, and spewing zines filled with vile information and art into the bloodstream of the underground. One of the label's more recent releases is from Hacksaw: Amplified Noise Slaughter —stabbing one-foot blast beats with ridiculous vocals from the ringleader of Headsplit himself (Dylan Laviolette) and blazing saw-riffs from Burnside ripper Mike Hell. Aside from treating his guitar like he does his skateboard, Mike is known to eat discarded food from garbage cans religiously. Although the band fucking destroys I had to dive into Mike’s world of garbage cuisine for this piece. —Sam Hitz
Dinner for three. Hacksaw has reservations. Photo: Connolly
What was the last piece of garbage you ate?
A mix of Doritos and Lay’s potato chips found at the gas station on our way up to play a Hacksaw show in Seattle. Dylan shared some with me as well.
Where is the best place in Portland to eat garbage?
Lloyd Center mall food court. Lots of Orange Chicken. Nobody finishes their Orange Chicken ‘cause it’s too sweet. There was a legend that the janitors were spraying bleach on the garbage at one point to stop us but I don’t know if that’s true.
What was the last piece of garbage you ate?
A mix of Doritos and Lay’s potato chips found at the gas station on our way up to play a Hacksaw show in Seattle. Dylan shared some with me as well.
Where is the best place in Portland to eat garbage?
Lloyd Center mall food court. Lots of Orange Chicken. Nobody finishes their Orange Chicken ‘cause it’s too sweet. There was a legend that the janitors were spraying bleach on the garbage at one point to stop us but I don’t know if that’s true.
A little bleach won’t hurt.
No.
No.
Headsplit Records, high-tech music streaming
What’s the craziest thing you ever ate from a garbage can?
Like worst?
Like worst?
Sure.
When I moved here I was living at Burnside and Germ took me and my friend downtown and got some steaks out of a dumpster. They were all covered in dirt and then he cooked ‘em in beer to get the germs off. It was not good.
When I moved here I was living at Burnside and Germ took me and my friend downtown and got some steaks out of a dumpster. They were all covered in dirt and then he cooked ‘em in beer to get the germs off. It was not good.
Have you ever scored some scrumptious waste from the Burnside dumpster?
Oh, yeah, for sure! Donuts, sandwiches, burritos. I watched Ratzman throw away a burrito one day and I ate it.
Oh, yeah, for sure! Donuts, sandwiches, burritos. I watched Ratzman throw away a burrito one day and I ate it.
Is the garbage eating circuit very territorial? Have you encountered any competition?
Yeah, I have. In county jail they called me “Trashcan.” I would wait by the trash and take everybody’s left-overs. A new guy came in and saw me do it and started to try and do it. My friends started yelling at him like, “that’s Trashcan’s territory!” They had my back.
Yeah, I have. In county jail they called me “Trashcan.” I would wait by the trash and take everybody’s left-overs. A new guy came in and saw me do it and started to try and do it. My friends started yelling at him like, “that’s Trashcan’s territory!” They had my back.
Have you ever taken your old lady on a garbage-eating date?
Yes, I have. I took her to the movies.The big score at the movies is going to be the popcorn because no one finishes their popcorn. You get full bags. She was digging it. She was with it until I pulled a bag that had a curly black hair in it. But yes, I have been known on occasion to take girls to the Lloyd Center mall to eat garbage.
Yes, I have. I took her to the movies.The big score at the movies is going to be the popcorn because no one finishes their popcorn. You get full bags. She was digging it. She was with it until I pulled a bag that had a curly black hair in it. But yes, I have been known on occasion to take girls to the Lloyd Center mall to eat garbage.
The trick is not to dig too deep then?
Well, if you're starving there’s always ways to eat but I don’t like to dig too deep. I like to skim off the top—get it hot, fresh and good. You dig too deep you’re gonna’ get shitty, stale food and possibly get sick.
Well, if you're starving there’s always ways to eat but I don’t like to dig too deep. I like to skim off the top—get it hot, fresh and good. You dig too deep you’re gonna’ get shitty, stale food and possibly get sick.
Give the reader the best reasons to start eating from garbage cans once a week.
A couple of years ago I really kicked into “garbage eating mode” to save money. Two: it just feels good to come up on free shit—it’s good for your soul. Also, you’re making a difference. People throw away tons of food every day. Fuck that! Cut down on waste, help out. That’s the big picture.
A couple of years ago I really kicked into “garbage eating mode” to save money. Two: it just feels good to come up on free shit—it’s good for your soul. Also, you’re making a difference. People throw away tons of food every day. Fuck that! Cut down on waste, help out. That’s the big picture.
That’s Nobel Peace prize worthy and Mike Hell from Hacksaw is leading the charge. Any more advice for the fledgling Garbage Eaters?
I would like to encourage everybody to eat a little garbage. Start ‘em young and build up those immunities and they’ll be able to eat garbage throughout their whole lives. Who knows what’s going to happen to this world? When the shit hits the fan I’m going to know what to do and so should the kids.
I would like to encourage everybody to eat a little garbage. Start ‘em young and build up those immunities and they’ll be able to eat garbage throughout their whole lives. Who knows what’s going to happen to this world? When the shit hits the fan I’m going to know what to do and so should the kids.
Check out Mike Hell below as he samples some of Portland's finest garbage dining and skate spots. Clip from "Kill Skateboarding IV"
-
11/05/2024
Skegss Interview
Australia's Skegss are the reverb drenched summer soundtrack you need. Read the exclusive Thrasher interview. -
11/05/2024
Beirut Interview
The music of Beirut has been featured in many skate vids over the years, most notably in Mark Suciu’s “Verso” masterpiece. Mark caught up with Zach Condon, the man behind the band, in this exclusive interview. -
11/05/2024
Tom DeLonge Interview
Angels & Airwaves was born out of Tom DeLonge leaving Blink-182. Here he talks about charting that band’s own path along with his thoughts on skating and UFOs. -
11/05/2024
Greta Van Fleet Interview
Using musical chemistry, the band members of Greta Van Fleet extract the essence of various classic rock anthems. They combine the parts they like and create a sound all their own. These guys truly rock and roll. -
11/05/2024
Mononeon Interview
The term "musical prodigy" doesn't quite capture the bass-playing abilities of Mononeon. It's more accurate to say he's one of the best to ever pick up the instrument. See for yourself. -
11/05/2024
Animal Collective Interview
Animal Collective blew up in the skate world when their song was used in Jake Johnson's Mind Field part—which is regarded as a masterpiece of skating/editing/music. The band's unique legacy and sound has only gotten stronger in the following years. -
11/05/2024
Thurston Moore's Interview
Thurston is a founding member of Sonic Youth and a guitar virtuoso. His various projects have created a rich musical legacy. He also has deep roots with skating and video-making. Here he describes the mutual affection between skating and his music. -
11/05/2024
Soft Kill x Welcome Skateboards
Welcome gets the singer from Soft Kill on the line to discuss music, addiction and their recent collaboration. -
11/05/2024
R.A. the Rugged Man Interview
During his 30-year career, R.A. has occupied both the spotlight and the status of an underground hip-hop legend. His song "Uncommon Valor" is regarded as a lyrcial masterpiece and he shows no signs of stopping. -
11/05/2024
Third Eye Blind Interview
After millions of album sales since the mid-90s, Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins continues to make music without compromise or concern about radio hits and pop charts. He features Cher Strauberry in his newest video and she sat with him for an interview.