About this interview
In a 2009 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Torche members Rick Smith and Jonathan Nuñez opened up about DIY house shows, life on the road, and why they never take themselves too seriously. They shared stories about wild basement gigs, working with Hydra Head Records, and the reality of balancing tour life with day jobs back home.
Early on, Ryan mentions that Andy from Every Time I Die referred to Torche as “the next wave of Nirvana.” While flattered, the band brushed it off, explaining they’re just focused on making “heavy party music” and having fun. Rick and Jonathan described their DIY roots, playing rowdy backyard and house shows in Miami where people cut loose way more than at traditional venues. They recalled sweaty, packed basement shows across the U.S., including an unforgettable gig in Boise, Idaho, where the band crammed their gear into a tiny room and turned it into an adrenaline-fueled chaos fest.
Comparing house shows to club shows, they said the vibe is more raw and fun at DIY gigs. While clubs have their perks, sound quality depends on the sound guy—who often has no clue how to mix a loud band like Torche—whereas basements offer pure, unfiltered volume.
They also talked about getting signed to Hydra Head Records after touring with Isis. Aaron Turner and Mark Thompson took an interest in the band after seeing them play in London. Working with Hydra Head and their previous label, Robotic Empire, has been smooth and supportive. They credit Robotic Empire for helping form Torche in the first place, connecting members and pushing them to make the band a reality.
When at home, the band members keep things humble and grounded. Rick works at a state park running kayak tours when he’s home from touring, balancing his life between touring for months at a time and picking up day jobs. They admit they don’t make enough yet from music to avoid that grind, but they remain optimistic, saying hard work will pay off.
Torche’s message is simple: “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun. Smile.” Even though their music is heavy, they want people to enjoy themselves. They shared admiration for bands like Melt-Banana, calling them humble and inspiring, and mentioned how surreal it feels when fans tell them their music is life-changing, especially since they often write songs they thought were goofy at first.
They wrapped up by reflecting on how music grows with you. Jonathan compared it to his love for Pink Floyd, saying that as he gets older, he finds deeper meaning and darkness in music he’s loved for years, always discovering something new. For Torche, it’s about evolving without losing the joy.