January 20, 2008 - [hed] p.e. formed in 1994 they have released eight albums with "Insomnia" being the latest one [Released July 17, 2007 on Suburban Noize Records]. As the band prepares to go on it's latest tour called "Heavy Hitters Tour" [set to begin on January 25, 2008 in Las Vegas] we chatted with front man Jared Gomes and below is what he had to say to us.

[hed] p.e.

FES: "Insomnia" is the latest [hed] p.e. album. How is this album different from previous [hed] p.e. albums?

JG: It is the best one yet!!!! It answers to no one. It speaks 100% truth. It has a purpose.

FES: Going into the studio how did [hed] p.e. decide which songs would make it and which ones would not?

JG: I always decide which ones move me. Which tracks I find inspirational, and then I make a list that I think will flow as an entire piece of work.

FES: Could you tell us in your own words what "Suffa" is about?

JG: Suffa is a victory song. A song of perseverance. A fight song. It is about never giving up.

FES: Do you have any particular favorite songs from the album and If so why?

JG: I just love this entire album. It is my favorite hedpe album. It is such a fucking blessing.

FES: Do you feel being on an Indie label has given [hed] p.e. more artistic freedom to create than when the band was on one of the major five?

JG: Absolutely. We answer to no one but the youth of planet earth. And even there, we are only expect to be honest and brutal.

FES: Do you have any personal favorite songs to perform live and if so why?

JG: I am actually in love with our entire set at the moment. It just flows and has so much aggression and knowledge that passes through it. It is the youth though, that makes it all worth while.

FES: It seems as if every month a new online site selling music is launched with so many sites that sell music online now do you think this is the beginning of the end for the CD?

JG: I am not in any position to make any comments about the so-called music industry. I am an artist and a teacher.

FES: How many songs will [hed] p.e. play on this tour and what will be the first and last songs played?

JG: We generally play for like 90 minutes. We begin with the first track off of INSOMNIA, which is MADHOUSE. But, we are never sure where the
set will take us. So the last joint is always a surprise to us and the youth in the house!!!

FES: Do you have any favorite venues in Florida to perform at?

JG: I like the Culture Room [in Fort Lauderdale]. It is punk rock, and the guy who owns it is so fucking cool. He really loves music. Although I was sad to see he had taken our picture down. Oh well.

FES: If you could play a concert with any bands of your choice at any venue of your choice where would your dream concert be and who would be performing with [hed] p.e.?

JG: I would love to play with Bob Marley. He rules. I guess a show with Bob at the Culture Room would be perfect!!!

FES: How important do you feel online publications such as Florida Entertainment Scene are in helping to promote bands such as [hed] p.e.?

JG: The Internet is everything for us. I don't like to give much power to any one journalist. But, as a whole, it is the Internet that is the life blood of this band. Not to mention, I would not be the human being I am at this time on this planet, without the Internet. It is the only source of true knowledge.

FES: Do you have anything to say to fans who read this interview?

JG: Thank you, thank you, thank you. It is only because of the fans that we exist. They are the heart and soul of hedpe, and without them we are nothing. thanks to the Florida Entertainment Scene as well, because without your efforts, bands on the underground would be shit. God bless you guys!!! See you at the show!!!! FTW.

[hed] p.e. is from southern California and tour on a regular basis.

To sample music visit the [hed] p.e. page at Myspace.

Musician Interview by Michael Montes – Copyright © 2008 Florida Entertainment Scene – All Rights Reserved.