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HYVMINE Balances Music and Cannabis Appreciation

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[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]P[/dropcap]rogressive rock and technical metal are genres that take a special mind to create and appreciate. Playing intricate music requires the utmost concentration and attention to detail. For many musicians, cannabis actually helps them attain that specific attention and patience, even further shattering the stigma that cannabis consumers are lazy or uninspired. HYVMINE is a band that takes that to heart, giving special attention both to its music and the cannabis the band consumes. We spoke to Al Joseph, vocalist and lead guitarist, about the  group’s music and appreciation for one of nature’s best plants.

 

How did you get started making music?

I’ve been making music of any sort since I was seven years old. My mother’s side of the family is where my brothers and I got our sense of musicianship and my father (not a musician) turned us on to a lot of great music.

“People should worry about the dangers of alcohol, as that’s legal everywhere and people abuse it every single day. Cannabis has a stigma that needs to be corrected in the mainstream minds, as it only does good and helps people.”

 

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Dream Theater for one. I am an avid [John] Petrucci and [Mike] Portnoy fan to a fault. I also grew up and learned how to properly play rhythm guitar through Creed. Mark Tremonti had such a way of locking in with a song that really made me want to play guitar 24/7.

How would you describe your sound?

We have a progressive sound for sure, with enough technical aspects to our music. There’s a great deal of groove to our music for sure. It’s prog rock with an element of metal, for them solid hooks, and all songs are deeply rooted in a solid mixture of technicality and catchiness.

 

Have you ever worked cannabis into your music as a theme? If so, how?

To be honest our bass player and drummer smoke the most weed in our band and they pretty much lay the foundation of our sound, so I’m sure cannabis has an influence somewhere in our performance.

 

How do you feel about legalization so far? What could be done better or differently?

It’s perfect in Cali; that’s all I know. I think it’s a great thing to come about. I’ve never heard of weed hurting anybody and it seems to give off an element of harmony and relaxation. What more could you need? I don’t see why it shouldn’t be legalized in all states within the next few years. People should worry about the dangers of alcohol, as that’s legal everywhere and people abuse it every single day. Cannabis has a stigma that needs to be corrected in the mainstream minds, as it only does good and helps people.

 

How has cannabis impacted your lives or creative processes?

It just helps us to relax and give to the creative process. Sometimes it’s hard to stay relaxed in all the mess of life and write music. Weed definitely helps me get into that relaxed state for sure.

 

What is your favorite strain or cannabis product?

I would easily have to go with any sativas to keep me focused and energized. I am a huge fan of the pens and it just makes the whole process easier, especially when you are on the road and traveling within states, etc. I would never deny an edible of any sort either. This company called Alpine and Bloom make the best disposable pens and I stock up before tour hardcore!

 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

You can find us at www.hyvmine.com for tour dates, music, merch and more! Thank you for your time and hooking us up with this feature. It’s greatly appreciated.

Band Name: HYVMINE

Genre: Progressive rock, metal

Location: Los Angeles, California

Most Recent Album: Earthquake

Website: hyvmine.bandcamp.com/releases

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