GV:Gary HS:Heiko 1.GV: There have been many different stories on how you actually met up with and joined One Man Army. But how did it actually happen?>> HS:Yeah, the stories are pretty funny aren't they? Well most of it was true except the fact that I was on a oxygen machine when I hooked up with OMA. After leaving UNITED BLOOD,I needed to get something going...thats when I meet Brandon ( drummer ) and he thought it would be a good idea for me to try out! They thought I would be a good touch to the band. Met with Jack and Brandon at a deli and had sandwiches...had small talk...then off to practice. I had only learned 5 of the songs off of 'Dead End Stories' ...singing along and playing was what they were looking for.There was no way I could play like James K. ( Dead End Stories bassist) I did the best I could and added my own licks. Practice was great and a call from them soon followed...not knowing that I was in the hospital due to a collapsed lung from skateboarding...I never thought I would get the part...even Brandon visited me in the hospital...I though it would be over...one month later I get a call...."you got the part!" Two more practices followed and off on tour we went! The first full OMA tour. And thats how I got the part! Hope you get all of this!>> 2.GV:How did you feel about joining the band?>> HS: Never better. I learned alot about music...and learned how to play the bass! And as well as having the best of friends...true famliy!>> 3.GV:What should we look for on this new record? the new fast one sounded great even though I never got to actually see you guys, (you gotta come out here soon)>> HS:The new record should sound alot like Last Word Spoken...Except that we both put a lot of heart into it, new ideas, more rock-n-roll, and melodies...we are really happy with the new stuff...I think you will be too. I hope anyway.>> 4.GV:What advice do you give to new bands just starting out?>> HS:Play alot, keep it basic, be patient, play more, play alot more, be patient, write your own music ( its fun to do covers and all but really do you want to be a cover band? ), get friends who play as good as you or as bad as you...learn together and know each other's style..be creative, get good enough to play shows...make sure your ready to play a show...you don't want to make yourself look like an ass or suck so bad people puke when your band name comes about, also come up with a good name for the band...something that sticks in peoples head and that relates to your music...god knows there are plenty of shity names out there...just a name could actually get attention or nothing at all. Keep in mind that you're having fun, and who really cares who likes or doesn't like you! Its all about having fun. So what are you waiting for...start a band!>> 5.GV:What do you think about the scene today? Good? Bad? HS:The scene is what you make of it. I think some people have the wrong idea of what punk rock is all about...i.e. getting drunk, doing as much drugs as one could possibly consume, cool hair color, hating what you don't know about, not knowing about it, ( Its okay to educate yourself, be smart and sharp makes you more dangerous!) Buying expensive clothes to make you more punk...this always kills me...go cheap and make your own clothes, i.e. pants, jackets, belts, and so on. Sure its alright to buy new things at stores but it doesn't make you more punk. Sure this culture of this kind of life style was intended to shock the world with our clothes and hair-do, but also it was about being sharp, smart, educated, musical, and most of all attitude! So yeah I think its a little soft these days. Maybe its just me?>> 6. When did you first start getting into punk rock? I know I did at a very young age, but not as young as that little boy at that one show. I saw the picture of you guys with him. His bigger brother told me it was his first show and that OMA is his fav. band and you guys really made his day. Is this the kinda thing you love about being in a band?>> HS:I guess I always loved rock music...skateboarding at a young age music helped me get out the anger. Plus my older brother was in a rock band and he, I must say, got me started. I also loved hip-hop as well. To answer the other question...The feeling of playing with your friends is unexplainable...playing live is a real high...and yeah to watch kids as young as 7 years old happy makes it more worthwhile! Get a band together and you'll know what i'm talking about.>> 7.GV:What sparked the name heiko? Ask my MOM. It's a German name...I was raised in Germany.>> 8.GV:Any funny tour stories? HS:Yeah me actually doing this long ass interview..just kidding. No I'll have to think about that one...some might not be that funny.>> 9.GV:Was picking a drummer hard? Chip is a very very nice guy, he seems to fit right in.>> HS:It worried us thats for sure. But no. Chip had mention to us that he was into it...made us feel at ease but had to wait it out for a while...Greg M. filled in ( SWINGIN UTTERS ) for some tours...THANKS TO GREG! And he kept our spirts alive! We are lucky to have friends like that!>> 10.GV:What do you do in the time you have off?>> HS:Work a whole lot..Telemarketing job! And hanging out with my lady and write music with jack. And its nice being home with friends.>> 11.GV:What do you think of the site? I heard you guys put it on flyers and I wanna thank you for it. But you can come to it through a new address now, beam.to/onemanarmy it's easier to remember, if not, you can use the old one.>> HS: I think it is great what all of you have been doing...keeping people informed on what is going on with us...Thanks! 12.GV:How was warped tour? Do you feel it increased your fan base and gave you more exposure? Or is that not why you guys did the tour?>> HS: Well, sure it helped us out..but we tour no matter what...that is what we do! Warped tour was hard work, hot as hell, but fun also.>> 13.GV:Who is your favorite newer band?>> HS:The Pattern from Oakland...check it out!>> 14.GV: United Blood was a great band, what happened? Break up?>> HS:Long story short..had to move on.>> 15.GV:Do you guys plan to produce the new record or who do you have in mind?>> HS:Don't know yet.>> 16.GV:Any label ideas? Or is that not on your guys' mind?>> HS: Some ideas but not ready to say.>> 17.GV:Anything you wanna say before this interview is over?>> HS:Thanks to all of the punks who help us pull through all of the madness...we love all of you...we'll see you at the SHOW!>>