(Hed) pe Remind Us ‘We Are the Government’ on ‘Truth Rising’ — Video Premiere
Being signed to a major label since 2003 hasn't stopped (Hed) pe from becoming one of the most hard-working hard rock groups in the United States. The Southern California quintet has steadily worked their way through the club circuit and in support slots for bigger acts, but these days they command the stage as a headlining act. In late 2010, (Hed) pe released 'Truth Rising,' their eighth studio album. Noisecreep is excited to be premiering the video for the record's hard-hitting title track.
"We chose Joey Nugent as the director this time out. We've been friends with him for 14 years. We met in the '90s when (Hed) pe was on tour with Soulfly," said (Hed) pe vocalist Jared Gomes during a recent chat with Noisecreep. "'Truth Rising' was the last track I recorded for the album. For that reason, I was able to draw inspiration from all of the songs on it. In fact, what I did was incorporate all the song titles into the lyrics."
Thematically, the lyrics are as in-your-face as group's music. "The lyrics are another attempt to inspire the listener to self-empowerment. I am getting tired of so-called truthers acting like the big, bad government is coming to get us. I want to remind people that we are the government. The most powerful thing in the world is the human spirit."
Watch the new (Hed) pe video for 'Truth Rising'
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At this point in their career, (Hed) pe have filmed their fair share of music videos, so we asked Gomes if he's getting a bit tired of making them. "Well, since this video is animation, I didn't have to show up, so this one was quite enjoyable," said Gomes, laughing. "Anyway, it depends on the director. We recently did a video with Dale Restighini in New York City. That was a lot of fun because we went all over the city and recorded in Times Square and on the subway, and we did it all in one day. That was killer!
"I always think of how lucky I am to even be involved in making a video, so I stay positive for sure," he continued. "Doing a video is exciting, because it means someone is actually interested in what I have to say. Being in the business for over 10 years, it feels good to know I am still relevant."
Catch (Hed) pe on a co-headling tour with Cleveland metal collective Mushroomhead:
Apr 15 - Agoura Hills, CA @ Canyon Club
Apr 16 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Galaxy Theatre
Apr 17 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Apr 19 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
Apr 20 - Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
Apr 21 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
Apr 22 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
Apr 23 - Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
Apr 24 - Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
Apr 26 - Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
Apr 27 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze Presents
Apr 29 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's Nightclub
Apr 30 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
May 01 - Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
May 02 - Battle Creek, MI @ Planet Live Music
May 04 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
May 05 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabodys
May 06 - Columbus, OH @ Al Rosa Villa
May 07 - Mt. Clemons, MI @ Emerald Theatre
May 08 - Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
May 10 - Dayton, OH @ McGuffys House of Rock
May 11 - Canton, OH @ The Carriage House