Gary Mader – Eyehategod – An Xperience Interview

Gary Mader – Eyehategod – An Xperience Interview – writing and photography by Rachael Skinner.

Gary Mader is the bassist in NOLA’s legendary sludge-metal band EYEHATEGOD and is a founding member of Outlaw Order. In addition to his work with EYEHATEGOD, he also plays bass for Headwoundz and Missing Monuments, and showcases his guitar skills with Class Hole and Hawg Jaw. This past summer, I had the honor of capturing his live performance with EYEHATEGOD at Albany’s Empire Live. Recently, I caught up with Gary and had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his journey.

RRX: At what age did you first discover your passion for music?

GM: Around 10 or earlier. All within the span of my elementary school years. I watched Hee Haw with my grandparents, jammed Michael Jackson and Styx records with my uncle, watched the Muppets, and most importantly, I was privileged enough to be raised in a city that worships music.

RRX: What were the first instruments that drew your attention?

GM: Drums. I really loved the Muppet Show, and was drawn to Animal’s energy. My first instrument was his Signature snare drum that my parents got me for Christmas.

RRX: How old were you when you first started to play bass guitar? What was your first bass?

GM: I was 13. I bought a $50 used bass, and was in a band the next year.

RRX: What genres of music contribute to shaping and enhancing your bass techniques and style?

GM: R&B, punk rock, hip hop, hardcore, jazz, and classic rock influenced me the most. Hardcore and punk were the genres that encouraged me the most to pick up an instrument because, as catchy as the music was, it was simple enough to make the young me say, “This is something I can do.”

RRX: What were your musical endeavors prior to joining EYEHATEGOD?

GM: I played in a high school band called Armed Response that formed in 1988. After that, Hawg Jaw started in 1996 with the same singer from our high school band; we are still locally functional. Just before I joined EHG, I joined a garage punk band called Headwoundz – also still together.

RRX: Explain to me how the universe merged your rhythmic journey to align with that of EYEHATEGOD? How did you all meet and join forces?

GM: We were all part of the same music community. In New Orleans, the underground music scene was about 200-300 in the late ‘80s, and everyone kind of knew each other because of that. Mike, Jimmy, Brian, and Joey were a few years older than our crew of friends, but were cool to us younger folk and made us feel welcomed amongst their friends and their bands that we looked up to.

RRX: Throughout the decades of being a part of the EYEHATEGOD family and enduring many external challenges and personal struggles together, what do you feel keeps the passion and commitment that is so unwavering throughout all this time?

GM: Our love for this band and playing music.

RRX: Being a part of a band, I imagine, is a lot like being a part of a family. It was a significant loss losing Joey, and definitely left a lasting impact. Can you share with me a few of your favorite memories you have of Joey throughout your years jamming with one another?

GM: I have no particular recollection in mind, but he was a one-of-a-kind human that we never forget to this day. We remember him for his humor, as we could be standing in the biggest pile of shit, and he could make light of it in some kind of way. Personally, it is Joey that first inspired me to always take in what we encounter to the fullest; to have appreciation for this band, and gratitude for being able to visit the places we’ve been because “not many people from home get to do this shit.”

RRX: How did you all welcome Aaron Hill to become a part of EYEHATEGOD?

GM: He was already part of the small group of friends that make up most of our bands in New Orleans and was the obvious choice when it was time to get a new drummer. Looking back on when he joined, we were certain he was as out of his mind as we were, is an amazing player, and a Louisiana native. He learned around 13 songs, and we toured a few months after.

RRX: Brian Patton started his family and departed honorably from the band in 2018. How was it transitioning to jamming with one guitarist versus having two all these years?

GM: It was difficult because Brian was a significant part of this band. His riffs were great, and he and Jimmy played off of one another like two players that have played together for decades. Once he left, we knew we had our work cut out for us, but we embraced it as a means of progressing as a band. The sound would definitely change, and while the years with Brian are never forgotten, we knew it was time for another turn in our creative output. It forced us to lean more towards the Black Flag influence with more emphasis on the raw aspect of our music.

RRX: Describe your first experience creating the self-titled album with EYEHATEGOD? Are there any key moments that you would like to share with us about the creative process?

GM: Writing all of those songs was so exciting to me because it was my first full-length with the band. I had done recordings with other bands at that time, but we put some work into that record! It had been a while since we released anything, and we were all determined to make it the definitive EHG record. It took years of writing, and the recording process was also a roller coaster. We had Billy Anderson come to New Orleans to engineer part of it, finished tracking it in our practice room, Mike did his vocals at Nodferatu’s Lair, and it was finally mixed by Sanford Parker.

RRX: What are your most cherished memories with Jimmy and Mike throughout the years?

GM: Like Joey, I don’t have specific recollections because all of the time we spend together in this band are great memories in the making. The best was being asked to join a band I loved before I was involved.

RRX: Do you have any wild stories you care to share with us about being on tour and on the road with EYEHATEGOD over the years?

GM: Too many to remember, most that I don’t repeat to maintain our innocence of any crime involved.

RRX: Give us some insight about your equipment. What is your bass of choice while on tour?

GM: A cheap Fender Jazz bass with passive Lace pickups.

RRX: What are your must-haves while on the road?

GM: Coffee, headphones, books, good food, and a collection of rocks that I accumulate every tour.

RRX: What was the inspiration behind creating Outlaw Order?

GM: The spirit of revolution and rising above the ruling class through music. At the time, we were all criminally involved, and Jimmy was busy with Down and Superjoint, so 00% was the perfect outlet. The White Panthers and MC5 were also a huge inspiration.

RRX: Do you have any other projects going on musically or artistically aside from EYEHATEGOD at the moment?

GM: Yes – Hawg Jaw is my band since 1996 with high school friends, Class Hole is my Poison Idea/HC-inspired project, and Headwoundz is a garage punk band I have played in since 2000.

RRX: What are some important tips you’d share with musicians just beginning their

journey?

GM: Stick to your dreams. There are so many hardships that you will encounter along the way that make what you do that much more rewarding. Don’t let anything discourage you; use everything as a lesson, not an obstacle.

RRX: What is your personal definition of success and what does it mean to you?

GM: Success is coming into harmony with what you hope for out of life.

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