ATP
For the record, who's answering the interview?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
My Name Is David "Duty" Rico and I'm the founder AHKL (A Hard Knock Life).
 
ATP
What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
Well the band name A Hard Knock Life is in reference to a song of the same name from the movie Annie.
 
ATP
So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I play acoustic guitar, sing, song-write, and compose all AHKL songs. My long time brotha' from anotha' motha', Rafael Cedeno, plays and tracks eletric guitars. Our friend Cameron Marygold of Native Productions and the band xKINGx produces, mix and masters, and occasionally lends some brilliant ideas in the recording process.
 
ATP
How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I grew up listening to and connecting mostly with alternative pop rock, rap, and rap-rock (nu-metal) music bands and artists like Michelle branch, JoJo, Eminem, Linkin Park, papa roach, Slipknot, and P.O.D.. Around My 12'th year of high school i got into bands like Me vs Hero, Four Year Strong, The Wonder Years, Red Summer Tape, Fight Fair, and A Day To Remember. These bands were mixing heavy guitar riffs with vary pop (punk) structured songs and i just thought, I wanna do that! but throw in a little bit of rapping with a bit more hip-hop influence in the songs. I wrote and released an EP last year titled "One In A Million". Most of the songs on the EP sound like a modern day take on Nu-Metal with plenty of rapping, but AHKL is not a nu-metal band. I put myself in the position of acting as a nu-metal band discovering these other heavier and poppier bands and mixing there styles with my own. There is one song in particular on that EP, which goes by the same same, that i think best captures AHKL's unique sound. The Best of both world's if you will. haha
 
ATP
What bands have influenced each of you?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I'm gonna name a band i didn't name in the last question...DIE TRYING. They were a nu-metal band that were regarded as Papa Roach's "little brother band". Sadly they dropped off the face of the earth, never to be heard of again.
 
ATP
How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I've played plenty of shows in the past with old bands or on my own. In other words, I'm a slut! haha
 
ATP
How would you describe your shows?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
Empty! haha well my wife is there and those lucky few early to watch the main band perform later on.
 
ATP
Tell us about your favorite show and why?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I was in a band called Happy Harbor. Played a pop punk cover show in Huntington Park, CA. For The first time i felt what it was like to have people sing along with you and connect with you on a level i can't even describe. it was a new experience that i hope to relive again someday.
 
ATP
Tell us about your worst show and why?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
Played a show with a band at a venue named The Cobalt. I was vary vary sick but i didn't want to disappoint my band mates so I did the show anyway. I felt like i was gonna pass out. I've also played shows where all the people in the room are talking over you while you play. Vary Disrespectful if you ask me.
 
ATP
Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I would like to play with Papa Roach one day. I don't care where but the day i meet Jacoby Shaddix, I'm gonna stand tall and proud, I'm gonna look into that dudes eyes, tell him how he's been my idol since i was a little kid and how papa roach has always been there for me...man up, and cry of happyness. Word.
 
ATP
Do you have a street team and how can you join?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
No street team. At least not yet.
 
ATP
Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
No Record Label. And no I'm not at the moment. I Guess I'm hoping for a label to look and find ME! haha
 
ATP
What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
I'm 25 years Old. I Have a wife and 2 girls. I've got really tired and worn out parents who pretty soon I Hope to retire. Can't do that until I'm successful. So, my plan is simple...succeed in making a living out of creating and selling music. And when i do, buy my vary own house for my family.
 
ATP
Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?
A HARD KNOCK LIFE
Shape your fingers into a "hand gun", put your left hand under your armpit and make fart noises! Reload, arm the pit, and resume fire! haha
 
 
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