Interview with Jackson of As Hell Retreats

Christian Rock Rocks got to talk with Jackson Greene of As Hell Retreats about music and touring.

Christian Rock Rocks (Matthew Alexander): What musicians, bands or albums influenced you to start playing?
Jackson Greene (As Hell Retreats): Back in the day when we did start, we had influences like Mortal Treason, Blindside, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean and The Chariot. But that is when we just wanted to start playing. Now that we have gotten older, things have completely changed.

CRR: How did you come up with your name?
Jackson: We came up with our name from a book named "Retreat, Hell." We've never read it, but we were skateboarding one day and it rained. So we went into a bookstore and saw the book and thought "As Hell Retreats." It's stuck ever since.

CRR: Why did you choose Facedown/Strike First to sign with?
Jackson: We knew they took great care of their bands all through the years. Plus, we've always looked up to that label for having great bands. When we were asked, we just couldn't pass it up. It was too good to be true.

CRR: What albums/artists are you listening to heavily at the moment?
Jackson: Well, it varies with each member. Personally for me, it's been a whole lot of Debtor and other hardcore bands. But I usually listen to any Thrice album almost every day.

CRR: Are there any big tours planned or finalized in the near future?
Jackson: Well, we are going out West, which is a huge deal to us. We go out August 20th-September 18th with Sovereign Strength and Gideon. So that should be a whole lot of fun for all of us.

CRR: What would be your dream tour to be on and to see?
Jackson: A dream tour to be on would definitely be Scream The Prayer or Thrash and Burn. Both those tours rule. Dream tour to see... well, since the band has different varieties of music, we all have different dreams. I would have to say mine would be Thrice, Brand New, Jimmy Eat World and Yellowcard. Just a sweet rock/indie/punk show.

CRR: Is there anything else in closing you would like to mention?
Jackson: I would like to mention that we are forever blessed to have the opportunity to be on Strike First Records, being on tour as much as we can and meeting sweet people on the road. It's been the greatest experience of our lives. And thank you for the interview! Take care, dude.