In today’s post we catch up with Luis, the lead singer of Bad Mouth. Since playing their first show in November of 2024 they have taken the local scene over including rowdy shows in Vegas, SFV and a fun day at Creator tattoo (@creatortattooparlor on IG) in Pomona, CA playing a set and shooting a video for the single “Me Against Me” feat. A.N.T.I.(@A.N.T.I.666 on IG) Luis opens up to us and we get to know Luis,the band and what is next for Bad Mouth!
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN CARRETO/@VBV.V.V
ECZ: What’s your name and what do you do in the band?
LUIS: My name is Luis Mata, and I’m the vocalist for Bad Mouth.
ECZ: How did your band form and what’s the meaning behind your band name?
LUIS: I’ve always been in bands with Josh (guitar) and Ryan (bass) growing up. But early 2024, we started throwing around the idea of starting another project since Josh slowed down on touring for a while. Then Nate and Brian joining just made sense, they’re both extremely talented and a great time to have around. Our band name came from us being between names at the time of demoing our first single “G.A.G.” I said the line “Can’t bad mouth with a broken fucking jaw.” And the guys all liked the name “Bad Mouth.”
ECZ: Any preshow rituals you and the band have?
LUIS: I wouldn’t say we have any pre show “rituals” but I guess you could say we all take the edge off a bit lol
ECZ: What was your gateway into the hardcore scene?
LUIS: I started going to death metal shows back in 2009, but I’d always have to take the bus all the way to Pomona. So, I started looking into booking local backyard shows myself and ended up discovering the IE’s local hardcore scene. I ended up hosting shows for about four years after that, until Josh actually convinced me to front a band for the first time.
ECZ: What’s in your heavy rotation playlist at the moment?
LUIS: I’ve been listening to Marked For Death, Load Tha Nine, A.N.T.I, and Regulate on the daily right now. Everyone also knows I always go back to listen to Bitter Thoughts out of Chicago.
ECZ: What are some guilty pleasure bands you listen to?
LUIS: I wouldn’t call it a guilty pleasure, but I really like Spanish music like Valentin Elizalde, Intocable, Vicente Fernández, Conjunto Primavera and all that.
ECZ: What inspires you?
LUIS: I think lately what’s been inspiring me and pushing me more is watching bands from where I’m from doing great things. I also really feel like us as a band are just excited for the future, so that definitely inspires me to stay on top of my game for myself and all of us as a whole.
ECZ: What’s your favorite spot to eat at in the IE?
LUIS: Cocina Sinaloense in Fontana on Sierra Ave, best small restaurant Mexican restaurant in the IE! I don’t want to argue with anyone about it!
ECZ: What’s your favorite alcoholic and non alcoholic drink of choice?
LUIS: Favorite alcoholic drink would have to be the Sal y limón Modelo, and non alcoholic would be a Brown Sugar and Oat latte from The Hood Grind Coffee in Rialto (@thehoodgringcoffee on IG)
ECZ: What does the IE scene mean to you?
LUIS: It means a lot honestly, the IE hardcore scene is strong, and it shows. There’s always going to be outsiders that have something to say. But if you’re not from here, you wouldn’t understand. The support within IEHC is insane. Every time a new band from the area releases anything, or gets on a really dope show that’s all you see shared on social media and most of us will drive out to wherever that show is also, It’s insane.
ECZ: What are some of your hobbies outside of HC?
LUIS: I enjoy gaming, running, and just spending time with family and friends overall.
ECZ: What’s your favorite show you’ve been to recently?
LUIS: I think the Twitchfits show this last year was my favorite so far, watching Upon Stone cover Metallica was probably the highlight of my year.
ECZ: What’s one song that you would suggest to first time listeners that best represents you?
LUIS: Oh definitely “Me Against Me,” it generally talks about my own struggles with self doubt, and instrumentally it shows the aggression we like to represent as a band.
ECZ: What’s your favorite mosh call out(s)?
LUIS: I love calling out the “side to side” to everyone and watching people kick it into high gear and jump straight into the crowd. I also love watching everyone two step at the same time, it gets me so hyped up.
ECZ: If you could create your own music festival, what would be your dream lineup?
LUIS: Dream festival huh? I’d love to see a festival of bands that are no longer active comeback for a night. Backtrack, Wrong Answer, Dead End Path. Bands like that in general.
ECZ: What new projects/future plans are upcoming for the band?
LUIS: We definitely want to release an EP this year, hopefully sooner than you all think. Touring is definitely in the plans, but with all of us working full time, it definitely needs to be planned right. I think throughout the year we’ll probably host a few free events for the IE as well.
Thank you again to Luis for chatting with us! Be sure to stay tuned for big news soon out of the Bad Mouth camp!
Support Bad Mouth on: IG: http://instagram.com/badmouthiehc
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN CARRETO/@VBV.V.V
A VERY special thank you to @VBV.V.V on Instagram for sharing their photos from the Bad Mouth show in Hesperia from February 1, 2025. PLEASE follow them for more fantastic content! http://instagram.com/VBV.V.V
*Disclaimer: All text copyright El Corazón Zine 2024. Do not duplicate without expressed permission and fair use*